Fireplace Fitter Cambridge Cambridgeshire (CB1): Opening up a disused fireplace to install an open fire, a gas fire or a wood burner is an excellent way to add a bit of charm and a homely feel to your Cambridge home. If your fire is incorporated with a back boiler you will even be able to enjoy a plentiful supply of piping hot water as well. Chilly winter days can become a pleasure as you relax beside your fireplace surrounded the pleasant crackle of a burning fire.
To achieve a safe and efficient fireplace, there are some important considerations you must bear in mind, before you start knocking down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace. Any work that's completed on your flue lining, hearth, fireplace and chimney breast must comply with the United Kingdom's Part J building regs for heat producing appliances. If your building in Cambridge is listed or is situated in a designated conservation area, planning permission may also be necessary before any work can proceed.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you are a competent and keen DIY'er it may be possible to restore an existing blocked up fireplace, however the likelihood of running into structural issues in the majority of cases is high. When you expose the old fireplace, you could be lucky and find that to get a fire roaring once again, it needs little more than a good chimney sweep and a quick clean out of the hearth. It is much more likely that you will discover a blocked flue and old brickwork that needs structural reinforcement.
It's generally best to draw on the knowledge and experience of a professional fireplace fitter in Cambridge, on account of the severe health and fire risk issues associated with an incorrectly fitted or renovated fireplace. For a fire to burn correctly in a room where a fireplace is fitted, there has to be enough airflow to guarantee a good level of oxygen. If there's not enough airflow then it's quite possible that a fire will burn inefficiently and cause carbon monoxide to build up, which can be lethal.
To overcome this problem a professional fireplace installation technician will assess the circumstances and fit vents around the room, or under the floors, to ensure an adequate airflow for the fire to combust efficiently and safely. Unused and blocked up chimney flues may also need to have air vents installed since they can often trap moist air inside them and cause damp to build up inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
It's surprising just how much dirt and soot can accumulate inside an old chimney and you won't know exactly what is there until you uncover it. It is advised to remove your your furniture and carpets before any fireplace refurbishment work begins, because even with covers and other dust protection for your furnishings, the risk of damage from soot and grime is still possible. If you are fortunate enough to be working on a complete home renovation project then it ought to be one of the first tasks to complete before re-plastering and decorating the walls. This will limit damage to other stages of your remodelling project (i.e. fresh plasterwork or paint on walls), by dirt and chimney soot that's emitted.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you've revealed your fireplace you will have a greater understanding of what work is required, and also be able to rigorously sweep the chimney and clean up any parts of hearth that can be re-used. Bringing in a proper Cambridge chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney will be one of the very first things on your to-do-list. They will be willing to offer professional advice on the chimney and flue after sweeping, concerning the state of the chimney structure and if it is advisable to switch the existing flue lining.
All of the appropriate Building Regulations should be followed, if it is necessary to strengthen the chimney or install a flue lining. This sort of work needs to be done by a skilled craftsman who is familiar with the appropriate Building Regulations and good construction practices.
It's quite likely that a concrete lintel will need to be installed, if the size of the original fireplace is larger than your requirements. Once your new concrete lintel is in position and secure you may now press on with the upgrade, repair and installation of the fireplace hearth. The circumstances with fireplace hearths has changed down the years, and while in the olden days hearths were usually sunken into the floor, they now must be laid above the level of the floor if the current UK Building Regulations are to be followed. To achieve this, there are off-the-shelf options made from concrete, marble or granite, or you might choose a bespoke, custom-made hearth to match the design of your room, which your Cambridge fireplace builder will be able to help with.
STYLE OF FIREPLACE
A quick browse online or a visit to a fireplace showroom will illustrate the choices available for the different fireplace designs and styles. To enable you to select a fireplace that complements your home's decor, and is also appropriate for your chimney and flue, it's recommended that you ask for the advice of the fireplace installers.
Whether you go for an open fireplace, a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner will be determined by the look that you're aiming to create, your existing decor and in some cases, the age of your property in Cambridge. For example, the perfect backdrop to a wood burning stove is an inglenook fireplace, which not only puts a focus on its character and charm but is also effective in deflecting the heat back into the room.
For houses in Cambridge that do not have a chimney breast, a multi-fuel or wood burning stove is a splendid solution. Given that a stainless steel flue can be routed through an outside wall and has no need of a chimney breast, it's still possible to install and enjoy this kind of fireplace.
ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, GAS, WOOD OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
If this kind of fireplace isn't feasible within your Cambridge home, what other options are there?
Open Fireplaces - The traditional fireplace that can be used with different fuels such as wood, briquettes, smokeless coal and other burnable materials. A skillfully installed contemporary open fire is a far cry from the smoky old fireplace that was perhaps blocked up by past owners, and its warm charm is a delightful addition to any property in Cambridge.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies they can be fired up with with various fuels, such as oil, wood, smokeless coal or gas, and become an attractive focal point in any kitchen or lounge in Cambridge. If you opt for something like the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, you can get hot water, do cooking, and when plumbed into your radiators or central heating system, heat your entire property.
Electric Fireplaces - These are perfect for just about any room and house in Cambridge, and can be safely and quickly installed by anyone who is fairly competent. It can often be difficult to distinguish them from the genuine article with with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires, and they can be set into a traditional fireplace when that's what is required.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in modern or old-fashioned designs to complement the decor of your property, and they have recently become "the in thing" in many households in Cambridge. An integrated back boiler is an added benefit and could provide piping hot water for use around the home, or for heating in other rooms via radiators.
Gas Fireplaces - More thermally efficient than multi-fuel stoves or wood burners, gas fires are available in an assortment of styles to complement your property in Cambridge. Have to be professionally maintained and fitted by a Gas Safe registered technician.
Flues
Installed to boost the safety and efficiency of your chimney structure, a flue liner or chimney liner is vital and should never be left out whatever the circumstances. With the objective of transporting toxic fumes to the outside of a property, flue liners are ducts made of ceramic material, clay or metal which are fitted to the inside of chimneys. There is a reasonable possibility that if your home in Cambridge is really old, the chimney may not even have a liner, and even if it does it will most likely need to be replaced.
The flue inside your chimney can be eaten away and damaged and impaired by the hazardous gases and fumes that develop as a fire is burning in your grate. While it's being cleaned, get the chimney sweep or fireplace specialist to inspect your flue for any damages or any prospects of it malfunctioning in the future. If it is impaired, those toxic gases might seep into your home instead of being properly expelled outdoors. Extreme heat can also be allowed to pass into the structure of the chimney, generating the potential for fires.
Chimney Cowls Cambridge
A hood-shaped cover for your chimney, a chimney cowl increases draft and helps prevent backflow in your chimney system. Sitting neatly over your chimney pot, and typically crafted from galvanised iron, it helps to stop the wind from blowing smoke back down your chimney. Chimney cowls can be purchased online or in a builder's merchants. Whether you prefer to purchase a new one or make your current one work better, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working efficiently.
There are several sorts of chimney cowls on the market. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They connect to the flue liner by means of three straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another style of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. These are bigger than the chimney pot, which makes sure that they stay in position.
You can also find chimney cowls made from run-of-the-mill products, 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 covers can be readily purchased on the web or at a local hardware store.
One of the most common types of chimney cowls is the H-style. This pattern is one of the best for 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 designed for marine applications, but has become popular among homeowners due to its energy-saving attributes.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. It is available in a variety of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the fireplace or stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: spinning chimney cowls, birdguards, static chimney cowls, anti-downdraught chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls and aspirotor chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are a quick way to prevent birds from building nests in your chimney in Cambridge. They are cheap and easy to put in. You should make certain you have clear access to the area above the chimney to install one. It can also stop dirt and debris from accumulating inside the chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Cambridge if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Fireplace Inserts Cambridge
Homeowners in Cambridge who want to enhance their traditional fireplaces often prefer to install fireplace inserts. 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. These inserts provide a more practical and safer alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces, making it more convenient to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire.
Ranging from electric to gas and wood-burning models, there is a diverse selection of sizes and designs available for fireplace inserts. Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use and require little upkeep, making them a good choice, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their variable settings and remote control. Wood-burning inserts are the perfect option for property owners who cherish the authentic experience of a crackling fire and the scent of burning wood.
Alongside their efficiency and convenience, fireplace inserts are also good for the environment. Traditional fireplace pollution is reduced through the efficient burning of fuel and the production of fewer emissions.
Having a professional installation is crucial to guarantee the correct and safe installation of a fireplace insert. Fireplace inserts are a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to enhance the convenience, comfort, and value of their property, offering numerous benefits. With the ability to direct more heat into the room and reduce heat loss, fireplace inserts not only enhance home comfort but also offer a cost-effective solution to heating bills. Different methods of venting may be required for different kinds of fireplace inserts, which is important to consider. Seeking professional consultation is crucial for property owners to determine the best venting option for their specific fireplace insert, as well as to guarantee proper installation and safety.
Natural Stone Fireplaces
Why don't you bring the outside in and build a spectacular looking natural stone fireplace? It could be that you already have some natural stone features on your property's exterior, for example a stone facade or boundary wall. Why don't you complement those features on the inside of your property?
Either stone cladding or full depth stone can be used to build a natural stone fireplace. Your taste and spending budget could affect your choice. There are also a number of different kinds of stone which can be used to build a fireplace, including: limestone, sandstone, granite, slate, quartz or marble.
How your finished fireplace looks, will depend on the kind of stone that is used, the building technique (dry stone or mortar jointed) and the individuality of the craftsman or stonemason who builds it. Take a look around the internet and find some designs that you like, and you can show these to your fireplace builder before they get to work.
Stone isn't always a suitable material for a modern day home, because it has a striking appearance and can rather dominate the look of a room, but of course this is down to the choice of each individual homeowner - perhaps dramatic and spectacular is what you have in mind!
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Carbon monoxide detector installation - article 231.
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Fireplace Installers Near Cambridge
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Cambridge Fireplace Related Tasks
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