Fireplace Fitter Battersea Greater London (SW8): A wonderful way to add extra character and a welcoming feel to any dwelling in Battersea, is to open up an unused fireplace to install a open, wood burning or multi-fuel fire. If you opt to combine your fireplace with a back boiler, you can not only enjoy the warmth and ambience 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 considerations you must think of before you begin any work, if you are going to establish an attractive, safe and efficient fireplace in your home. All work must follow Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, which covers the installation and construction of fireplaces, chimney breasts, flue linings and hearths of any combustible appliance. Planning permission may also have to be sought before work begins if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
A simple restoration of a current fireplace can be accomplished by a skilled DIY enthusiast, however if any building work is necessary there is the possibility of running into structural problems that will have to be dealt with by a professional. You may be lucky when you uncover the old fireplace and find that you need nothing more than a thorough chimney sweep and a quick clean out of the hearth to get your fire roaring once more. What's more typical however is a jumble of crumbling brickwork that conceals a blocked flue, and also requires some form of structural modification before it can be used safely.
Due to the severe fire risk and health issues that can be caused by a poorly installed or renovated fireplace, it is preferable to draw on the experience and knowledge of a reliable fireplace fitter in Battersea. So that a fire can burn properly in a space with a fireplace, there should be enough airflow to ensure an adequate amount of oxygen. 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 lethal.
It could be necessary to install airflow vents in floors and walls to enable the fire to get adequate oxygen to burn safely and efficiently at all times. To improve air circulation within blocked or unused chimney flues, your fireplace installation team may also have to install some vents to stop condensed air getting trapped and causing stains and damp areas.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
It's amazing how much soot and muck can build up inside an old fireplace and you will not know precisely what is there until you proceed to open it up. A fireplace installer will bring dust sheets to cover up your furniture and supply some form of protection, however it's wise where possible to remove furniture and carpets from the area before any work starts. If your fireplace is being fitted as part of a larger home restoration project then it ought to be one of the initial tasks to be completed after you have got the room back to its bare floors and walls. By opening up a fireplace first you will prevent any chimney soot causing discolouring damage to other stages of your renovation project, such as fresh plasterwork or paint on walls.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You'll get a much better understanding of the refurbishment work that is required, as soon as the opening up of the old fireplace is done. You will also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean any of the hearth that has survived. You should now get hold of your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done this, to come and clean the old chimney and fireplace. A decent chimney sweep will first clean the flue and while doing this will be able to check the condition of the chimney and offer guidance on whether you need a new flue lining.
It might be necessary to fit a new flue liner to observe the UK Building Regulations, and construction might also be required to beef up the original chimney and breast. Experience in good construction practices and an understanding of the Building Regs will be essential for anybody who attempts this sort of work, so what you really need is a qualified builder or fireplace installer and should never try to do this yourself.
In older buildings you may discover the existing fireplace is wider than your needs, in which case a concrete or steel lintel will be necessary to adapt the opening. And after this, restoring or replacing the hearth will be the next phase of your fireplace installation in Battersea. To stay in accordance with the current Building Regulations, a hearth must be raised above the normal floor level, although you may discover that your hearth is sunk into a floor void, as they often were in the "good old days". If your fireplace is of non-standard size you may have to choose a made to measure hearth, however there are also a whole host of "off-the-shelf" hearths in concrete, granite or marble.
FIREPLACE STYLE
If you pop along to a fireplace dealership you'll find that you are spoilt for choice with the wide range of different options open to you. Not all fireplaces may be appropriate for your flue and chimney therefore it is wise to accept any guidance and advice from your sales and installation team with regards to your particular situation.
In deciding the style and design of fireplace which is the best option for your situation, you will have to consider your home's age, and the theme you are seeking to achieve in your room or space. By way of example, a wood burner looks fantastic set back in an inglenook fireplace, highlighting the character of the stove and reflecting any heat that's produced back into the room to good effect.
You still have possibilities for a feature fireplace by by having a wood burning stove installed, even if your Battersea property hasn't got a chimney. An existing chimney isn't required since the flue is fitted to the top or rear of the stove and channeled through an exterior wall.
OPEN, WOOD, MULTI-FUEL, GAS OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
If your circumstances don't allow for the installation of a natural fireplace, what are all the possible alternatives?
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with a variety of solid fuels, and provides an excellent focal point for your room. Being far from the smoky fireplaces of days gone by, a modern, professionally fitted open fire can provide a warm, cosy environment in any Battersea property.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fires are superior to wood burner stoves in relation to their thermal efficiency, and you can find a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit any house in Battersea. A Gas Safe registered contractor must install and maintain any gas fire in your home, (CORGI was replaced by Gas Safe in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To create a focal point in your dwelling in Battersea, these can be used with a number of different fuels, such as gas, oil, wood or smokeless coal. Some types, such as the multi-fuel stoves from AGA, are also suitable for generating hot water, cooking and heating your whole house.
Electric Fireplaces - Can be fitted safely and quickly by any competent individual and there are styles and varieties that are appropriate for any room and house in Battersea. Contemporary electric fires can be successfully installed in your dwelling, even if you have a conventional fireplace, and many of them look almost like an authentic fire with dancing flames and even crackling sound effects.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in old-fashioned or cutting-edge designs to suit the decor of your home, and they have become "the in thing" in many Battersea households. An integrated back boiler is an additional benefit and can provide piping hot water for personal use, or for heating in other rooms via radiators.
Fireplace installation work can be carried out in Battersea and also in: Pimlico, Wandsworth, Cotton Row, Fulham, Cremorne Estate, Winstanley Estate, Earl's Court, Churchill Gardens, Vauxhall, Hurlingham, Little Portugal, Nine Elms, Baron's Court, and in these postcodes SW11 1HT, SW11 1FR, SW11 1PS, SW11 1JU, SW11 1JB, SW11 1PW, SW11 1BQ, SW11 1PU, SW11 1QA, and SW11 1DZ. Locally based Battersea fireplace fitters will most likely have the postcode SW8 and the telephone code 020. Battersea homeowners are spoiled for choice when searching for fireplace contractors. Simply click the "QUOTE" form or banner to get information on the installation of fireplaces in your area.
Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill And Also Keep Your Open Fireplace In Good Shape
Sparked by worries about the environment, the traditional fireplace is missing some of its appeal, but it is still a favourite for many property owners in Battersea. The natural ambiance of a fireplace triggers special remembrances for those who have them. Having a fireplace has its advantages but there are also a handful of drawbacks which could affect its performance. Due to energy costs elevating so swiftly nowadays, your open fireplace should be a sound source of heat, and not an inefficient one. Whilst having a fire going in a fireplace keeps the people near to it toasty, it can actually suck warm air from other parts of the room, causing your heater to work harder. Anytime there is no fire, a damper should manage the airflow. The thing is, fireplace dampers are usually very inefficient in keeping cold air out, and warm air in.
A great many people in Battersea with fireplaces do not realise how it can impact the cost of heating their home. Instead of conserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding 100s of pounds of energy expenditure. There's a simple way to take your inefficient fireplace, and remake it into a heat producing system that will more closely fit your budget. Pretty much all you need to do is basically 4 fundamental things to fix your fireplace. You will see that these tips will help to make your fireplace generate quality heat and your current heating bill lower.
The very first thing that must be done is to replace the damper with a new top sealing damper. This style of damper is set up at the top of the chimney, and operates like a storm door. The top sealing damper will keep the air in the property from leaking out and works incredibly well in cold and warm weather conditions. It is not very difficult to fit and may be easily purchased from a fireplace supplier or on the internet. Another thing which can be done would be to place a fire-back at the rear of your fireplace. It's manufactured from cast iron and is used to enhance the appearance of your fireplace while at the same time shielding the back wall from fire damage. The fire-back basically heats up from the flames and reflects the heat back into a room, thus enhancing the fireplace's efficiency.
Another thing that is going to help is a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the room air which is being circulated through an internal chamber, and blows it back inside the room. These heating devices don't release any smoke and can be very effective in keeping your property warm and cosy. And finally, adding glass doors, even though a bit on the expensive side, can be beneficial in making your open fire cost efficient. If you do your groundwork, you can find glass doors at a reasonable price and mount them on your own. Glass doors will keep the air in your house from escaping and it also helps to protect your pets and children from accidentally falling into the fire.
Every one of these tips are simple to do, and the required products can easily be found on the internet. Keep your current fireplace and lower heating bills by making it more efficient.
Fireplace Inserts
Fireplace inserts have become a popular choice among property owners in Battersea who wish to upgrade their traditional fireplaces. These inserts have been specifically created to maximise the efficiency of a fireplace by increasing heat output into the room and reducing heat loss. The inconvenience and mess of conventional wood-burning fireplaces are eliminated with these inserts, offering a safer and more comfortable way to enjoy the enchanting effect of a fire.
Ranging from gas to electric and wood-burning models, there is a diverse selection of designs and sizes available for fireplace inserts. Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use and need minimal maintenance, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their variable settings and remote control. For homeowners seeking an authentic crackling fire experience and the scent of burning wood, wood-burning inserts are the perfect option.
Fireplace inserts not only provide convenience and efficiency but are also environmentally friendly. The amount of air pollution caused by traditional fireplaces is reduced by their efficient burning of fuel and production of fewer emissions.
If you are considering a fireplace insert, it's important to have it professionally installed to ensure it's done correctly and safely. Fireplace inserts offer numerous benefits, making them an excellent investment for householders seeking to enhance the comfort, convenience, and value of their property. It is crucial to consider that various types of fireplace inserts may require different methods of venting.
Chimney Sweep Battersea
It is easy to postpone a routine household task like sweeping the chimney, but if you've got a log burning stove or an open fire, it really is crucial that this is done regularly. To keep your chimney in a safe state, it needs to be swept at least once per year.
This is a dirty job, so it is best to call in a specialist Battersea chimney sweep. If there are any problems or safety issues with your chimney, the chimney sweep will be in a position to identify them and advise you accordingly.
If you don't continually sweep your chimney in Battersea, the resulting build-up of soot, ash and creosote could easily lead to a chimney fire. As well as preventing fires, you'll also want to avoid the chance of poisoning by carbon monoxide gas. When a chimney becomes blocked this noxious substance can flow back into your house with horrifying consequences.
This all adds up to the fact that you should always employ a qualified Battersea chimney sweep, and one who has good public liability cover in case any damages or accidents occur. You can GO HERE for the latest chimney sweeping prices in Battersea. You should also be able to get chimney sweeping done in nearby locations and areas.
Flue Liners
Allowing your chimney to operate far more efficiently, a flue or chimney lining is a vital element of the chimney set-up on your home. With the objective of transporting toxic fumes safely to the outside of a building, flue liners are conduits manufactured from metal, ceramic material or clay that are installed inside chimneys. A chimney on an older home in Battersea may not have a flue lining at all, or will need to be relined depending on it's age and condition.
As a fire is burning, some toxic gases are created, and the flue inside your chimney can be impaired and worn away by these fumes. Ensure that your fireplace specialist examines the flue for damage and possible problems. You need to prevent those dangerous gases from leaking into your home's living space, which is exactly what can transpire when a flue is damaged. There can be an increased chance of house fires when flu linings are compromised, as intensive heat can reach the chimney structure, often with deadly consequences.
Chimney Repair Battersea
Chimney repair is a key part of keeping both commercial and residential chimney systems in Battersea efficient, safe and functional. Chimneys can be subjected to deterioration due to the combined effects of weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and the by-products of combustion over time. A range of issues that require expert and timely attention can be caused by these factors.
One of the common problems that necessitate chimney repair is the development of cracks in the chimney structure. Even more damage and undermined structural integrity of the chimney can be caused by moisture ingress, which is increased by these cracks. In addition, the escape of dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, from cracks in the chimney can pose serious health hazards to any occupants.
The build-up of creosote and debris in the chimney flue is another common issue. The accumulation of creosote in chimneys can reduce efficiency and increase the potential for fires in the chimney. To reduce fire hazards and ensure proper airflow, debris, soot and creosote should be removed during regular chimney cleaning as part of the repair procedure. (71372 - Chimney Repairs Battersea)
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Fireplace Installers Near Battersea
Also find: Little Portugal fireplace installers, Fulham fireplace installers, Cotton Row fireplace installers, Churchill Gardens fireplace installers, Hurlingham fireplace installers, Winstanley Estate fireplace installers, Pimlico fireplace installers, Baron's Court fireplace installers, Earl's Court fireplace installers, Cremorne Estate fireplace installers, Wandsworth fireplace installers, Vauxhall fireplace installers, Nine Elms fireplace installers and more. Practically all of these areas are serviced by people who install fireplaces. These tradespeople, with their expertise and know-how, are well-equipped to perform precise fireplace installations in your home. These devoted professionals assist residents in achieving the comfort, atmosphere and warmth a fireplace contributes to homes. Local home and property owners can obtain fireplace installation estimates by clicking here.
Battersea Fireplace Related Tasks
The selection of tasks that can be carried out by your local fireplace installer are varied and wide, and should include stuff like Victorian fireplace installations, 3-sided fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces, period fireplaces in Battersea, fireplace replacement in Battersea, traditional fireplaces Battersea, fake fireplaces, marble fireplaces, fireplace design, carbon monoxide detector installation, wood mantels, freestanding stoves Battersea, tiled fireplaces Battersea, wood burning fireplace installation in Battersea, fireplace restoration, brick fireplace installation, fireplace surrounds, electric fireplace installations, limestone fireplace installation, electric fire suites Battersea, classic fireplaces, modern fireplace, chimney sweeping, fireplace fitting, fireplace cleaning Battersea, Victorian fireplaces Battersea, chimney lining, fireplaces, stone fireplace installations, hearth-mounted electric fires Battersea, fireplace services, fireplace packages in Battersea, Victorian fireplaces, chimney modifications, fire grate conversions, and others not mentioned. This is not in any way an exhaustive list of what is provided by a local fireplace installer. Battersea specialists will tell you about their whole range of fireplace services. You can always click HERE and fill out our quote form, if you have fireplace requirements in Battersea, that you can't find here.
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