Fireplace Fitter Bexley Greater London (DA5): Re-opening up an old fireplace or having a new one installed is a good way to add charm to any room of your property in Bexley. As long as you've got a good source of timber or fuel, the addition of an open fire or wood burning stove for those cold winter days can even be cheaper than a conventional central heating system. Combine your fireplace with a back boiler and you will enjoy supplies of endless hot water to save even more cash.
There are a few vital considerations you must keep in mind if you're to wind up with an efficient and safe fireplace, before you commence knocking down the walls of a boarded up fireplace. Any heat producing appliance installed within residential homes in Bexley must conform to Part J of the building regulations, and this covers hearths, flue linings, chimney breasts and fireplaces.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you are a keen DIYer it may be possible to renovate an existing blocked or bricked-up fireplace, but the likelihood of running into structural issues in the majority of cases is regrettably high. If you are fortunate when you open up a blocked up fireplace you may find a decent chimney breast, lintel and hearth that requires nothing other than the services and advice of a chimney sweep to get it ready for a fire once more. If you are not so lucky, you will discover a crumbling wall of bricks that is covering a string of issues, like a blocked chimney or a broken old lintel.
A poorly installed fireplace can cause significant respiratory health problems and fire risk and, as such, should only be fitted by a specialist fireplace installer in Bexley with the knowledge and experience to install it safely. For a fire to burn safely in a space with a fireplace, there has to be ample airflow to create an adequate amount of oxygen. Inadequate oxygen means that the fire will not burn well, and a build up of carbon monoxide could occur, which can cause injury or death.
A professional fireplace installation company will consider the circumstances and get past this issue and guarantee an adequate amount of air flow for the fire to burn properly and safely, by fitting vents around the room, or under the floors. They may also have to fit vents in unused chimney flues which can trap condensing air and result in damp spots and staining to your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Huge amounts of soot and dust will enter your house when you're having a disused fireplace opened up. Essentially, this is an exceedingly messy task. So that your possessions do not get ruined by the dust, dirt and soot that's released during work by a fireplace installer, removing rugs, furniture and carpets in advance is generally recommended. Re-opening an unused fireplace ought to be one of the first tasks to be worked on, if it is part of a larger restoration project. The reason behind this is to prevent any discolouration damage to any work that has already been finished.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
It will be time to sweep and clean the hearth and chimney and identify what is fit for refurbishment, once the opening up of the fireplace has been accomplished. You should now speak to your chimney sweep, if you've not already done so, to come and look at the old fireplace and chimney. After sweeping and cleaning, they will offer advice and guidance about the state of your chimney structure and flue liner, and inform you whether there are any elements that need to be replaced.
If you need to strengthen the chimney or install a flue lining all current Building Regulations must be followed to the letter. Experience in the right working practices and familiarity with the appropriate Building Regulations will be essential for anybody who tackles this type of construction work, so what you really need is a qualified builder or fireplace installer and should never attempt to do it yourself.
If you need to adjust the size of opening of your exposed fireplace to a more suitable size for your new design, a lintel support should be installed. And after that, restoring or replacing the fireplace hearth should be the next phase of your fireplace installation in Bexley. The circumstances with hearths has changed somewhat down the years, and whilst in the olden days they were frequently sunk into floor voids, they now need to be laid slightly above the level of the floor if the current building regs are to be followed. You can find made to measure solutions to fit pretty much any design and size of fireplace, or you can choose from a variety of common sized hearths to fit in with your decor.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS AND STYLES
You'll soon realise that you're spoilt for choice in relation to fireplaces, with the wide range of different choices that are available to you, when you step inside a decent fireplace showroom. It is vital to ask for the expert advice of the salespeople and the installers, since all the available fireplaces will not be suited to your specific chimney and flue.
In selecting the type of fireplace which is the best option for your circumstances, you'll need to look at your property's age, and the theme that you're trying to create for your room or space. A wood-burner stove for instance, will look fabulous when placed in an inglenook fireplace, which redirects any heat that's produced back into the room and highlights its charm and beauty.
For dwellings in Bexley that do not have a chimney breast, a wood burning stove is a splendid solution. Given that a flue can be passed through an exterior wall and has no requirement for a chimney structure, it is still possible to fit this type of fireplace.
MULTI-FUEL, WOOD, GAS, OPEN OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
If your situation does not allow for the installation of a natural fireplace, what are all the possible alternatives?
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with a whole host of solid fuels, and establishes a great focal point for your living area. Modern fireplaces are not the draughty, inefficient and smoky features that they used to be, and an open fire creates a warm and toasty environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Gas Fireplaces - Providing instant heat and more efficient when compared to open fireplaces, there are a wide range of designs to suit any Bexley home. Only authorised Gas Safe technicians are permitted to install these fires.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name indicates multi-fuel stoves can be fired up with with different fuels, such as oil, wood, coal or gas, and become a focal point in any kitchen or lounge in Bexley. Some styles, like the multi-fuel stoves from AGA, are also suitable for generating hot water, cooking and heating your whole property.
Electric Fireplaces - These can be fitted quickly and safely by any competent person and there are designs which are appropriate for almost any room and property in Bexley. It can be hard to differentiate from the genuine article with with the "real" looking feel of modern electric fires, and they can be set into a regular fireplace when that is what's required.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in contemporary or classic designs to match your home's decor, and they have recently become very popular in many Bexley homes. When used in tandem with a back boiler, these can supply extra heating functionality by connecting the heated water to colder areas of your house via a radiator.
Fireplace installation work can be undertaken in Bexley and also in: Coldblow, Leyton Cross, Blackfen, Barnehurst, Albany Park, Chislehurst, Crayford, North Cray, Welling, Northumberland Heath, Slade Green, as well as in these postcodes DA5 1BF, DA5 1BX, DA5 1PY, DA5 2AT, DA2 7NY, DA5 1LU, DA5 1NF, DA5 1QY, DA5 1QA, and DA5 1AF. If they have the telephone code 020 and the postcode DA5, it's very likely that they hail from Bexley or someplace close by. This is useful to know if you need to verify that you're looking at a locally based fireplace fitter. Bexley residents have lots of options when they're looking for fireplace services.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Bexley
For household safety to be ensured, it is important to install carbon monoxide detectors near fireplaces. Don't be fooled by their inviting glow - fireplaces can emit carbon monoxide if ventilation is lacking. A detector installed in the same room as the fireplace can warn occupants of the presence of this deadly, odourless, colourless gas.
Carbon monoxide detector installation, though simple, demands proper execution for optimal functionality. Following the manufacturer's instructions, detectors should ideally be mounted on the ceiling or wall at least 15 feet from the fireplace to prevent false alarms. Frequent testing of the detector and annual battery replacement are important to ensure it functions properly.
Professional installation of carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring proper positioning and operation, can offer peace of mind. By reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, Bexley property owners can protect their loved ones and enhance the safety of their living spaces by taking this precaution. Optimal functionality of both the carbon monoxide detector and the fireplace requires regular maintenance routines. (Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Bexley)
Stone Fireplaces
For that really dramatic look why not think about bringing the outdoors inside with a natural stone fireplace? It's possible that you already have a natural stone feature on the exterior of your building, for instance a boundary wall or stone facade. Your fireplace inside, could complement those features on the outside.
Either full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding can be used to build a stone fireplace. Your taste and price range might affect your decision. There are also a number of different stone types which can be used to build a fireplace, including: sandstone, quartz, granite, slate, marble or limestone.
Exactly how your finished fireplace looks, will be affected by the method of building (dry stone or mortar built), the kind of stone used and the individuality of the tradesman or stonemason who builds it. Do some research before your fireplace installer begins, and show them some pictures of just what you have in mind.
A lot of modern day properties aren't really suited to the look of a natural stone fireplace, mostly because stone has such a striking appearance, and can dominate the look of an area. However, each individual property owner has their own preferences and taste, therefore it is for them to choose.
Flue Linings
A vital addition to your chimney structure, a flue or chimney liner improves the safety of your chimney whilst allowing it to perform more efficiently than it otherwise would. Running the complete length of the chimney, flue liners are conduits made from various different materials including metal, clay or ceramics. They transport fumes to the outside of your home. There's a reasonable chance that if your Bexley property is quite old, the chimney might not even have a flue lining, and even if it does it will probably need a replacement.
Burning fires create dangerous gases and fumes which can eat away and harm the flue of your chimney. When you are having your chimney swept, it's advisable to get the chimney sweep to check it out for any damages. A flue that's sustained damage may allow those toxic gases to leak into your house, rather than diverting them safely outside. There is an added hazard with broken flue liners, in that they might allow intense heat to penetrate into the structure of the chimney, which may lead to fires.
Chimney Sweeping Bexley
Regardless whether you've got a stove or an open fire, it's essential to get your chimney swept regularly. It is advised that you sweep and clean the chimney at least once annually.
The preferred approach to get this done is to contact a professional Bexley chimney sweep, who will carry out the work properly and without mess. While the chimney sweep is cleaning your chimney, he will also be keeping an eye out for any safety issues or problems, so that they can then be quickly resolved.
If you don't regularly sweep your chimney in Bexley, the resulting accumulation of ash and soot can easily lead to a chimney fire. Apart from fires there are other hazardous situations that can be caused by a blocked chimney, one example is that of harmful carbon monoxide gas flowing back into your house.
In the unlikely event that any damages or accidents occur while you are having your chimney swept, ensure your chosen Bexley chimney sweep has public liability cover. To get a chimney swept in Bexley, CLICK HERE for a quote. You can also get chimney sweeping done in nearby locations and areas.
Chimney Repair
The safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems hinge on proper chimney repair. With the passage of time, wear and deterioration can cause chimneys to develop issues like cracks, blockages or leaks. Averting potential hazards, including fire and exposure to carbon monoxide, is dependent on swift repairs. Chimney repair professionals in Bexley can tackle these problems, ensuring that the chimney functions optimally and adheres to the appropriate safety regulations. The chimney's lifespan is prolonged, and the requirement for costly future repairs is lessened, offering householders peace of mind and an efficient heating source through regular repairs and inspections. (93852 - Chimney Repairs Bexley)
Bexley Fireplace Related Tasks
The variety of tasks that can be conducted by your local fireplace fitter are wide and varied, and will include things like Victorian fireplace installation, outdoor fireplaces, fireplace price quotes, the installation of chimney cowls, marble fireplace installations, cheap fireplace installation in Bexley, chimney strengthening, elm fireplaces, marble fireplace installation, corner fireplaces in Bexley, Victorian fireplaces, flue lining inspections, chimney lining, brick fireplace installations, fire grate conversions, the installation of modern fireplaces, chimney repairs, fireplaces, classic fireplaces, period fireplaces, contemporary fireplaces in Bexley, inset stoves, inglenook fireplaces, gas fireplace installations, electric fireplaces, Regency fireplaces in Bexley, fake fireplace installations in Bexley, fireplace hearths, fireplace removal, stone fireplaces, and others unlisted. These are just some of the duties that are handled by a local fireplace fitter. Bexley providers will will be glad to tell you about their full range of fireplace sevices if you email or phone them.
Leaving a Review
Several years ago, folks used to look in the local papers or Yellow Pages to find businesses in the area, right now they're more inclined to study online reviews, which are becoming ever more popular. If a local business has served you well, you really should take the time to thank them by leaving an honest review of their performance. Possible future customers can benefit from learning of your personal experience, and there are of course benefits for the fireplace company too. If positive or negative reviews helped you to decide on the best person to use for your project, you will appreciate how this can be useful. It does not really matter how professional and convincing a company's website appears to be, you would possibly have looked elsewhere if there weren't any customer reviews to support it.
But, when you're on a business's own website, how can the reviews you see be trusted or believed? Did genuine clients who were satisfied with the service compose these reviews, or were they provided by an over-zealous employee attempting to drum up extra business?
A good way to discover sincere and genuine reviews of any specific fireplace company or service in Bexley is to check out Google My Business reviews, which are more likely to be trustworthy. Many millions of folks look at the reviews on this website each day, so as to ascertain the reputation of companies throughout the world. Another option when you're seeking to leave reviews for a reliable local service or business in Bexley, is Bing Places for Business, which is Google My Business's main rival and the 2nd largest review area available. Leaving a positive review in either of these places will provide an overview of the company that successfully worked on your fireplace project and help in boosting the profile of that company locally.
Just as effective is posting feedback on Facebook and Twitter relating to the company you wish to support. Such social media sites can be quite influential and will form a key part of the marketing and promotional advertising of most small businesses in Bexley. Contributing your own positive reviews on Twitter or Facebook will help to reinforce their marketing message, and most likely generate more leads.
Even in these modern, high-tech times, it is still appropriate to send in a hand-drafted thank you letter, if you aren't computer savvy. These can be gathered together to make a portfolio of reviews which is useful in face to face meetings with potential clients, mounted in a frame for display in reception areas, or scanned and uploaded to the company website. The belief that your review might have helped a small business to gain more clients and gain credibility in the local Bexley marketplace is a reward in itself.
Browsing on the Internet
There's no doubt that your initial impulse when you're searching for a service or tradesman in Bexley is to hook up to the internet and "Google it". On the spot and connected results are the reward of using Ask, Yahoo, Bing or Google, which were created for this precise intent. However, the fashionable search engines cited above quite often supply page one results that are not the most relevant. Most property owners, when looking for fireplace installers in Bexley will type "fireplace installation near me", "fireplace installation Bexley", "Bexley fireplace installation" or "fireplace installation in Bexley" into a search engine and browse through the listings.
Corporate lead Generation sites like Rated People, My Builder, TrustaTrader, Quotatis, Checkatrade or Bidvine, and directories such as Yell, Yelp, Gumtree or Cyclex will show up highly on the resulting page one listings, as will strictly PPC advertisements (usually the top four results). The actual web sites of fireplace installers in Bexley (if they have one), is likely to be languishing on the 2nd or 3rd pages of the search engine results. So you're going to have to navigate further. Local Heroes, Rated People and alternative approved tradesmen websites are still worth a try on occasion, as you never can have an excess of information, their reviews, customer feedback and free estimates can help you choose.
Fireplace Installers Near Bexley
Also find: Albany Park fireplace installers, North Cray fireplace installers, Northumberland Heath fireplace installers, Crayford fireplace installers, Barnehurst fireplace installers, Blackfen fireplace installers, Chislehurst fireplace installers, Coldblow fireplace installers, Slade Green fireplace installers, Leyton Cross fireplace installers, Welling fireplace installers and more. It is possible to get fireplaces installed in practically all of these places. With the requisite know-how and experience, these seasoned tradespeople are adept at successfully installing fireplaces in your home. The ambiance, warmth and comfort of a fireplace in their homes are made possible for residents through the support of these dedicated professionals. Local householders can get fireplace installation estimates by simply going here.
More Bexley Tradespeople: When your Bexley property needs improvements or refurbishing, various different tradespeople might be necessary to successfully complete the project, and although your current search is for fireplace installers in Bexley, you may also need the expertise of a plasterer in Bexley, metalworkers in Bexley, a roofing contractor in Bexley, a tiling specialist in Bexley, a painter and decorator in Bexley, a handyperson in Bexley, an electrician in Bexley, repointing services in Bexley, a general builder in Bexley, SKIP HIRE in Bexley, a plumber in Bexley, a chimney sweep in Bexley, waste removal in Bexley, and probably other tradesmen.
To obtain local information relating to Bexley, Greater London check here
Fireplace installation in DA5 area, telephone code 020.
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