Fireplace Fitter Bedford Bedfordshire (MK40): Installing a brand new fireplace or reinstating a pre-existing one is a wonderful way to add more character and charm to any house in Bedford. The addition of a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those cold winter days can even prove more economical than a conventional central heating system, as long as you have a good source of wood or fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can supply you with plentiful steaming hot water at the same time.
To achieve a safe and efficient fireplace, there are a few important considerations you must keep in mind, before you begin bashing down the walls of a boarded over fireplace. Any heat producing appliance installed within domestic homes in Bedford must adhere to Part J of the Building Regs, and this covers hearths, flue linings, chimney breasts and fireplaces. Planning permission may also have to be sought before work commences if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When restoring an existing blocked or bricked-up fireplace, there's a pretty good chance of stumbling on structural issues, thus even if you're a keen DIYer you could struggle with this sort of work. You may be lucky and find that the hearth, lintel and chimney breast are in fine shape, when you've uncovered the old fireplace, and the hidden gem beneath needs little more than a visit by a chimney sweep. If you aren't so blessed, you will discover a wall of crumbling bricks that's concealing a string of issues, like a stopped-up chimney or an old broken lintel.
Hiring a professional fireplace fitter in Bedford is generally advised, since a fireplace which is poorly installed can cause respiratory problems and a serious risk of fire. According to the Building Regulations, a room that has a fireplace installed in it must have enough oxygen and airflow to allow the fire to burn correctly. If the airflow is not good enough then it is possible that a fire will not burn efficiently and cause carbon monoxide fumes to build up, which can be deadly.
To overcome this issue a professional fireplace installation team will analyse the situation and fit vents around the room, or under the flooring, to ensure an adequate air flow for the fire to burn efficiently and safely. They might also have to install vents into unused chimney flues which sometimes trap moist air and cause damp spots and staining to your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Having a fireplace opened up can create a lot of of soot and grime. Even with coverings for your furniture, the risk of impairment from muck and soot is still likely and it's advisable to remove your furniture, rugs and carpets before any fireplace restoration work and chimney cleaning begins. Re-opening a disused fireplace should be one of the first things to be worked on, when it's part of a more extensive home renovation project. The reasoning behind this is to avoid the chance of any discolouration damage to renovation work that has already been accomplished.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you've exposed your old fireplace you will have a better idea of the work that is required, and also be able to sweep the chimney and clean any hearth that can be re-used. You now need to get in touch with your chimney sweep, if you've not already done so, to come and clean the old fireplace and chimney. They will not only ensure your chimney and flue are completely clean, but they can also assess the condition of the chimney and flue liner and offer guidance if you need to replace any part of the chimney and flue.
After an examination by an experienced chimney sweep, and in compliance with the UK Building Regulations, work to install a new flue liner and/or strengthen the chimney breast might be required. This is not likely to be the type of work that can be accomplished by a DIYer, therefore you will want to employ a competent builder or fireplace fitter who has experience in good working practices and an extensive knowledge of the Building Regs.
It is by no means a given that the size of the revealed fireplace will correspond to the style that you have planned, in which case it might be necessary to fit a supporting concrete lintel. After this phase of the project has been accomplished, the refurbishment or updating of the old hearth can be undertaken. You might discover that your existing hearth has been set into the floor, but to be in accordance with current Building Regulations it is required to be raised slightly above floor level. To achieve this, there are off-the-shelf options made from stone, marble or concrete, or you might prefer a bespoke, made to measure hearth to complement your room style, which your Bedford fireplace builder will be able to help you with.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
If you check out a fireplace dealership you'll find that you have lots of choice with the range of different options open to you. It's vital to follow the expert advice of the salespeople and the installation team, as all of the available fireplaces won't necessarily be suited to your particular flue, chimney and airflow.
An open fireplace might be perfect for some rooms and dwellings in Bedford, while a multi-fuel or wood burning stove will be a better choice for others. For example, a cast iron wood burner looks fantastic set into an inglenook fireplace, which highlights the character and charm of the stove and also deflects the heat into the room effectively.
A wood burner is also a splendid choice if you do not have a chimney breast in your Bedford property. As a stainless steel flue can be channeled through an exterior wall and does not require a chimney, it's still feasible to install and enjoy this style of fireplace.
WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, GAS OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
A roaring fire on a dark evening delivers a charm and ambience that simply can't be beaten, but what other options are available to put into in your brand new fireplace in Bedford?
Open Fireplaces - A crackling fire is a focus for any room in your home and it has the ability to burn almost any solid fuel that you can purchase. Being a far cry from the old-fashioned smoky fireplace, an expertly installed open fire can provide a cosy and warm atmosphere in any Bedford home.
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Bedford can benefit from the installment of a wood burner, which come in a variety of styles, and, if necessary, can even be installed free standing. If coupled with a back boiler these are able to provide hot water for radiators or for use in your house.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a wide variety of designs to suit any house in Bedford, and as they provide "instantaneous" heat, they are more heat efficient than multi-fuel or wood burning stoves in general. Only a Gas Safe approved heating engineer is qualified to install these fireplaces.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To introduce a great focal point in your living space, these can be run on various different fuels, such as wood, coal, gas or oil. The AGA style is well known as being able to provide heating for the whole home, a constant supply of hot water and a cooker all in a single unit.
Electric Fireplaces - Electric fireplaces can be fitted safely and easily by anybody who is reasonable competent and there are styles and varieties which are appropriate for just about any room and house in Bedford. An electric fire can be successfully installed in your property, even if you have a regular fireplace, and some of them look pretty much like a genuine fire with crackling sound effects and dancing flames.
Fireplace fitters can be located in the Bedford area, and in: Biddenham, Cotton End, Brickhill, Goldington, Cardington, Harrowden, South End, Shortstown, Stagsden, Wixams, Cople, Fenlake, Stevington, Elstow, in addition to these postcode areas: MK40 1FD, MK40 1TJ, MK40 1RB, MK40 1RG, MK40 1PX, MK40 1PW, MK40 1LY, MK40 1RW, MK40 1HA, and MK40 1EQ. If they have the postcode MK40 and the dialling code 01234, it is likely that they operate in Bedford or somewhere nearby. Bedford property owners can use and enjoy these fireplace services.
Chimney Cowl Installation Bedford
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped covering for your chimney pot that improves draft and helps prevent back-up. It's generally made of galvanised iron and sits over the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down. A chimney cowl can be bought online or in a hardware store. Whether you decide to make a pre-existing one work better, or purchase a new one, a cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working at its best.
There are several forms of chimney cowl available. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They hook up to the flue liner via three straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another type of cowl is a weathering cap, which is mounted on the end of the flue. It is larger than the chimney pot, which makes sure that it remains in place.
You can also find chimney cowls made from run-of-the-mill objects, like a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Ordinary chicken wire can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These products can be readily purchased at a local hardware store or on the internet.
One of the most common types of chimney cowls is the H-style. This style is the most effective at stabilising the draught and enables your fireplace to function more efficiently. It's made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It was originally created for marine applications, but has become popular among homeowners due to its energy-saving functionality.
Another kind is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and lowering downdraught. These are available in an assortment of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the stove.
Chimney cowls are an effective way to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney in Bedford. They are cheap and simple to put in. You should ensure that you have easy access to the area above the chimney to fit one. It can also prevent debris from accumulating inside your chimney.
Chimney Sweeping Bedford
No matter whether you've got an open fire or a log burning stove, it is important to get your chimney swept frequently. To keep your chimney in safe working condition, it should be swept at least once every year.
In order to get the work done correctly and without mess, the preferred course of action is to contact a specialist Bedford chimney sweep, who will be glad to help you. Employing a chimney sweep doesn't only keep your chimney clean but also highlights any safety issues that there may be with your chimney.
The build-up of ash, creosote and soot that results from neglecting to sweep a chimney in Bedford, can easily result in a chimney fire. Another hazardous situation that you want to avoid at all costs is poisonous carbon monoxide fumes being drawn back into your home, which can also be caused by a blocked or poorly maintained chimney.
Ensure your chosen Bedford chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by adequate public liability insurance. For Bedford chimney cleaning quotes GO HERE. chimney sweeping services are also available in nearby villages and towns.
Chimney Repair
Proper chimney repair is vital for the safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems. Chimneys may encounter problems such as blockages, cracks or leaks as a result of wear and tear over time. Swift repairs are a necessity to avert potential threats like fire and exposure to carbon monoxide. Addressing these problems, chimney repair professionals in Bedford ensure the chimney operates optimally and meets the appropriate safety specifications. Regular repairs and inspections contribute to extending the chimney's lifespan and decreasing the requirement for expensive future repairs, granting householders peace of mind and a dependable heating source. (39607 - Chimney Repairs Bedford)
Fireplace Installers Near Bedford
Also find: Stagsden fireplace installers, Shortstown fireplace installers, Elstow fireplace installers, Cardington fireplace installers, Wixams fireplace installers, Brickhill fireplace installers, South End fireplace installers, Cople fireplace installers, Fenlake fireplace installers, Cotton End fireplace installers, Stevington fireplace installers, Goldington fireplace installers, Harrowden fireplace installers, Biddenham fireplace installers and more. It is possible to get fireplaces installed in almost all of these localities. These seasoned tradespeople possess the experience and knowledge necessary to adeptly install fireplaces in your property. Dedicated experts facilitate residents in enjoying the comfort, ambiance and warmth that come with having a fireplace in their living spaces. By simply clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are accessible to local home and property owners.
Bedford Fireplace Related Tasks
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