Fireplace Fitter Benson Oxfordshire (OX10): If you're weary of rising energy prices and wish to find an alternative method for heating your home in Benson, why don't you open up an unused fireplace and install an economical wood burning, open or multi-fuel fire? The addition of an open fire or multi-fuel stove for those chilly winter evenings can even prove more cost effective than a regular central heating system, so long as you've got a good source of wood. If used in combination with a back boiler it can supply you with plenty of hot water in the process.
Before any serious work proceeds, such as smashing down the walls of a boarded up fireplace or prising away at a bricked-up chimney, there are some important things to look at. To start with, Part J of the UK's Building Regulations will have to be followed in relation to the construction and installation of any flue linings, fireplaces, hearths and chimney breasts which are part of a combustible appliance in your premises in Benson. Also, you'll want to ascertain whether planning permission is necessary from the local authorities before any work is started, if you live in a designated conservation area or a listed building in Benson.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When renovating an old bricked-up or closed-off fireplace, there is a fair probability of coming across structural issues, so even if you are good at do-it-yourself you could easily struggle to complete this sort of work. You might be lucky and discover that the lintel, chimney breast and hearth are in fine shape, when you've revealed the old fireplace, and the hidden gem that lies beneath requires nothing more than a clean by a chimney sweep. However, a flue that is blocked and old brickwork that calls for structural reinforcement is what you'll more likely find.
If fireplaces are installed incorrectly there's not only a risk of fire to your home, but there can also be associated health hazards, which is why it is best to bring in a certified Benson installation company for fireplaces. As is laid down in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where there is a fireplace, because in order for it to burn correctly, a sufficient volume of oxygen is needed. Lethal carbon monoxide fumes can soon accumulate from a fire burning inefficiently in a poorly ventilated room.
To successfully get around any problems with air flow, vents might be installed around the room during a fireplace installation, to ensure suitable levels of oxygen are able to reach the fire. Vents might also have to be installed in blocked or unused chimney flues which can sometimes cause staining and damp spots on to your chimney breast, because of condensed air being trapped.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
A substantial amount of soot and dirt can be released from a bricked up fireplace when reopening it for renovation. A decent Benson fireplace installer will bring dust sheets to cover up your furniture and provide some form of protection, however it's sensible when possible to remove furniture and woven floor coverings from the room before any work begins. Due to the mess involved, if the fireplace installation is just part of a more extensive home renovation project, it should be one of the first things that you tackle. The reason behind this is to avoid the chance of any staining damage to any remodelling work that's recently been completed.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
When the old fireplace has been successfully opened up, you will get a clearer concept of the kind of restoration work that is required. You can then also proceed to sweep the chimney and clean any salvageable portions of the hearth. If this has not already been done, you'll now want to contact your local Benson chimney sweep. During the process of sweeping and cleaning, they will be perfectly positioned to assess the structural stability of your chimney and flue liner, and advise what is required to get everything working properly.
Construction work could be essential to strengthen the existing chimney breast and chimney, and it may also be necessary to put in a new flue lining. All of this work will need to comply with the current UK Building Regulations which are of course there for your safety. These are jobs that require a competent craftsman with knowledge of the applicable regulations and reliable construction skills.
If the dimensions of the original fireplace are greater than your needs, a supporting concrete lintel will have to be installed. The renovation, installation and updating of the fireplace hearth can proceed once the supporting lintel is in place. The legislation pertaining to fireplace hearths has changed down the years, and while in the past hearths were quite often sunken into the floor, they must now be laid above floor level if the current building regs are to be followed. Pre-made options from granite, marble or slate are available on the market to accomplish this, or your fireplace installer in Benson might be able to provide you with a bespoke, custom-made hearth to complement your room style.
FIREPLACE STYLES
Deciding on your choice of fireplace can be challenging amongst the various styles available from a fireplace showroom or online outlet. It is a good idea to seek the specialist advice of the salespeople, because all fireplaces will not be suited to your specific flue, chimney and airflow.
A wood burning or multi-fuel stove may be perfect for some rooms and dwellings in Benson, whilst an open fireplace will be more appropriate for others. If you're lucky enough to have a house with an inglenook fireplace for example, this can be the ideal setting for a wood burning stove. This won't only reflect any heat that's generated back into the room effectively, but will also emphasise the character and charm of the stove.
It's still possible to install a wood burning stove, even if there is no chimney in your Benson home. It's possible to take a stainless steel flue directly from the top or rear of the wood burner and out through an external wall, therefore an existing chimney is not needed.
GAS, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
Who could possibly deny that they enjoy the flickering of an open fireplace on a cool evening, however if your situation doesn't permit this, what are the other alternatives?
Electric Fireplaces - Basic installation and a wide choice of styles make electric fireplaces the obvious choice for Benson homes that don't have a chimney. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish them from the genuine thing with with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires, and they can readily be set into a conventional fireplace when that's what is required.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in modern or classic designs to complement the decor of your property, and they've become "the in thing" in many homes in Benson. An additional benefit of these products is that they can provide hot water for personal use, or provide heating in another area of the home by means of a radiator, when integrated with a back boiler.
Open Fireplaces - This is the timeless fireplace, creating a great focal point for a room, and can be used to burn a number of different solid fuels, such as smokeless coal, briquettes, coalite nuts and wood. Being very different from the smoky fireplaces of yesteryear, a professionally installed open fire provides a warm, toasty environment in any Benson dwelling.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Running on a number of different fuels such as coal, gas, oil or wood, a multi-fuel stove can be made into an excellent focal point in your living space. If linked up to your radiators or central heating system, some of the multi-fuel stoves (such as those from AGA) can provide heating for the whole house, in addition to cooking facilities, hot water and even outside barbeque grills.
Gas Fireplaces - There are many designs to suit all property types and their effectiveness in warming a room is better than wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. Any gas fire put into your Benson property must be installed by a Gas Safe contractor.
You should have no problem finding fireplace fitters in Benson, and neighbouring areas such as: Crowmarsh Gifford, Berrick Salome, Rokemarsh, Shillingford, Overy, Shillingford Hill, Warborough, Watlington, Ewelme, Brightwell Baldwin, Britwell Salome. Areas with postcodes like OX10 6PB, OX10 6FJ, OX10 6RX, OX10 6JX, OX10 6SU, OX10 6LH, OX10 6PD, OX10 6LQ, OX10 6NQ, and OX10 6NE can also be covered. If they've got the postcode OX10 and the phone code 01491, it's likely that they operate in Benson or somewhere close by. You will need to verify this if you prefer to use a locally based fireplace installer.
Natural Stone Fireplaces
As fireplaces go, some householders want to go for that really spectacular look, and how better to do that, than by installing a fireplace created from natural stone. The external areas of your building may already have a stone facade, a stone boundary wall, or some other stone feature. Why not match those natural features on the inside of your home?
Subject to your taste and budget, you can create a natural stone fireplace with either full-depth stone or thinner stone cladding. You will also need to decide what type of stone you prefer to use for your fireplace, pick from: limestone, slate, sandstone, granite, marble or quartz.
The exact appearance of your new fireplace will depend on the methodology used by the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it, the sort of stone that's used and the method of building (mortar built or dry stone). Pick a style and design that you like, and show the fireplace company some photographs before they begin the job.
Stone is not always suitable for a modern property, as it has a striking appearance and may rather dominate the appearance of a space, but obviously that's down to the choice of each individual householder - maybe spectacular is what you have in mind!
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Benson
Effective household safety measures include installing carbon monoxide detectors close to fireplaces. Though they offer comfort and warmth, fireplaces can emit carbon monoxide if they are not properly ventilated. Life-saving detectors placed in the same room as fireplaces can alert occupants to the presence of carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas with deadly potential.
The installation process for carbon monoxide detectors is relatively straightforward but must be done correctly. Detectors should be mounted on the wall or ceiling according to the manufacturer's instructions, ideally at least fifteen feet from the fireplace so that false alarms are avoided. Ensuring the detector functions properly requires regular testing and annual battery replacement.
Professional installation of carbon monoxide detectors can provide peace of mind, ensuring that the device is correctly positioned and operational. This precaution enables home and property owners to significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, protecting their families and improving the safety of their living spaces. Regular maintenance of both the detector and the fireplace is essential for ongoing protection. (Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Benson)
Flue Liners
Flue liners, which are materials placed inside chimneys, help in safely directing smoke and gases out of your home. Flue liners create a smooth passage for fumes from stoves, boilers, or fireplaces to exit, preventing dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from entering living areas. Flue liners are a vital component of any chimney system, enhancing both efficiency and safety.
There are different types of flue liners, with the most common being clay, concrete, and metal. Depending on the type of appliance and the building structure, each type has its own unique advantages. In traditional fireplaces, clay liners are more common, whereas metal liners are often used with wood-burning stoves.
The chimney can also be protected by the installation of a flue liner. Due to prolonged exposure to smoke, corrosive gases, and heat, the inside of the chimney can become damaged, resulting in cracking or deterioration. A well-fitted flue liner can provide a protective layer, enhancing the chimney's lifespan and reducing the risk of high repair costs.
Ensuring flue liners are in good condition requires both maintenance and periodic inspections. A damaged or blocked flue liner can pose serious risks, such as harmful gas leaks or fires. Professional checks and routine cleaning can assist in maintaining the safe and effective operation of your flue liner. (Flue Liners Benson)
Fireplace Inserts Benson
Upgrading traditional fireplaces with fireplace inserts is a sought-after option among homeowners in Benson. With the goal of improving the efficiency of a fireplace, these inserts have been designed to minimise heat loss and direct more heat into the room. They also provide a safer and more convenient way to enjoy the ambiance of a fire, without the hassle and mess of old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces.
There is an extensive range of styles and sizes to choose from for fireplace inserts, including gas, electric and wood-burning models. While gas fireplace inserts are effortless to use and need minimal maintenance, electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their remote control and variable settings. For householders seeking an authentic crackling fire and the fragrance of burning wood, wood-burning inserts make the perfect choice.
Their convenience and efficiency aside, fireplace inserts also have environmental benefits. They decrease the amount of air pollution caused by conventional fireplaces by producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently.
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 homeowners looking to enhance the convenience, comfort, and value of their property.
Chimney Repair
Chimney repair is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and efficient fireplace or heating system. Chimneys may encounter issues such as cracks, leaks or blockages as a result of wear and tear over the years. Swift repairs are a necessity to avert potential threats like fire and exposure to carbon monoxide. In Benson, professional chimney repair services can rectify these problems, ensuring the chimney functions optimally and meets the appropriate safety standards. Peace of mind and a reliable heating source are secured by home and property owners through regular repairs and inspections, which additionally prolong the chimney's life expectancy and curtail the need for expensive repairs in the future. (42424 - Chimney Repairs Benson)
More Benson Tradespeople: Home improvements in Benson frequently require the skills of many different tradesmen, and a builder in Benson, waste removal in Benson, a stonemason in Benson, screeding in Benson, a blacksmith in Benson, a roofing specialist in Benson, a plumber in Benson, a bricklayer in Benson, power washing in Benson, a painter/decorator in Benson, disability access installation in Benson, home insulation in Benson, an electrician in Benson may be required even though you're currently searching for fireplace fitters in Benson. Follow the links to get quotes for all sorts of home improvement work.
Benson Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace fitter can perform a whole medley of tasks and services including cheap fireplaces, reclaimed fireplaces, chimney repairs in Benson, 3-sided fireplaces, marble fireplaces in Benson, fireplace surrounds, corner fireplaces in Benson, inset stove installation, fireplace suites in Benson, classic fireplaces in Benson, hearth fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces in Benson, fireplace services, fireplace hearths, gas fireplaces, wood burning fireplace installation, electric fire suites, fire grate conversions, designer fireplaces, cast fireplace installations, Regency fireplaces, chimney strengthening, wood burning fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces, wall-mounted electric fires, Victorian fireplaces, fake fireplace installations in Benson, Victorian fireplace installation in Benson, fireplace replacement, fireplace packages, and more. These services are just a few of those provided by a local fireplace fitter. Benson providers, when contacted, will be more than happy to inform you of the whole range of fireplace sevices that are available. You could maybe go to this QUOTE FORM and fill out your details, if you have additional Benson fireplace requirements that you are searching for but cannot see here.
Fireplace Installers Near Benson
Also find: Shillingford Hill fireplace installers, Crowmarsh Gifford fireplace installers, Britwell Salome fireplace installers, Overy fireplace installers, Watlington fireplace installers, Ewelme fireplace installers, Brightwell Baldwin fireplace installers, Rokemarsh fireplace installers, Berrick Salome fireplace installers, Shillingford fireplace installers, Warborough fireplace installers and more. People who fit fireplaces can be found in most of these areas. These seasoned tradesmen possess the experience and knowledge necessary to successfully install fireplaces in your home. These devoted experts assist residents in achieving the warmth, ambiance and comfort a fireplace contributes to homes. By simply clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are available to local householders. Why not start your fireplace installation right away?
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