Fireplace Fitter Chesham Buckinghamshire (HP5): Fitting a new fireplace or opening up an old disused fireplace in your Chesham property is a splendid way to add a homely feel and some character to any room. Providing that there's a ready source of wood or fuel, the addition of an open fire or multi-fuel stove for those chilly winters' days could even be more cost effective than a traditional central heating system. Combine a back boiler with your fireplace and you will be able to enjoy constant supplies of hot water for even more savings.
If you're going to to finish up with an efficient and safe fireplace, there are a few crucial aspects to consider, before you begin bashing down the walls of a boarded over fireplace. All work must comply with Part J of the UK Building Regulations, which addresses the construction and installation of fireplaces, flue linings, hearths and chimney breasts of any heat producing appliance. If you are living in a listed building or are in a designated conservation area you must check with the local council to find out if planning permission is required for installing a fireplace in your home.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
You may be able to do some of the renovation work to a blocked up fireplace if you've got the skills to do so, but safety and structural problems are often found that need to be resolved by a professional. When your boarded up fireplace is exposed you might be lucky and find a stable hearth, lintel and chimney breast which requires little more than a clean by a chimney sweep to get it all working once again. What you'll likely find is an area of crumbling, old bricks that hides problems such as a blocked chimney or a lintel that needs replacing.
Hiring a certified fireplace installer in Chesham is normally recommended, as an improperly installed fireplace can cause respiratory health problems and a severe fire risk. As is laid down in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where a fireplace is installed, because in order for it to burn correctly, the right amount of oxygen is needed. A fire won't burn well if there is not enough oxygen, and death could occur where carbon monoxide gas builds-up.
To overcome this problem a professional fireplace installation technician will consider the situation and install vents in the room, or under the floor, to guarantee a sufficient air flow for the fire to burn efficiently and safely. Unused and blocked up chimney flues might also need to have air vents fitted as they can often trap moist air inside them and cause damp to develop inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
When you're opening up a fireplace for refurbishing, you'll probably be astonished at the magnitude of the muck and soot that has accumulated inside your old chimney. It is advisable to remove your your carpets and furniture before any fireplace restoration work commences, as even with covers and other dust protection for your furniture, the chance of impairment from dirt and soot is still quite likely. Because of the mess that's involved, if the fireplace installation is only a part of a more extensive home renovation project, it should be one of the first tasks to be done after the room has been brought back to bare floors and walls in preparation. If other work has already been accomplished, this may be affected by soot and dirt.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
As soon as the fireplace has been successfully opened up, you'll have a far clearer picture of the kind of renovation work that needs to be done. You can also then proceed with sweeping the chimney and cleaning any remaining portions of the hearth and back panel. You now ought to contact your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done so, to come and look at the old chimney and fireplace. Whilst sweeping and cleaning, they'll be in a good position to assess the structural condition of your flue liner and chimney, and recommend what's needed to get everything working safely.
If you need to strengthen the chimney or install a flue lining all relevant Building Regulations must be complied with. These are tasks that need to be done by an experienced builder with a good understanding of the pertinent building regs and reliable construction skills.
If it is necessary to adjust the width of opening of your original fireplace to something smaller and more suitable for your design, a concrete supporting lintel will have to be put in. The installation, updating and repair of the hearth can go ahead once the lintel is in position. Many old hearths were sunken into the floor. If that's the scenario with your hearth it will have to be raised slightly above the level of the floor if it is to observe the Building Regulations for the UK as they stand. You'll find that there is a wide range of off-the-shelf hearths in concrete, marble or stone, but if your fireplace isn't of a standard size you may have to opt for a tailor-made hearth, which you could ask your fireplace builder in Chesham about.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
If you pop along to a fireplace outlet you'll find that you are spoilt for choice with the range of different options open to you. It usually pays to heed the advice of the salespeople in relation to which fireplaces will be suitable for your flue, chimney and airflow situation, as some definitely won't be.
In determining the design of fireplace that is the best option for your circumstances, you'll need to consider the age of your property in Chesham, and the theme that you're aiming to achieve for your room. If you've got an inglenook fireplace, a cast iron wood burning stove can look striking set inside it, which also has the benefit of deflecting heat into the room from the brick or stone walls that surround the stove.
It is still possible to install a wood burning stove, even if there's no chimney breast in your Chesham home. You don't need a chimney to benefit from a genuine fire, provided that you've got an outside wall through which a stainless steel flue from the wood burner can be routed.
OPEN, ELECTRIC, WOOD, GAS OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
A flickering fire on a winter's evening delivers a charm and ambience that can't be matched, but what other options are available to install in your brand new fireplace in Chesham?
Open Fireplaces - A crackling fire is a focus for any room and it has the capability to burn virtually any solid fuel available on the market. Being a far cry from the smoky fireplaces of days gone by, a modern, expertly installed open fire provides a warm and cosy environment in any Chesham property.
Electric Fireplaces - A wide variety of electric fireplaces to complement any property in Chesham, can be easily fitted by anyone who is reasonable competent. An electric fire can be successfully installed in your property, even if you've got a traditional fireplace, and many of them look almost like a "real" fire with crackling sound effects and dancing flames.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name indicates they can be fired up with with various fuels, such as coal, gas, wood or oil, and become a unique focal point in any kitchen or living room in Chesham. One of the best known brands of multi-fuel stoves is AGA, and these can not only provide you with cheap heating for your entire home, but also cooking facilities and hot water.
Wood Burning Stoves - These devices can be a free standing feature where needed, and there is a wide variety to suit any age of dwelling in Chesham. An integrated back boiler is an extra benefit and could provide hot water for use around the home, or for heating in other rooms via radiators.
Gas Fireplaces - Providing instant heat and being more efficient when compared to wood burning stoves, there are a wide selection of styles to suit any Chesham home. A Gas Safe registered engineer must maintain and fit any gas fireplace in your home.
Chimney Cowls Chesham
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cover for your chimney that adds draft and stops back-up. Sitting neatly over your chimney pot, and typically crafted from galvanized iron, it helps to stop the wind blowing smoke back down your chimney. It can be found online or in a builder's merchants. Whether you decide to buy a new one or make your current one work better, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working effectively.
There are several sorts of chimney cowls available. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They attach to the flue liner by way of three straps, which secure the cowl in place. Another kind of cowl is a weathering cap, which is mounted on the end of the flue. It is bigger than the chimney pot, which makes sure that it stays in position.
Chimney cowls are also available that are made from commonplace products, like a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Chicken wire can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These covers can easily be purchased on the internet or at a local hardware store.
Chimney cowls are a quick way to prevent birds nesting in your chimney and blocking the whole thing up. They're reasonably priced and simple to install. You should make certain you have clear access to the space above the chimney stack to install one effectively. It can also stop debris from accumulating inside your chimney.
Fireplace Installers Chesham
Fireplace installers are the experts in the maintenance and installation of fireplaces. Those who possess a whole range of fireplace installation and repair abilities can handle various kinds of fireplaces, including gas, electric and wood-burning fireplaces. These professionals are typically hired by construction companies or fireplace manufacturers, although some opt for independent work.
The installation of a fireplace requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Compliance with all relevant standards and ensuring safety of the installation requires fireplace installers to have knowledge of local building regulations and codes. They must also be familiar with the different types of materials and tools needed for the work.
Additionally, fireplace installers offer maintenance services to keep the fireplace in good working condition. To ensure fireplaces are in good condition, maintenance services offered include chimney cleaning, replacement of damaged parts, and inspection for any safety issues.
Fireplace installation is a field of specialisation that necessitates significant training and expertise. The safety and highest standards of the task necessitate hiring a qualified and reputable fireplace installer. The creation of cosy and functional living spaces depends on the work of fireplace installers. Property owners in Chesham can enjoy the comfort and warmth of a fireplace without concerns or worries, thanks to the expertise and skill of fireplace installers. READ MORE HERE: FIREPLACE INSTALLERS
Improve the Cost-Efficiency of Your Fireplace
The classic open fireplace has lost a little bit of of its allure because of concerns for the environment but it's still favoured by many in Chesham. The natural ambiance of a fireplace invokes very special remembrances for those who've got them. The fireplace can offer many benefits for your home, but there are also several important downsides that may need to be addressed. With energy costs rising year after year, your fireplace has to emit heat in a very cost-effective way. When you've got a fire roaring in the fireplace, it can literally extract warm air out of the room, making your heater work harder. If there's no fire, a damper is supposed to control the airflow. However, dampers are generally not very successful seals, therefore a lot of the warm air escapes and permits cold air to enter the room.
A great many householders in Chesham with fireplaces don't realise how it can impact the cost of heating their home. Instead of warming a house naturally, a fireplace can actually add hundreds of pounds to the cost of your heating. However, there are several procedures that can be followed that can easily turn your budget smashing fireplace into something much more efficient. There happen to be four simple steps that you can take to make your fireplace into a cost-effective heat resource. These will make your fireplace a lot more effective, and reduce your energy bills.
The 1st thing to do is to replace the current damper with a top sealing damper. This kind of damper is placed at the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from coming in. It will keep the outside air from coming in, and the internal air from getting out, and works in hot weather or cold. This does not take much time to install and you can order one online. Another thing which can be done is to fit a fire-back at the rear of your fireplace. It is made of cast iron and is used to enhance the look of your fireplace whilst shielding the back wall from heat damage. The fire-back gets warmed up by the flames and sends the heat back into a room, consequently boosting the efficiency of the fireplace.
Another way to save money is by using a fireplace heater, which heats the area by pulling the air into a heat chamber and blowing the air back into the room. These heaters are sealed systems, so no smoke is discharged, and they can really make a huge difference to the temperature of your home. The final thing that can be done is to fix glass doors, which might be the most expensive option. Hunting around, you should be able to find a good deal, and with instructions, you can install them on your own. Glass fireplace doors can keep the air in your property from escaping and also help to safeguard your children and pets from fires.
The information we've just given is not all that tricky to put into action, and all of the products can be purchased on the internet. Look after your fireplace and see your energy costs fall.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Chesham
If you want to really turn heads with your fireplace, there is no better way than to build one out of stone. This is a great way to bring a sense of the outdoors, indoors! It's possible that you have already got some stone features on your home's exterior, such as a stone facade or boundary wall. This could be a way to coordinate those natural features on the inside.
Either stone cladding or full depth stone can be used to create a natural stone fireplace. Your taste and price range could influence your decision. Also, granite, quartz, marble, limestone, sandstone or slate can be used to construct a natural stone fireplace.
Just how your fireplace looks when it's completed will depend on the kind of stone which is used, the individuality of the tradesman or stonemason who builds it and the building technique (dry stone or mortar built). Choose a design and style that you would like to end up with, and show the fireplace company some photographs before they begin the project.
There is no doubt that stone fireplaces are normally more suited to older buildings, and may be a bit too striking and dominant for a more modern residence. But the choice, as they say, is yours.
Flue Linings
Fitted to improve the efficiency and safety of your chimney structure, a flue liner (or chimney liner) is crucial and should not be omitted whatever the circumstances. With the objective of transporting toxic fumes to the outside of a building, flue liners are ducts made from ceramic material, clay or metal which are fitted to the inside of chimneys. If you reside in an older home in Chesham, it may be that you don't have a flue liner in your chimney at all, or that the old lining is compromised and will need to be replaced.
Hazardous gases and fumes are produced by burning fires and these can soon damage the flue of your fireplace. You could either ask the chimney sweep to assess it for damage and potential issues whilst your chimney is being swept, or alternatively ask the fireplace fitter to examine it. A flue that's been compromised may enable those toxic gases to seep into your living area, rather than expelling them out into the atmosphere. There is an increased risk of house fires when flu linings are damaged, as blistering heat can reach the actual structure of the chimney, often with lethal results.
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Chesham Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace installer can accomplish an extensive variety of tasks including fireplace restoration in Chesham, flue lining inspections Chesham, marble fireplace surrounds Chesham, fireplace cleaning, gas fireplace installations, Victorian fireplace installations in Chesham, classic fireplaces, open fireplaces in Chesham, outdoor fireplaces Chesham, fireplace suites, fireplace installation, marble fireplaces, 2-sided fireplaces in Chesham, chimney lining in Chesham, freestanding stoves, fake fireplace installations, Regency fireplaces Chesham, brick fireplace installation, electric fireplaces, fireplace services, fireplace repairs, carbon monoxide detector installation, contemporary fireplaces Chesham, inset stove installations, electric fire suites, marble fireplace installation, fireplace removal, fireplace fitting Chesham, wood burning fireplaces, timber mantels, fireplace replacement Chesham, fireplace inserts, brick fireplaces in Chesham, designer fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Chesham, and more. Listed are just some of the duties that are performed by a local fireplace installer. Chesham companies operating in the area will be happy to tell you about the whole range of fireplace services that are available. If there happen to be additional Chesham fireplace requirements that you need but can't see here, you should give them a mention on the QUOTE FORM provided.
Fireplace Installers Near Chesham
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