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 locating fireplace installers in Benson, and neighbouring areas such as: Shillingford, Britwell Salome, Watlington, Shillingford Hill, Overy, Berrick Salome, Brightwell Baldwin, Rokemarsh, Ewelme, Crowmarsh Gifford, Warborough. Areas with postcodes like , OX10 6NF, OX10 6NG, OX10 6LX, OX10 6SD, OX10 6SE, OX10 6LG, OX10 6FD, OX10 6NW, and OX10 6RY are also covered. Benson fireplace fitters will normally have the postcode OX10 and the telephone dialling code 01491. You'll want to check this if you prefer to use a local fireplace fitter. To acquire details on any aspect of fireplace installation near you simply click on the "QUOTE" banner or form.
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!
Flues
A safety feature that enables your chimney to work more effectively, a flue liner is an essential part of your chimney set-up that shouldn't be omitted. With the objective of carrying smoke and fumes safely to the outside of a building, flue liners are conduits made of ceramic material, metal or clay that are fitted to the inside of chimneys. Based on their condition and age, older chimneys in Benson may need to be re-lined, or may not have a lining at all.
Hazardous fumes and gases are created by burning fires and these gases can quickly impair the flue lining of your fireplace. While it is being cleaned, get the chimney sweep or fireplace specialist to check your flue lining for any damages or risks of it failing in the near future. The hazardous gases that are generated by a fire, can potentially leak into your property if a flue is impaired. Defective flues can also trigger house fires - so get them checked out!
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 an important aspect of maintaining the safety, efficiency and functionality of both residential and commercial chimney systems in Benson. Chimneys can be subjected to wear and tear due to the combined effects of weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and the by-products of combustion over the years. A range of issues that need to be addressed promptly and by a competent specialist can be caused by these factors.
Cracks in the chimney structure are a common problem that can lead to the need for chimney repair. Such cracks can affect the structural stability of the chimney, increasing the risk of moisture seepage and even more damage. Moreover, serious health hazards to occupants can be caused by the escape of harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, from cracks in the chimney.
The chimney flue can often become clogged with creosote and debris, which is another issue. Such accumulations can increase the likelihood of fires in the chimney and reduce the chimney's efficiency. To reduce fire risks and ensure adequate airflow, frequent chimney cleaning as part of the repair procedure helps remove debris, creosote and soot. (88224 - Chimney Repairs Benson)
Benson Fireplace Related Tasks
You most likely came here trying to find basic fireplace installation, however your local Benson fireplace fitter can accomplish an assortment of additional services and tasks, and these could include open fireplaces, wood burning stove installations, marble fireplace surrounds, modern fireplace installation, traditional fireplaces Benson, electric suites, outdoor fireplaces Benson, cast iron fireplaces, chimney lining in Benson, chimney strengthening, fireplacerates, fake fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces, marble fireplace installation, stone fireplaces, brick fireplaces, marble fireplaces, fire grate conversions, freestanding stoves, the installation of modern fireplaces Benson, elm fireplaces Benson, fireplaces in Benson, period fireplaces in Benson, electric fire suites, fireplace fitting, flue liner installation, cast iron fireplace installations, reclaimed fireplaces Benson, fake fireplace installations in Benson, fireplace surrounds, chimney cowl installations in Benson, wood burning fireplace installations Benson, chimney sweeping, fireplace packages, fireplace installation, and others I can't think of just now. These services are only a few of those offered by a local fireplace fitter. Benson providers, when asked, will tell you about the whole range of fireplace services which are available.
Fireplace Installers Near Benson
Also find: Ewelme fireplace installers, Berrick Salome fireplace installers, Brightwell Baldwin fireplace installers, Warborough fireplace installers, Britwell Salome fireplace installers, Shillingford Hill fireplace installers, Watlington fireplace installers, Shillingford fireplace installers, Crowmarsh Gifford fireplace installers, Rokemarsh fireplace installers, Overy fireplace installers and more. People who install fireplaces can be found in almost all of these towns and localities. These tradespeople, with their expertise and knowledge, are well-equipped to perform precise fireplace installations in your home. With the help of these dedicated professionals, residents can enjoy the warmth, comfort and atmosphere that a fireplace brings to their living areas. By simply clicking here, local home and property owners can get fireplace installation price quotes.
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