Fireplace Fitter Axminster Devon (EX13): Fitting a brand new fireplace or opening up an old disused fireplace in your Axminster property is an excellent way to add charm and a homely feel to any room. If you decide to combine your fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the ambience and warmth of an open fire or stove on those nippy winter evenings, you'll also be provided with lots of hot water.
There are some crucial things to consider before you begin any work, if you are to create an efficient, safe and attractive fireplace in your house. Any combustible appliance installed in residential homes in Axminster must comply with Part J of the UK's buildings regs, and this covers hearths, fireplaces, flue linings and chimney breasts. If your property is a listed building you will also need to ascertain if planning permission is required from the local authorities before any work can begin.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A basic restoration of a current fireplace can be accomplished by a competent DIYer, however if any building work is required there's a chance of encountering structural issues which need to be resolved professionally. It might be the case that when you pull back the covering from a disused fireplace to uncover a hidden treasure that needs little more than a good clean up and a check from a chimney sweep to get a fire roaring once again. What's more typical however is a jumble of crumbling, old brickwork covering a stopped up flue, and needs some degree of structural modification before it can be safely used.
If a fireplace is installed in your house in Axminster and it is not correctly put in, there is not just a risk or fire, but also of respiratory problems. Therefore, using a professional fireplace fitter is generally recommended. As stated in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where there is a fireplace, because in order to burn efficiently, a sufficient quantity of oxygen is needed. If there's not enough airflow then it's quite possible that a fire will not burn efficiently and cause a build-up of carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
To effectively get around any airflow problems, vents may be installed in the room as part of a fireplace installation, to guarantee suitable oxygen levels are able to reach the fire. They may have to fit vents into unused chimney flues which sometimes trap condensing air and result in staining and damp spots on your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
An enormous amount of soot and muck can be discharged from an old chimney when reopening it for restoration. Even with covers and other dust protection for your home furnishings, the chance of damage from soot and dust is still likely and it's advisable to remove your belongings and any woven materials before any fireplace renovation work starts. If your fireplace is being installed as part of an overall renovation then it should be one of the initial things to be done once you've brought the room back to bare floors and walls. This prevents any staining damage to any restored work you've already finished.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you have opened up your old fireplace you'll have a better idea of what work needs to be done, and also be able to sweep the chimney and clean up any hearth that can be re-used. Contacting a chimney sweep to clean your chimney is one of the first items on the agenda. They'll not only ensure that your flue and chimney are clean, but they can additionally assess the state of the flue liner and existing chimney and offer guidance about whether you need to upgrade any area of the chimney and flue.
If you need to strengthen the chimney or install a flue lining all relevant UK Building Regulations must be adhered to. A competent fireplace installer in Axminster will be required to carry out this work, and should have the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all regulations.
If it is necessary to change the size of opening of your exposed fireplace to something smaller and more suitable for your new design, a supporting lintel will have to be installed. Once this has been completed the next step of your Axminster fireplace installation will be to update the hearth. In past times the hearth was sunken into a void in the floor, however current building regs require it to be raised above floor level. If your fireplace is of non-standard size you may have to purchase a tailor-made hearth, however there are also a whole host of ready-made hearths in concrete, slate or marble.
STYLE OF FIREPLACE
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will reveal the alternatives available for the different designs and styles of fireplaces. It's entirely possible that owing to your current flue and chimney, that some fireplace designs may not be appropriate, therefore it pays to follow the the recommendations and advice of the fireplace installer with respect to this.
The age of your house, and the theme that you're trying to develop for your room, will all help you to determine the type and design of fireplace that is most suitable. By way of example, a cast iron wood burner looks amazing set back in an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, highlighting the character and charm of the stove and reflecting the heat back into the room effectively.
If your Axminster home hasn't got a chimney you still have options for a feature fireplace through the installation of a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner. This type of fireplace can be installed with its own flue that is channeled through an outside wall and does not require a chimney, to be installed and work safely.
WOOD, ELECTRIC, GAS, OPEN OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
The charm and ambience of a "real" fire can't be beaten, however what options are available if this type of fireplace isn't possible in your Axminster home?
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Axminster can be improved by the installation of a wood burning stove, which are available in a variety of designs, and can even be fitted as a free standing feature. An integrated back boiler is an added benefit and can provide piping hot water for personal use, or for heating in another area via a radiator.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Multi-fuel stoves can be fired up with with various different fuels, (coal, wood, gas, oil) to generate an attractive focal point in your property in Axminster. They can be utilised not merely for heating a single room, but some types like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used to heat the whole property when plumbed into an existing radiator system.
Electric Fireplaces - A wide selection of electric fireplaces to complement any property in Axminster, can be easily fitted by anyone who is reasonable competent. Even if your home has a traditional fireplace, an electric fire can be fitted that looks almost like a genuine fire with multi-coloured flames.
Open Fireplaces - The traditional fireplace which can use different fuels such as wood, briquettes, coal and other combustible materials. An expertly installed modern open fire is a far cry from the smoky old fireplace that was blocked up by previous owners, and its glowing elegance is a delightful addition to any room in Axminster.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a range of different styles to suit all types of home and their efficiency to warm a room is better than open fireplaces. A Gas Safe registered engineer must fit and maintain any gas fireplace in your property.
Fireplace installation services can be found in the Axminster area, together with: Millbrook, Abbey Gate, Thorncombe, Smallridge, Dalwood, Alston, Shute, Musbury, Sector, Membury, Kilmington, Marshwood, Churchill, Weycroft, Uplyme, plus places with postcodes like: EX13 5FA, EX13 5PD, EX13 5GX, EX13 5EA, EX13 5AQ, EX13 5HP, EX13 5LX, EX13 5PJ, EX13 5DF, and EX13 5NR. Axminster fireplace services should have the postcode EX13 and the telephone code 01297.
Flue Linings
Allowing your chimney to perform far more efficiently, a flue or chimney liner is a crucial element of your chimney structure. With the objective of carrying smoke and fumes to the outside of a building, flue liners are conduits manufactured from ceramic material, metal or clay which are fitted to the inside of chimneys. Based on their age and condition, older chimneys in Axminster may need to be re-lined, or may not be fitted with a lining at all.
The hazardous gases and fumes which are created when you burn a fire can harm your fireplace's flue. While it is being cleaned, get the chimney sweep or fireplace specialist to inspect your flue lining for any damage or prospects of it failing in the near future. Instead of venting those harmful gases outdoors, an impaired flue can allow them to seep into your home. There's an added risk with busted flue linings, in that they can permit extreme heat to penetrate the structure of the chimney, which might cause fires.
Chimney Sweeping Axminster
If you have an open fire or a wood burner in your property in Axminster, the routine sweeping of your chimney is essential. Chimney sweeping should generally be done at least once yearly.
It is always better to bring in a specialist Axminster chimney sweep if you want to get this work done correctly. Using the services of a chimney sweep not only keeps your chimney clean but also highlights any issues that there may be with your chimney.
You could be running the risk of a chimney fire if you don't remove the build-up of ash, soot and creosote by sweeping it. Apart from the risk of fires there are other dangerous situations that can be caused by a poorly maintained chimney, one example is that of deadly carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your home.
Make certain your chosen Axminster chimney sweep is experienced and is also covered by ample public liability insurance. You can CLICK HERE for chimney sweep prices in Axminster. chimney sweeps are also available in nearby villages and towns.
Hints To Maintain Your Open Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Costs
With all of the current fears about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost a little of its charm, but it still is a favourite feature for many in Axminster. Sitting in front of the comfort of a fireplace, revives many precious memories for lots of folks. There are lots of benefits to having a fireplace but there are some negative aspects that might need to be taken care of. As energy costs climb, you need to make sure that your fireplace is giving off heat efficiently. When you've got a fire roaring in the fireplace, it can in fact extract warm air out of the room, making your heater work harder. If there's no fire, a damper ought to control the airflow. Regrettably, dampers often have an ineffective seal, so cool air gets in, and warm air passes out.
Many homeowners that have fireplaces in their home in Axminster don't realise how the fireplace can have an effect on their utility bill. Rather than keeping heating charges down, it may actually do the precise opposite if one is not careful. There's a simple way to take your less than efficient fireplace, and remake it into a heat generating system that your budget will love. There are at least 4 simple points that you could certainly do to improve your fireplace. You will recognize that these hints will help make your fireplace generate quality heat and your current energy bill smaller.
Step one is to remove your existing damper and swap it for a top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is installed right at the top end of your chimney that also acts like a storm door. It does an excellent job of keeping warm air in the property during winter and cool air from escaping in the warmer months. This won't take much time to fit and you can acquire one online. Next, you should have a fire-back in the rear part of your open fireplace. A fire-back consists of cast iron and it is meant to shield the wall behind from fire damage, whilst making your fireplace look more stylish. The fire-back absorbs the heat from a fire, and radiates it back into the room, increasing the efficiency of the fireplace.
Another means to cut down on fuel bills is to use a fireplace heater, which heats the area by pulling the air into a chamber and recycling the air back into the room. These heaters are enclosed systems, so no smoke is discharged, and they can really make a difference in the temperature of your house. Lastly, you may put in glass doors which will likely be the most costly option. If you do your homework, you can get a good price on glass doors and install them on your own. Glass fireplace doors will keep the air in your property from escaping and it also helps to save your pets and children from falling into the fire.
The information presented here isn't difficult to implement, and most of the required products can be readily purchased online. Look after your fireplace and watch your energy costs fall.
Axminster Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a whole host of tasks that can be undertaken by your local Axminster fireplace installer including inset stove installation, fireplaceestimates Axminster, fireplace services in Axminster, double-sided stoves, fireplace hearths, two-sided fireplaces, classic fireplaces Axminster, fake fireplace installation, stone fireplaces in Axminster, fireplace inserts, Victorian fireplaces Axminster, fireplace replacement Axminster, wood burning stove installations, gas fireplace installations, contemporary fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces in Axminster, period fireplaces Axminster, fireplace fitting Axminster, electric fireplace installation, cast iron fireplace installation, gas fireplaces, hearth fireplaces, multifuel stove installation in Axminster, brick fireplaces, fireplace suites, fire grate conversions, marble fireplaces Axminster, modern fireplace installation, marble fireplace installation, flue lining, fireplace cleaning in Axminster, fireplace design, stone fireplace installations, chimney cowl installation Axminster, fireplace surrounds, and more. These are just a handful of the duties that are undertaken by people fitting fireplaces. Axminster specialists will let you know their full range of services.
Browsing on the Internet
It's considerably easier to track down services these days than it used to be, seeing that we now have the advantage of modern technology and can simply do a search on the internet. It's pretty certain that you're looking at this webpage at this point after you pinpointed it by using Bing, Ask, Yahoo or Google and it showed up on the first page. At times the 1st page listings provided are not actually what you'd anticipated when using these types of search engines. When looking to find fireplace installers in Axminster most property owners will key in "fireplace installation Axminster", "fireplace installation in Axminster", "Axminster fireplace installation" or "fireplace installation near me", and read through the resulting listings.
However, you'll shortly discover that the majority of the page one listings on the various search engines will likely be either "paid for" adverts or entries for major lead creation websites such as Quotatis, Checkatrade, My Hammer, Bidvine, TrustaTrader or Rated People or business directories like Foursquare, Yelp, Yell or ThreeBestRated. If you would rather get in touch with fireplace installers in Axminster direct, you will need to look farther down the search engine pages, maybe page 2 or 3.
Fireplace Installers Near Axminster
Also find: Dalwood fireplace installers, Kilmington fireplace installers, Uplyme fireplace installers, Shute fireplace installers, Marshwood fireplace installers, Alston fireplace installers, Thorncombe fireplace installers, Abbey Gate fireplace installers, Smallridge fireplace installers, Millbrook fireplace installers, Weycroft fireplace installers, Churchill fireplace installers, Musbury fireplace installers, Sector fireplace installers, Membury fireplace installers and more. Companies who install fireplaces can be found in all these locations. To successfully install fireplaces in your property, these versatile tradesmen possess the necessary know-how and experience. These dedicated professionals can help residents experience the ambiance, comfort and warmth that a fireplace brings to their living areas. If you're a local home or property owner looking to obtain accurate and competitive fireplace installation quotes tailored to your particular needs, just click here.
To find local information about Axminster, Devon click here
Fireplace installation in EX13 area, telephone code 01297.