Fireplace Fitter Clapham Greater London (SW4): If you are sick and tired of soaring energy costs and would like to find another way to heat your property in Clapham, why don't you open up that unused fireplace and put in an economical open, wood burning or multi-fuel fire? You won't just delight in the ambience and warmth of a stove or open fire through the frosty winter's evenings, but if you combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, you will also be provided with a constant supply of steaming hot water.
There are some vital points to consider if you're going to to finish up with a safe and efficient fireplace, before you commence knocking down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace. For starters, Part J of the UK Building Regulations will have to be adhered to in relation to the construction and installation of any hearths, flue linings, chimney breasts and fireplaces that are an integral part of a heat producing appliance in your home in Clapham. Planning permission may also be needed before work begins if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
A basic remodeling of a pre-existing fireplace can generally be completed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer, however if any building work is required there's a chance of encountering structural problems which will have to be dealt with professionally. It could be that so as to get a fire burning in your fireplace once more you'll need little more than a quick clean of the hearth and a visit from a chimney sweep. It is far more likely however, that you will reveal a blocked flue and an area of old brickwork that will need structural reinforcement to make it safe.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not only a fire risk to your home, but there can be health hazards, which is why it is best to bring in a specialist Clapham installation company for a fireplace. A key part of Part J of the Building Regulations for fireplaces is that sufficient oxygen is available for a fire to burn efficiently and properly. Insufficient oxygen means the fire won't burn well, and carbon monoxide fumes could build up, which can lead to death.
To enable the fire to receive enough oxygen to burn safely and efficiently at all times, it may be a requirement for a competent fireplace installation technician to fit airflow vents in flooring and walls. They may also have to fit air vents into unused chimney flues which can sometimes trap condensing air and lead to damp spots and staining to your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Large quantities of soot and dust will enter your home when you are having a fireplace opened up. It is recommended that you remove your your belongings and any woven materials before any fireplace refurbishment work starts, because even with covers and other dust protection for your furniture, the chance of impairment from grime and soot is still likely. If your fireplace is being fitted as part of a larger restoration project then it ought to be one of the first tasks to be done once you have got the room back to bare walls and floors. This will help to avoid damage to other phases of your renovation project (i.e. painted walls or fresh plaster), by soot and dirt that's released.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
With the fireplace open, it's time to determine what needs to be renovated or replaced and give the hearth and chimney a good cleaning. Bringing in a chimney sweep to clean your chimney will be one of the initial things on the to-do-list. Whilst doing cleaning, they'll be able to assess the structural stability of your flue and chimney, and propose what is necessary to get it back in good shape.
Following a chimney sweep examination it may be required to strengthen the chimney breast and/or install a new flue lining in keeping with Part J of the Building Regulations. These are projects that require an experienced builder with a good understanding of the applicable building regs and quality construction skills.
In an older building a concrete or steel lintel might be necessary to modify the opening, if you discover that the exposed fireplace is too big. When this step has been accomplished, the restoration or upgrading of the fireplace hearth can be dealt with. Many old hearths were sunk into voids in the floor. If that's the scenario with your hearth it will need to be raised at least 12.5mm above floor level if it is to meet the building regs as they stand. You could ask your fireplace builder in Clapham about a bespoke, custom-built hearth to complement your property's style and design, or if your fireplace is of a standard size, there's a whole host of pre-formed options in stone, marble and slate.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Because of the huge selection of different fireplace designs and styles, picking the one that's right for you may not be that straightforward. You can see what is available by going on the web or by visiting your nearest fireplace showroom. To help you select a fireplace that goes with your home decor, and is also suitable for your existing chimney and flue, it is advised that you ask for the recommendations of the sales and installation team, which will be based on your requirements.
A wood burner or multi fuel stove might be perfect for some rooms and dwellings in Clapham, while an open fireplace will be more appropriate for others. If you are lucky enough to have a house with an inglenook fireplace for instance, this is the ideal setting for an old-fashioned cast iron wood-burner stove. This won't just deflect the heat back into the room, but will also draw attention to the charm and elegance of the stove itself.
Even if you don't have an existing chimney breast in your Clapham property, it is still entirely possible to install a wood burner stove. Providing that you have an exterior wall through which a stainless steel flue from the stove can be channeled, you don't need to have a pre-existing chimney in place to be able to enjoy a "real" fire.
MULTI-FUEL, GAS, WOOD, ELECTRIC OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
You cannot really beat a roaring fire on a dark winter evening, to create a unique atmosphere and charm in your Clapham home, but what are the alternatives?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Multi-fuel stoves provide you with the option of using oil, coal, wood and gas to furnish you with a multipurpose heater for any home in Clapham. If connected to your radiator system, some of the multi-fuel stoves (such as the AGA range) can provide heating for your entire property, as well as cooking facilities, hot water and even outside BBQs.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fireplaces are superior to wood burners when it comes to their thermal efficiency, and you can find a wide variety of sizes and styles to complement any home in Clapham. The maintenance and installation of gas fireplaces must only be carried out by a Gas Safe heating technician in Clapham.
Electric Fireplaces - Just about any competent person can safely and quickly put in one of these fires, and the wide selection of models make these an extremely popular choice for homeowners in Clapham. Modern electric fires can provide authentic looking flame effects and and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood to mimic an open fire when inset into an old fashioned fireplace.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can have modern or traditional styling to suit the decor of your property, and they have become "the in thing" in many properties in Clapham. If fitted with a back boiler can provide steaming hot water to heat radiators or for other use around the house.
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with a variety of solid fuels, and creates an interesting focal point for your living space. In the bad old days an open fire may have been associated with being smoky, draughty and inefficient, however a professionally installed contemporary fireplace is a joy to sit in front of and bask in the warm glow it provides.
Fireplace installation work can be done in Clapham and also in: Clapham Park, Walworth, Herne Hill, Vauxhall, Nine Elms, Grosvenor Way, Vassal, Myatts Field Sout, Oaklands Estate, Kennington, Little Portugal, and in these postcodes SW3 9DU, SW3 2WS, SW3 9DL, SW3 2XB, SW3 2ZP, SW3 9EH, SW3 1ZL, SW3 1XJ, SW3 6XP, and SW3 6ZL. If they've got the telephone code 020 and the postcode SW4, it is likely that they work in Clapham or somewhere close by.
Flues
Enabling your chimney to perform much more efficiently, a flue lining is an important element of the chimney system on your house. Flue liners are ducts made from clay, metal or ceramic material which are installed inside chimneys to carry toxic fumes to the outside. If you reside in an older home in Clapham, it might be that you haven't got a flue lining in your chimney at all, or that the existing one is damaged and will need to be replaced with a new one.
As a fire is burning in your grate, some toxic fumes and gases are the result, and the flue of your chimney can be impaired and eaten away and harmed by these gases. A good time to check for damages is while your chimney is being swept and cleaned - so ask your sweep to do this. Rather than venting those hazardous gases outside, a busted flue lining can allow them to seep into your home's interior. Intense heat can also be permitted to pass into the structure of the chimney, generating the possibility of fires.
Stone Fireplaces
You could consider bringing the outside in, and build a natural stone fireplace, which is a wonderful way to create a really spectacular look. It could be that you have already got some natural stone features on the exterior of your property, for example a stone boundary wall or facade. Why not complement those natural features indoors?
A stone fireplace can be built using either full-depth stone or stone cladding. Your budget and taste may influence which of these you pick. Also, sandstone, limestone, marble, slate, granite or quartz can be used to construct a natural stone fireplace.
The look of your new fireplace will be affected by the individuality of the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it, the building technique (dry stone or mortar joints) and the kind of stone that is used. If you have a good idea of exactly what you want, get some photos and go over these with your fireplace company before they begin.
Stone is not always suitable for a modern day home, because it has a striking appearance and can rather dominate the look of a space, but obviously that's down to the taste of each individual householder - maybe spectacular is what you have in mind!
Chimney Sweeping
If you have an open fire or a wood burner in your home, you ought to get your chimney swept frequently. Chimneys need to be swept and cleaned at least once yearly to keep them in safe working condition.
In order to get the work done properly and without lots of mess, the best approach is to contact a qualified Clapham chimney sweep, who'll be happy to help you. There are added benefits to calling in a professional, because if there are any problems or safety issues with your chimney, the chimney sweep is in a position to spot them.
If you do not routinely sweep your chimney in Clapham, the resulting accumulation of soot, ash and creosote can quite easily lead to a chimney fire. An equally hazardous situation that can arise as a result of a badly maintained chimney is carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your property.
Ensure your chosen Clapham chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by ample public liability insurance. For Clapham chimney cleaning quotes GO HERE.
Chimney Cowl Installation Clapham
The hood-shaped cover that can be installed over your chimney pot to improve the draft and stop smoke from backing up is called a chimney cowl. Often manufactured from galvanized iron, the chimney cowl has the purpose of preventing the wind from blowing smoke down the chimney and causing an issue. This should be an integral part of any fireplace in Clapham. If you want to fully enjoy the many benefits of a fireplace, you should add a cowl to your chimney in Clapham.
There are several forms of chimney cowl on the market. There are pot hanging cowls which 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 style of cowl is a weathering cap, which is mounted on the end of the flue system. It is bigger than the chimney pot, which ensures that it stays in place.
You can also find chimney cowls made from everyday objects, like a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Chicken wire can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make decent chimney cowls. These covers can easily be purchased on the web or at a local hardware store.
One of the most common kinds of chimney cowl is known as the H-style. This pattern is one of the best for controlling 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 developed for marine applications, but has become popular among property owners because of its energy-saving attributes.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and lowering downdraught. It is available in a range of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upwards from the stove.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to stop birds from building nests in your chimney in Clapham. They are comparatively cheap and easy to put in. You should make certain that you have clear access to the area above the chimney stack to fit one. It can also stop dirt and debris from accumulating inside the chimney.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick fireplaces have been a favourite in buildings for hundreds of years, and it's hardly surprising. They not only provide warmth and comfort during cold weather but also add a rustic touch to any space they're in. There are a few items that you'll need to think about if you're considering installing a brick fireplace in your property in Clapham
Firstly, you'll need to decide on the design of fireplace you prefer. Conventional brick fireplaces typically feature a straightforward design with a mantel and hearth. Nevertheless, you can also opt for a more modern design with clean lines and a sleek finish.
Brick fireplaces can be constructed from a number of different kinds of brick, each with its own unique texture and colour. You will want to go with a brick that fits in with the style of your property and fits with the overall look that you are trying to create.
Lastly, don't forget about the practical considerations. A brick fireplace can be a source of heat for your home, so you'll want to make sure it is correctly vented and that you're using it safely.
All in all, a brick fireplace can be a terrific addition to your property in Clapham, providing both functional warmth and aesthetic appeal. With a little consideration and planning, you can create eye-catching and functional brick fireplace that will be a focal point in your home for years to come.
More Clapham Tradespeople: Naturally, whenever you happen to be doing home improvements in Clapham, Greater London, you'll probably be in need of all types of different tradesmen and as well as fireplace specialists in Clapham, Greater London, you may additionally need a plasterer in Clapham, a stonemason in Clapham, an electrician in Clapham, a carpenter in Clapham, a heating engineer in Clapham, a cleaner in Clapham, SKIP HIRE in Clapham, a chimney sweep in Clapham, a roofing specialist in Clapham, a metal worker in Clapham, a general builder in Clapham, a handyman in Clapham, a damp proofer in Clapham, a flooring company in Clapham, a painter/decorator in Clapham, power washing in Clapham, waste removal in Clapham, a bricklayer in Clapham, and several other different Clapham tradesmen.
Clapham Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Clapham fireplace fitter can provide a number of different services, and in addition to what has previously been covered they can do stone fireplace installation, fireplace installation, fireplaces Clapham, elm fireplaces Clapham, fireplace hearths, inglenook fireplaces, two-sided fireplaces, modern fireplace installations in Clapham, fireplace removal Clapham, marble fireplaces, open fireplaces, chimney sweeping in Clapham, chimney cowl installation, reclaimed fireplaces Clapham, made-to-measure fireplaces in Clapham, period fireplace installations, Victorian fireplaces Clapham, cast fireplaces, corner fireplaces in Clapham, fireplace fitting, Regency fireplaces Clapham, limestone fireplace installations, traditional fireplaces Clapham, double-sided stoves, period fireplaces, fireplace suites, fireplace packages Clapham, fake fireplace installation Clapham, fireplacequotations, fireplace replacement, designer fireplaces, gas fireplace installation, stone fireplaces, electric fireplace installations, brick fireplace installation, and others. These services are just a few of those offered by your local fireplace installer. You can easily CLICK HERE and complete our simple quote form, if there are some other Clapham fireplace requirements that you need but cannot find here.
Fireplace Installers Near Clapham
Also find: Vauxhall fireplace installers, Nine Elms fireplace installers, Myatts Field Sout fireplace installers, Clapham Park fireplace installers, Vassal fireplace installers, Kennington fireplace installers, Herne Hill fireplace installers, Oaklands Estate fireplace installers, Little Portugal fireplace installers, Walworth fireplace installers, Grosvenor Way fireplace installers and more. There are people who install fireplaces in just about all of these locations. In your home, these skilled tradespeople can put their knowledge and expertise to use for adeptly installing fireplaces. These dedicated professionals can help residents experience the comfort, ambiance and warmth that a fireplace brings to their living spaces. Local residents can obtain fireplace installation price quotes by going here. So, why not get cracking with your fireplace installation right away!
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