Fireplace Fitter Ballyclare Northern Ireland (BT39): Opening up an unused fireplace or having a new one installed is a great way to add a touch of charm to any room of your dwelling in Ballyclare. Nippy evenings in winter can become enjoyable as you sit back in front of your new fireplace listening to the crackle of a burning fire, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can also enjoy piping hot water as well.
Before you begin chipping away at a bricked-up chimney there are a few things you'll need to think about to make sure you can safely install your new fireplace. The United Kingdom's Building Regs, Part J for combustible appliances for starters, which deals with any work which is conducted on chimney breasts, fireplaces, hearths and flue linings. If you are living in a designated conservation area or a listed building you must check with the local council to find out if planning permission is required for installing a fireplace in your house.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When renovating an old bricked-up or blocked fireplace, there is a fair probability of running into structural problems, so even if you are pretty good at do-it-yourself you could struggle to complete this sort of work. It may be your good fortune when you remove the covering from a disused fireplace to discover a hidden gem that needs nothing more than a good clean up and a call to a chimney sweep to get a fire roaring once again. However, a stopped up flue and crumbling, old brickwork that needs to be reinforced structurally is what you are most likely to discover.
A wrongly installed fireplace can cause severe respiratory health problems and fire risk and, as such, should only be put in by a professional fireplace specialist in Ballyclare with the experience and knowledge to install it effectively. Airflow has to be satisfactory in any room that a fireplace is to be installed; in fact it is a key requirement of the Building Regulations (Part J) that this is so. Carbon monoxide fumes (which are toxic can build-up in an inadequately ventilated area where a fire that is burning inefficiently is installed.
To enable the fire to get sufficient oxygen to combust efficiently and safely all the time, it might be necessary for a specialist fireplace installation team to fit floors and walls with airflow vents. They might have to fit vents into unused chimney flues which can trap condensing air and result in staining and damp spots on your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Having a fireplace opened up can cause huge amounts of soot and muck to enter your house. So that the carpets, furniture and rugs in a room do not get affected by the grime and soot that is expelled during the fireplace installation work, it's always a good idea to remove them in advance. The opening up of an old fireplace should be one of the initial tasks that you do, when it is a part of a larger home renovation project. If other renovation work has recently been accomplished, this might get ruined by soot and dirt.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
You'll get a much better understanding of the renovation work that is needed, once the opening up of the old fireplace is completed. You will also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean any of the hearth that has survived. You now ought to get in touch with your chimney sweep, if you've not already done so, to come and look at the old fireplace and chimney. While doing cleaning and sweeping, they'll be able to determine the structural stability of your flue liner and chimney, and propose what is required to get everything working safely.
It could be necessary to fit a new flue lining to observe the all important Building Regulations, and construction work may also be needed to strengthen the original chimney and breast. This is not likely to be the type of work that can be accomplished by a DIYer, therefore you'll want to employ an experienced builder who has experience in good working practices and an extensive knowledge of the appropriate Building Regs.
It's entirely possible that a concrete supporting lintel will need to be installed, if the original fireplace is of a size which is larger than your needs. Once this has been done the next phase for your Ballyclare fireplace installation will be to upgrade the existing hearth. Most hearths were set into voids in the floor in past times. If that's the scenario with yours it will need to be raised above the level of the floor if it is going to to conform to the Building Regulations as they stand. Pre-made options from stone, marble or concrete are available on the market to accomplish this, or your fireplace fitter in Ballyclare might be able to provide you with a bespoke, custom-made hearth to complement your room style.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
You will soon realise that you are spoiled for choice in regards to fireplaces, with the wonderful selection of choices that are available to you, as soon as you set foot inside a high quality fireplace store. It is a good idea to listen to the specialist advice of the fireplace installation team, as all of the available fireplaces will not be suited to your specific flue, chimney and airflow.
In choosing the fireplace style and design that's most appropriate for your situation, you'll want to consider the age of your house in Ballyclare, and the style you are attempting to achieve for your room or space. As an example, an attractive inglenook fireplace can be an eye-catching backdrop to a classic cast iron wood burning stove, which highlights its character and deflects the heat into the room.
It's still viable to put in a wood burning or multi fuel stove, even if you don't have a chimney in your Ballyclare home. A chimney is not required since the flue is taken directly from the top or rear of the stove and passed through an outside wall.
WOOD, GAS, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
The charm and look of an open fire can't be matched, but what options are out there if this style of fireplace isn't possible within your Ballyclare home?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you will probably deduce from the name, these useful stoves can run on a number of different fuels, including gas, smokeless coal, oil or wood, and furthermore, they can also create a unique focal point for your living space. If you go with a multi-fuel stove from the AGA range for instance, you can do cooking, get hot water, and when connected to your radiator system, provide heat for your entire property.
Gas Fireplaces - Supplying instant heat and being more efficient than wood burning stoves or open fireplaces, there are a wide range of styles and designs to suit any Ballyclare property. The maintenance and installation of gas fireplaces should only be carried out by a Gas Safe approved tradesperson in Ballyclare.
Open Fireplaces - Provides an eye-catching focal point for your room and can utilise a range of solid fuels. In the past thought of as being smoky, inefficient and draughty, a well-installed modern open fireplace can be a joy to behold.
Electric Fireplaces - These are suitable for any room and home in Ballyclare, and can be quickly and safely fitted by anyone who is reasonably competent. An electric fire can be installed in your dwelling, even if you've got a regular fireplace, and many of them look almost like a "real" fire with dancing flames and even crackling sound effects.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in contemporary or classic designs to match your decor, and they've recently become extremely popular in many properties in Ballyclare. A version with a back boiler can provide extra heating capabilities by transferring the piping hot water to radiators in cold spots in your house.
Chimney Cowl Installation Ballyclare
The hood-shaped cover that can be installed over your chimney to improve the draft and prevent smoke from backing up is known as a chimney cowl. It's normally manufactured from galvanized iron and designed to stop the wind blowing smoke down the chimney. It is an integral part of any fireplace. If you want to fully enjoy the key benefits of a fireplace, you should install a cowl on your chimney in Ballyclare.
There are several kinds of chimney cowls available. There are pot hanging cowls which can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They hook up to the flue liner via 3 straps, which secure the cowl in place. Another type of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. It is bigger than the chimney pot, which ensures that it remains in position.
Chimney cowls are also available that are made from commonplace products, such as a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Chicken mesh can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make great chimney cowls. These products can easily be purchased online or at a local hardware store.
Chimney cowls are an effective way to stop birds from building nests in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They're inexpensive and simple to put in. You should make sure that you have easy access to the area above the chimney to fit one. It can also prevent debris from building up inside your chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Ballyclare if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Flue Linings
Enabling your chimney to perform far more effectively, a flue liner is a vital element of the chimney set-up on your property. Flue liners are conduits fabricated from clay, metal or ceramic material that are fitted to the inside of chimneys to carry smoke and fumes outside. Subject to their condition and age, older chimneys in Ballyclare might have to be re-lined, or might not be fitted with a flue lining at all.
As a fire is burning in your grate, some dangerous gases are created, and the flue within your chimney can be damaged and worn away by these fumes. You can either ask the chimney sweep to assess it for damage and potential problems whilst your chimney is being swept, or alternatively ask the fireplace builder to look it over. If it is compromised, those harmful gases could seep into your living area instead of being safely vented outside. There's an added hazard with busted flues, in that they might allow extreme heat to pass into the structure of the chimney, which could cause fires.
Natural Stone Fireplaces
Why not go some way to bringing the outside in and build a spectacular looking natural stone fireplace? The exterior areas of your property might already have a stone facade, a stone boundary wall, or some similar natural features. This might be a lovely way to complement those outside features inside your home.
Either stone cladding or full depth stone can be used to build a stone fireplace. Your taste and price range might influence your decision. You will also need to decide what type of stone you prefer to use for your fireplace, pick from: granite, marble, sandstone, slate, quartz or limestone.
Your finished stone fireplace's appearance will be affected by the type of stone used, the style of building (mortar built or dry stone) and the individuality of the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it. Have a browse around the internet and pick out some designs that you like, and show these to your fireplace installer before they make a start.
There's no doubt that stone fireplaces are usually more suitable for older properties, and could be somewhat too striking and dominant for a modern dwelling. But the choice, as they say, is yours.
Fireplace Inserts Ballyclare
The installation of fireplace inserts is a popular option for property owners in Ballyclare looking to upgrade their conventional fireplaces. To enhance the efficiency of a fireplace, these inserts have been devised to direct more heat into the room and reduce heat loss. These inserts offer a more practical and safe way to experience the allure of a fire, without the fuss and untidiness associated with traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
Fireplace inserts are offered in an array of designs and sizes, including electric, gas and wood-burning models. Gas fireplace inserts are a low-maintenance and user-friendly option, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their variable settings and remote control. Opting for wood-burning inserts is a perfect choice for property owners who desire an authentic experience of a crackling fire and the scent of burning wood.
Their efficiency and convenience aside, fireplace inserts are also eco-friendly. By producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently, they mitigate the air pollution caused by conventional fireplaces.
Having a professional installation is crucial to guarantee the safe and correct installation of a fireplace insert. The benefits offered by fireplace inserts make them an excellent investment for householders looking to enhance the convenience, comfort, and value of their home. When considering different kinds of fireplace inserts, it is essential to remember that they may require different methods of venting.
Brick Fireplaces Ballyclare
Fireplaces that are made out of brick have been a preferred feature in buildings for centuries, and they continue to be a much loved design element today. A brick fireplace can add warmth, character, and a little rustic charm to any room. The following are some things to think about if you are considering adding a brick fireplace to your property in Ballyclare.
First and foremost, you'll need to choose the style of fireplace you want. Conventional brick fireplaces typically feature a basic design with a hearth and mantel. Nevertheless, you could also opt for a more contemporary design with a sleek finish and clean lines.
Brick fireplaces can be built with a number of different types of brick, each with its own unique texture and colour. You will want to select a brick that looks good with the design of your property and matches the overall aesthetic you're trying to create.
As well as the visual considerations, you will also want to contemplate the practical elements of a brick fireplace. Proper venting is essential for safety, and you may also want to look into adding a fireplace insert or glass doors for increased efficiency. You will also want to make sure that the hearth is completely level and that the bricks are properly installed to prevent any possible hazards.
A brick fireplace can be a functional and eye-catching addition to your property in Ballyclare. With a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can construct a fireplace that not only provides warmth but also adds charm and character to your home.
Fireplace Installers Near Ballyclare
Also find: Ballycarry fireplace installers, Doagh fireplace installers, Moorfields fireplace installers, Ballyearl fireplace installers, Ballyeaston fireplace installers, Straid fireplace installers, Magheramorne fireplace installers, Ballynure fireplace installers, Parkgate fireplace installers, Glynn fireplace installers and more.
Ballyclare Fireplace Related Tasks
Such things as traditional fireplaces Ballyclare, chimney repairs, flue lining Ballyclare, fireplaceprices, fireplace cleaning, chimney cowl installation Ballyclare, brick fireplaces, the installation of outdoor fireplaces, classic fireplaces, fireplace inserts, stone fireplace installations in Ballyclare, Victorian fireplaces, inglenook fireplace installations, cast fireplace installations in Ballyclare, fireplace design, Regency fireplaces Ballyclare, wood burning fireplace installation in Ballyclare, period fireplaces, gas fireplaces, fireplace suites, three-sided fireplaces Ballyclare, electric fireplaces, freestanding stoves in Ballyclare, gas fireplace installations, the installation of modern fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Ballyclare, fireplace installation, Victorian fireplaces Ballyclare, modern fireplace installation, inset stove installation, chimney lining, contemporary fireplaces Ballyclare, oak beam fireplaces Ballyclare, multifuel & wood burning stove installation, designer fireplaces are just some of the whole range of services and tasks that your local Ballyclare fireplace fitter can provide.
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