Fireplace Fitter Cricklade Wiltshire (SN6): Putting in a brand new fireplace or re-opening an old disused fireplace in your Cricklade property is a good way to add a homely feel and a bit of charm to any room. Adding a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those cold winter days can even prove to be more cost effective than some central heating systems, providing that you've got a good source of timber or fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can supply you with a plentiful supply of piping hot water in the process.
There are some important considerations you must think of before you commence any work, in order to create an attractive, safe and efficient fireplace in your home. Any work that is undertaken on your chimney breast, fireplace, flue lining and hearth must follow the UK's Part J building regulations for combustible appliances. For the installation of a fireplace in a building that is listed, or one that's positioned in a designated conservation area, you'll have to check with you local planning office if planning permission will be required.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you're a keen DIYer it might be quite possible to restore an existing bricked-up fireplace, however the chances of experiencing structural issues in most cases is high. You might be fortunate when exposing your old fireplace and find out you need little more than a decent clean up of the hearth and a quick chimney sweep in order to get a roaring fire once more. If you aren't so blessed, you'll discover a crumbling wall of bricks that is hiding a string of problems, like a blocked chimney or an old broken lintel.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not just a fire risk to your home, but there can also be associated respiratory health hazards, which is why it is best to employ a specialist Cricklade installation team for a fireplace. There always has to be airflow into a room where there's a fireplace to guarantee sufficient levels of oxygen for the fire to burn effectively. A fire that is burning inefficiently in a poorly ventilated area can lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide.
An experienced fireplace installation engineer will consider the situation and get past this issue and guarantee an adequate amount of air flow for the fire to combust effectively and safely, by installing vents in locations around the room, or underneath the floor. Moist, condensed air can frequently get trapped within blocked or unused chimney flues which might also require improved ventilation, to prevent issues with damp inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
A large amount of soot and other dust can be discharged from an old chimney upon reopening it for renovation. So that the rugs, carpets and furniture inside a room don't get impacted by the soot and grime that is emitted during work by a fireplace installer, it is recommended that you have them removed in advance. If it is merely a part of a bigger home renovation project, the opening up of an unused fireplace ought to be one of the initial things that you tackle, due to the mess that is involved. By opening a fireplace first you'll stop any soot from the chimney causing damage to other phases of your project, such as paint on walls or fresh plasterwork.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
With the fireplace opened up, it is time to find out what is in a fit state to be renovated and give the hearth and chimney a good clean. Contacting a proper Cricklade chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney is one of the initial things on the agenda. They'll not only make sure that your flue and chimney are nice and clean, but they can additionally assess the state of the flue liner and existing chimney and provide guidance about whether you need to upgrade any section of the chimney and flu, such as the flue liner.
If it is necessary to strengthen the chimney or install a flue lining all current UK Building Regulations must be complied with. These are projects that require a skilled tradesman with a good understanding of the pertinent building regs and sound construction skills.
In an older building a concrete lintel may be required to modify the opening, if it is discovered that the exposed fireplace is too big for your planned design. When your concrete lintel is safely in place you can now proceed with the updating, installation and repair of the fireplace's hearth. The situation with hearths has changed somewhat down the years, and while in the past they were usually sunken into the floor, they must now be raised above floor level if the current UK Building Regulations are to be followed. To achieve this, there are off-the-shelf options made from marble, slate or stone, or you may choose a bespoke, tailor-made hearth to match your room design, which your Cricklade fireplace builder will be able to help you with.
DESIGNS AND STYLES OF FIREPLACE
You will soon realise that you are spoiled for choice in relation to fireplaces, with the wonderful selection of choices that are available, as soon as step through the door of a decent fireplace showroom. To enable you to select a fireplace that is suited to your flue and chimney, as well as for your home's decor, it's recommended that you get the advice of the installation team.
Whether you go with an open fireplace, a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner will depend on the look that you are attempting to develop, your current decor and perhaps, your home's age. If you have an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, a wood burner can look stunning set within it, and has the added benefit of effectively reflecting the heat back into the room from the brick or stone walls that surround the stove.
If your Cricklade property does not have a chimney breast you've still got the option of a feature fireplace through the installation of a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner. A pre-existing chimney isn't required because the flue is fitted to the rear or top of the stove and channeled through an outside wall.
MULTI-FUEL, GAS, ELECTRIC, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
The feel and ambience of a "real" fire can't be matched, however what options are available if this type of fireplace is not possible within your Cricklade property?
Open Fireplaces - A crackling fire is a stunning focal point for any room in your home and it has the capacity to burn virtually any solid fuel that is available. Luckily, modern fireplaces are not the draughty, smoky and inefficient features that they were previously, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To introduce a great focal point in your living space, these stoves can burn a variety of fuels, such as oil, smokeless coal, gas or wood. The AGA range for instance is renowned as being able to provide heat for an entire house, a constant hot water supply and an oven and hob all in one single appliance.
Gas Fireplaces - There are an assortment of designs to complement any home in Cricklade, and as they provide immediate heat, they're more efficient thermally than wood burning stoves in general. You will need a Gas Safe certified heating engineer to install one these fireplaces in your house in Cricklade.
Electric Fireplaces - Virtually any capable person can quickly and safely put in one of these fires, and the huge variety of models make these an extremely popular choice for householders in Cricklade. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish from the genuine article with with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires, and they can be inset into conventional fireplaces when required.
Wood Burning Stoves - A wide variety of styles to match any age of house in Cricklade, and can even be a freestanding feature. They can provide piping hot water for radiators or for other uses in your house, if used in tandem with a back boiler.
Chimney Cowls
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cover that fits over the chimney to improve the draft and stop smoke from backing up. It's typically crafted from galvanised iron and its purpose is to stop the wind blowing smoke down the chimney. You should install a cowl on your chimney in Cricklade if you want to enjoy the many benefits of a fireplace.
There are several forms of chimney cowl on the market. There are pot hanging cowls which can be installed without removing the chimney pot. They connect to the flue liner by means of 3 straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another type of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. It is bigger than the chimney pot, which makes certain that it remains in place.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to stop birds building nests in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They are inexpensive and simple to install. You should make certain you have easy access to the space above the chimney to install one effectively. It can also prevent dirt and debris from accumulating inside your chimney.
Hints To Maintain Your Open Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Costs
With worries about the environment, the iconic fireplace is missing some of its appeal, although it is still a favourite for many folks in Cricklade. The natural comfort of a fireplace invokes very special recollections for those who have them. Having a fireplace has its benefits but there are also some downsides which could have an impact on its usefulness. As power costs rise, you need to make sure that your fireplace is producing heat in an efficient way. Although having a fire going in a fireplace keeps those around it warm, it can actually suck warm air from other parts of the room, causing your heater to work harder. The fireplace damper is supposed to keep cold air from coming in to your home when you haven't got a fire in the fireplace. Yet, dampers are not particularly successful seals, so all the warm air escapes and allows cold air to come into the property.
What most folks in Cricklade may not understand about their fireplace is that it does not necessarily do exactly what they assume it's doing. Instead of keeping heating costs down, it can actually do the complete reverse if one isn't careful. There is a way to take your inefficient fireplace, and remake it into a heat creating system that will more closely fit your budget. There are at least 4 easy elements that you can do to improve your fireplace. Each of these is going to make your fireplace very affordable and very efficient.
The 1st thing to do is to replace the current damper with a top sealing damper. This kind of damper is located near the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from coming in. The top sealing damper will keep the air in your home from getting away and operates remarkably well in warm and cold weather. It is not very difficult to put in and can be easily bought on the web. Another thing that you can do would be to fit a fire-back at the back of your fireplace. It is made of cast iron and is used to improve the appearance of your fireplace while shielding the back wall from fire damage. The fire-back takes the heat from a fire, and sends it back towards the room, improving the overall performance of the fireplace.
The next thing that can help is a fireplace heater, which heats the room air that's being circulated through a chamber, and sends it back inside the room. These heaters don't release any smoke and should be very effective in keeping your home warm. Lastly, it is possible to install glass doors which could be the costliest. Searching around, you will be able to locate a bargain, and with instructions, you can even fit them on your own. These glass doors help to stop the heat from escaping plus it keeps children and pets from being burned.
All of these suggestions are simple to do, and the products can easily be found online. Get the best from your fireplace and see your energy costs drop.
Fireplace Inserts Cricklade
Upgrading traditional fireplaces with fireplace inserts is a sought-after option among householders in Cricklade. Designed to direct more heat into the room and decrease heat loss, these inserts have been created to improve the efficiency of a fireplace. For those who appreciate the ambience of a fire, these inserts provide a less complicated and safer option, free from the drawbacks of old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces.
There is an extensive range of sizes and styles to choose from for fireplace inserts, including electric, gas and wood-burning models. Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their remote control and adjustable settings. Wood-burning inserts are the perfect option for homeowners who cherish the authentic experience of a crackling fire and the scent of burning wood.
Besides their convenience and efficiency, fireplace inserts are also considerate of the environment. Traditional fireplace pollution is reduced through the efficient burning of fuel and the production of fewer emissions.
A professional installation is essential for a correct and safe installation of a fireplace insert. The benefits offered by fireplace inserts make them an excellent investment for property owners looking to enhance the convenience, comfort, and value of their property. 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. Homeowners should consult with a professional to determine the best venting system for their specific fireplace insert, as well as to ensure proper installation and safety.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Cricklade
You could always think about bringing the outdoors inside, and build a fireplace out of natural stone, which is a wonderful way to create a truly spectacular look. Perhaps your house has already got some natural exterior features, a stone boundary wall or facade for instance. This might be a method for matching those natural features internally.
A stone fireplace can be built using either full-depth stone or stone cladding. Your taste and price range could determine which of these you pick. The types of stone that can be used for fireplaces are numerous. Pick from slate, marble, sandstone, quartz, limestone or granite.
The precise appearance of your new fireplace will be affected by the method of building (mortar joints or dry stone), the methodology used by the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it and the type of stone used. Do some research before your fireplace installer begins, and show them some photos of what you have in mind.
Many modern properties aren't really suited to the look of a natural stone fireplace, mainly because stone can be so striking, and dominate the appearance of a room. However, each individual homeowner has their own taste and preferences, hence it is for them to choose.
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Fireplace Installers Near Cricklade
Also find: Calcutt fireplace installers, Castle Eaton fireplace installers, Down Ampney fireplace installers, Lushill fireplace installers, Water Eaton fireplace installers, Marston Meysey fireplace installers, South Cerney fireplace installers, Upper Waterhay fireplace installers, Kempsford fireplace installers, Ashton Keynes fireplace installers, Dunfield fireplace installers, Meysey Hampton fireplace installers, Seven Bridges fireplace installers and more.
Cricklade Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a whole host of tasks that can be carried out by your local Cricklade fireplace installer including reclaimed fireplaces Cricklade, corner fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces Cricklade, tiled fireplaces Cricklade, limestone fireplace installation, cast iron fireplace installations, fireplace design, modern fireplace installation in Cricklade, carbon monoxide detector installation in Cricklade, fireplace repairs in Cricklade, wood burning fireplaces Cricklade, designer fireplaces, flue liners Cricklade, bespoke fireplaces, inset stove installation, fireplace inserts in Cricklade, period fireplaces, fireplacerates in Cricklade, electric fireplace installations, fake fireplaces, wood burning fireplace installation Cricklade, fireplace replacement Cricklade, chimney cowl installations, fire grate conversions Cricklade, outdoor fireplaces Cricklade, chimney modifications, fake fireplace installations, designer fireplace installation, the installation of modern fireplaces, hearth-mounted electric fires, marble fireplaces, fireplace services, inglenook fireplaces, contemporary fireplaces Cricklade, classic fireplaces, and lots more. This is merely a sample of what you can expect from your local fireplace installer. Cricklade professionals will let you know their entire range of fireplace services. You can always click HERE and complete the quote form provided, if you have fireplace requirements in Cricklade, that you cannot see here.
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