Fireplace Fitter Ashtead Surrey (KT21): If you are fed up with high energy costs and wish to find an alternative method for heating your home in Ashtead, why don't you open up an unused fireplace and put in a budget friendly multi-fuel, open or wood burner fire? The addition of a wood burning stove or open fire for those frosty winters' days can even prove cheaper than some central heating systems, as long as you've got a good source of fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can provide you with plenty of piping hot water in the process.
If you're going to to wind up with a safe and efficient fireplace, there are some important considerations you must keep in mind, before you start bashing down the walls of a boarded over fireplace. Work that is carried out on the fireplaces, chimney breasts, flue linings and hearths of any heat producing appliances, must adhere to Part J of the UK Building Regulations.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you've got the ability that are necessary, and are decent at do-it-yourself you may be capable of doing some of the renovation work on an existing fireplace, but the help of a tradesman might be needed if safety or structural problems arise during the process. You could be fortunate when you uncover the old fireplace and find out you need nothing more than a thorough clean up of the hearth and a sweep of the chimney to get a roaring fire once more. If you aren't so lucky, you will discover a wall of old bricks that's covering a litany of issues, like a blocked chimney or a broken old lintel.
If fireplaces are installed incorrectly there is not only a fire risk to your home, but there can be health hazards, which is why it is better to employ an experienced Ashtead installation company for a fireplace. For a fire to burn properly and efficiently in a space with a fireplace, there must be ample airflow to create sufficient amounts of oxygen. Deadly carbon monoxide can accumulate from a fire burning inefficiently in an inadequately ventilated space.
To guarantee suitable levels of oxygen are able to reach the fire, and to safely get around any airflow problems, vents could be fitted in the room during a fireplace installation. They may have to install air vents in unused chimney flues which can sometimes trap moist air and result in damp spots and staining to your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Huge quantities of grime and soot will enter your home when you are re-opening an unused fireplace for renovation. Basically, this is a particularly messy job. It's a good idea when feasible to remove carpets and furniture from the room before any work commences, although a thoughtful Ashtead fireplace installer will bring dust sheets to cover up for your furniture. If you are installing a fireplace as part of an overall home restoration project then it ought to be one of the initial things to be worked on after you have brought the room back to bare floors and walls. By opening a fireplace first you will prevent any chimney soot causing discolouration damage to other phases of your restoration project, such as wallpapered walls or fresh plasterwork.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
With your fireplace now open, it's time to determine what needs to be restored and give the hearth and chimney a good clean. You should now speak to your chimney sweep, if you've not already done so, to come and clean the old fireplace and chimney. They will be able to offer expert advice on the flue and chimney after sweeping, as to the state of the structure of the chimney and whether you need to replace the existing flue liner.
All the current UK Building Regulations should be complied with, if it is necessary to install a new flue liner or reinforce the chimney. A skilled craftsman with experience of the Building Regs and good construction practices will need to carry out this type of work.
If your building is quite old a steel or concrete lintel may be necessary to modify the size of the opening, if you discover that the revealed fireplace is too wide for your planned design. When you have supported the fireplace with your lintel it will then be possible to update or repair the hearth. In earlier times the hearth was generally sunken into a hole in the floor, however the latest regulations demand that it is raised slightly above the normal level of the floor. Ready-made solutions from concrete, marble or stone are available to achieve this, or your fireplace builder in Ashtead might be able to offer you a bespoke, custom-made hearth to match the style of your room.
FIREPLACE STYLE
If you go to a fireplace outlet you will find that you have plenty of choice with the wide range of different choices open to you. The recommendations and advice from your sales and installation team, which will be based on your specific requirements, will help you to pick a fireplace which is both suitable for your chimney and flue, as well as for your decor.
Your current decor, the overall style you are aiming to create and in some situations, the age of your house in Ashtead, will affect whether you opt for a wood burner, an open fireplace or a multi-fuel stove. An old-fashioned iron wood-burner stove for instance, will look magnificent when placed in an inglenook fireplace, which deflects any heat that is generated back into the room and emphasises its charm and elegance.
For dwellings in Ashtead that do not have a chimney, a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner is a good solution. A pre-existing chimney is not required because a stainless steel flue is fitted to the rear or top of the wood burner and channeled through an external wall.
OPEN, GAS, WOOD, MULTI-FUEL OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
The feel and ambience of a log fire cannot be surpassed, but what options are available if this style of fireplace is not possible within your Ashtead property?
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with many different solid fuels (wood, briquettes, coal), and provides an interesting focal point for your living space. In the bad old days an open fire may have had the associations with being smoky, inefficient and draughty, but a professionally fitted fireplace is a delight to the eye whilst basking in the warmth it provides.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of different designs to suit all types of home and their effectiveness in warming a room is superior to wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. Only authorised Gas Safe heating engineers are qualified to install one of these fires.
Electric Fireplaces - Simple installation and a diverse choice of styles make electric fireplaces a popular choice for Ashtead houses that don't have a chimney. It can often be difficult to distinguish them from the genuine thing with with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires, and they can readily be set into traditional fireplaces when needed.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Can be used with various different fuels, including oil, wood, gas or coal, to create an attractive focal point in your home in Ashtead. The AGA range for example is renowned as being capable of providing heating for the whole home, a supply of hot water and a cooker all in one single appliance.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can have modern or traditional styling to complement your home's decor, and they've become "the in thing" in many households in Ashtead. These are able to provide piping hot water to heat radiators or for use in your home, if fitted with a back boiler.
Fireplace Inserts
Upgrading conventional fireplaces with fireplace inserts is a sought-after option among property owners in Ashtead. These inserts are designed to improve the efficiency of a fireplace by directing more heat into the room and reducing heat loss. Alongside a safer and more secure experience, these inserts offer a simpler and more convenient way to enjoy the atmosphere of a fire, without the mess and hassle of old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces.
Fireplace inserts are offered in an array of sizes and designs, including gas, electric and wood-burning models. Gas fireplace inserts provide an effortless and low-maintenance solution, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their adjustable settings and remote control. For those who prefer the authentic experience of a crackling fire and the aroma of burning wood, wood-burning inserts are the ideal choice for property owners.
Besides their efficiency and convenience, fireplace inserts are also considerate of the environment. Traditional fireplace pollution is reduced through the efficient burning of fuel and the production of fewer emissions.
A professional installation is essential for a safe and correct installation of a fireplace insert. Householders seeking to enhance the comfort, convenience, and value of their home will find fireplace inserts to be an excellent investment due to their numerous benefits. When considering different kinds of fireplace inserts, it is essential to remember that they may require different methods of venting.
Hints To Maintain Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Bill
With all the current green issues, the traditional fireplace has lost a little of its glamour, however it still is a favourite feature for many property owners in Ashtead. Sitting facing the heat of an open fireplace, brings back many special memories for lots of people. Having a fireplace has its perks but there are also a couple of downsides that could have an impact on its performance. With energy costs rising annually, your fireplace needs to emit heat in a cost-effective way. When you've got a fire going in the fireplace, it can in fact extract warm air out from the room, making your heat source work harder. If there is no fire, a damper ought to control the airflow. Regrettably, dampers often have an ineffective seal, so chilly air can get in, and warm air will go out.
Many householders in Ashtead with fireplaces do not realise how it can affect the cost of heating their home. Instead of keeping the cost of heating down, it may actually do the complete opposite if one isn't careful. But it is not all hopeless seeing that there are ways to make your fireplace far more cost-effective. There are at least four simple things that you can do to improve your fireplace. You will recognize that these guidelines will help make your fireplace produce quality heat and your current heating bill lower.
The initial step is to take out your existing damper and swap it for a top sealing damper. This type of damper is installed at the top of the chimney, and operates like a storm door. It stops the internal air from coming out, and the outside air from going in, and works in hot weather or cold. The damper is straightforward to install, and can be obtained online. One more thing you can do is install a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate that's intended to add to the room interior decoration, while protecting the back wall from damage by the heat. The fire-back also soaks up heat from the fire and radiates it back into the room, making the fireplace more effective.
Another way to save money is by using a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the space by pulling the air into a heat chamber and recycling the air back into the room. These heaters are enclosed systems, therefore no smoke is released, and they really can make a difference in the temperature of your home. Last but not least, it is possible to put in glass doors which could be the most costly option. If you do your homework, you should be able to get an excellent deal on glass doors and they're not too hard to fit yourself. These doors help to stop the heat from leaking out plus it keeps pets and children from getting burnt.
These suggestions aren't terribly tough to accomplish and you can order everything you need online. Try your utmost to make sure your fireplace is efficient and watch your heating bills plummet.
Natural Stone Fireplaces
For that really spectacular look why not think about bringing the outside in with a stone fireplace? It's possible that your building already has some natural stone exterior features, a stone facade or a boundary wall for instance. Why not complement those features indoors?
Either full-depth stone or stone cladding can be used to create a stone fireplace. Your budget and taste may influence your decision. There is also a large selection of stone that you can choose from, including: marble, slate, quartz, sandstone, granite or limestone.
The look of your finished fireplace will be affected by the kind of stone used, the building method (mortar jointed or dry stone) and the individuality of the craftsman or stonemason who builds it. Pick a design and style that you would like to end up with, and show the fireplace builder some images before they start the project.
As it's got such a striking appearance and can dominate the look of a room, stone isn't always a suitable material for a modern day home. But, spectacular could be exactly what you have in mind - and when push comes to shove, the choice is down to you!
Brick Fireplaces Ashtead
Brick fireplaces have been a favourite in dwellings for centuries, and with good reason. They not only provide comfort and warmth during chilly weather but also add a classic touch to any space they're in. There are some things that you will need to consider, if you are thinking about installing a brick fireplace in your house in Ashtead
First, you'll need to think about the design of fireplace you want. Traditional brick fireplaces usually feature a hearth and mantel, while modern fireplaces frequently have a sleeker design with clean, neat lines. You will also need to consider what size of fireplace you want. A larger fireplace can make a spectacular statement in a room, whilst a smaller version can provide a comfy nook.
Brick fireplaces can be constructed using different kinds of bricks. You can choose from a range of brick colours and textures to match your property's design. It is also possible to add extra elements such as stone, tile or wood to accentuate the brickwork.
Lastly, consider the practical side of a brick fireplace. Make certain that your fireplace is adequately vented and that you've got a fully functioning chimney. If you want to use the fireplace for heating, consider installing a fireplace insert or glass doors to increase its efficiency and safety.
All in all, a brick fireplace can be a beautiful addition to your property in Ashtead, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional warmth. With a little planning and consideration, you can create a beautiful and functional brick fireplace that will be a focal point in your home for years to come.
Fireplace Installers Near Ashtead
Also find: Pebble Coombe fireplace installers, Burgh Heath fireplace installers, Lower Ashtead fireplace installers, Mugswell fireplace installers, Mickleham fireplace installers, Headley fireplace installers, Westhumble fireplace installers, The Hermitage fireplace installers, Fetcham fireplace installers, Walton on the Hill fireplace installers, Givons Grove fireplace installers and more.
Ashtead Fireplace Related Tasks
The range of tasks that can be carried out by your local fireplace installer are varied and wide, and should include things like chimney lining, fireplace inserts, outdoor fireplaces Ashtead, wood mantels, cast iron fireplaces in Ashtead, fireplace restoration, brick fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Ashtead, chimney sweeping, carbon monoxide detector installation, the installation of modern fireplaces, fireplace installation, fire grate conversions Ashtead, fireplace fitting Ashtead, fireplace design, Victorian fireplace installations, stone fireplaces, three-sided fireplaces Ashtead, modern gas fires, brick fireplace installation, fireplace replacement Ashtead, Victorian fireplaces Ashtead, corner fireplaces, wood burning fireplaces Ashtead, bespoke fireplaces, cast fireplace installations in Ashtead, limestone fireplaces, modern fireplace in Ashtead, fireplace repairs, marble fireplace installation, the installation of Regency fireplaces, reclaimed fireplace installations, elm fireplaces Ashtead, wood burning fireplace installation, classic fireplaces, and others not mentioned. This is merely an example of what can be expected from the local fireplace fitter. You can CLICK HERE and fill out our simple quote form, if there are additional Ashtead fireplace requirements that you require but cannot see here.
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