Fireplace Fitter Great Lumley County Durham (DH3): The installation of a brand new fireplace, or the renovation of a pre-existing one is a wonderful way to add more charm to any Great Lumley home. Not only can you take joy from the warmth and comfort of an open fire through the cool winter days, but if you combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, you will also be provided with abundant steaming hot water.
Before you begin prising away at a blocked up chimney there are some things you will need to consider to make certain you can safely install your new fireplace. All work carried out must follow Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, which addresses the installation and construction of chimney breasts, hearths, fireplaces and flue linings of any heating appliance.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you have the ability to do so, and are good at do-it-yourself you might be capable of doing some of the remodeling work on an existing fireplace, but professional assistance may be required if structural issues arise during the process. It might be that so as to get a fire roaring in your fireplace once more you need little more than a quick clean of the hearth and a visit from a chimney sweep. What's more commonplace however is a jumble of old brickwork that hides a blocked flue, and needs some form of structural modification before it can be used safely.
Using a specialist fireplace fitter in Great Lumley is generally recommended, as a fireplace that's poorly installed can cause respiratory health problems and a serious fire risk. For a fire to burn safely in a room with a fireplace, there must be ample airflow to create a good level of oxygen. If there's not enough airflow then it is possible that a fire will not burn efficiently and cause a build-up of carbon monoxide fumes, which can be lethal.
To ensure suitable oxygen levels are able to reach the fire, and to effectively overcome any problems with air flow, vents may need to be installed in the room during the installation of a fireplace. Unused and blocked up chimney flues may also need to have air vents fitted as they can often trap moist air within them causing damp to develop inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are renowned for the volume of soot and muck that can build-up inside of them, thus when you set out to open up an unused fireplace you should expect it to be a pretty messy enterprise. It is sensible when possible to remove carpets and furniture from the room before the start of any work, although a decent Great Lumley fireplace installer will bring dust sheets to cover up for your home furnishings. Re-opening an unused fireplace ought to be one of the first tasks to be worked on, when it is part of a bigger home refurbishment project. By opening a fireplace first you will avoid any soot from the chimney causing damage to other phases of your restoration project, such as paint on walls or fresh plasterwork.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you've revealed your fireplace you will have a far better idea of the work that needs to be done, and also be in a position to thoroughly sweep the chimney and clean any parts of hearth that is still in position. One of the initial items on your agenda should be to bring in a decent chimney sweep who covers the Great Lumley area. They'll be able to offer professional guidance on the flue and chimney after sweeping, as to the state of the chimney structure and whether it would be advisable to upgrade the existing flue lining.
After an examination by an experienced Great Lumley chimney sweep, and observing Part J of the UK Building Regulations, work to strengthen the chimney structure and/or install a new lining could be necessary. A reputable fireplace installer in Great Lumley will be needed to accomplish this work, and should have the skills and knowledge of construction to closely follow all regulations.
You can't be certain that the dimensions of the uncovered fireplace will match up with the layout that you've got in mind, in which case it will be necessary to put in a new concrete lintel. The renovation, installation and upgrade of the fireplace hearth can commence as soon as the supporting lintel is in place. You might find your existing hearth has been set into a void in the floor, but to abide by latest Building Regulations it must be raised slightly above floor level. You can get tailor-made solutions to fit virtually any design and size of fireplace, or you can select from a variety of common size and shape hearths to match your decor.
FIREPLACE STYLE
A quick browse online or a trip to a fireplace showroom will demonstrate the alternatives that are available for the different styles and types of fireplaces. Every fireplace may not be appropriate for your existing chimney and flue therefore it is sensible to accept any guidance and advice offered by your installation team with regards to your specific situation.
Whether you decide on a multi-fuel stove, a wood burner or an open fireplace will depend on the all round style you are seeking to establish, your existing decor and perhaps even, the age of your property in Great Lumley. For instance, a wood burner looks great set back in an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, highlighting the charm of the stove and reflecting any heat that is generated back into the room effectively.
Even if you do not have an existing chimney in your Great Lumley home, it is still entirely possible to install a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. So long as you have an exterior wall through which a flue from the back or top of the stove can be routed, you don't need to have a pre-existing chimney structure to benefit from that "real" fire experience.
GAS, WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
If your situation doesn't allow for the installation of a natural fireplace, what are all the possible alternatives?
Open Fireplaces - A roaring fire is a stunning focal point for any room and it has the capability to burn almost any solid fuel that you can purchase. An expertly fitted open fire will be no comparison to the smoky old fireplace that was perhaps boarded up by earlier owners, and its glowing elegance is a welcome addition to any room in Great Lumley.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name suggests multi-fuel stoves can be fired up with with different fuels, such as smokeless coal, wood, gas or oil, and become a unique focal point in any kitchen or living room in Great Lumley. These can be utilised not simply for heating a room, but some styles like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used for heating the complete property if plumbed into a radiator network.
Electric Fireplaces - These are appropriate for almost any room and property in Great Lumley, and can be easily and safely installed by anybody who is reasonably competent. They can be inset into traditional fireplaces, and with "real feel" electric fires it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in traditional or contemporary designs to suit your decoration, and they have become "the in thing" in many Great Lumley homes. An added advantage of these is that they can provide hot water for domestic use around the home, or provide heating in another room via a radiator, when coupled with a back boiler.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a wide range of designs to suit any house in Great Lumley, and they provide instant heat which is more heat efficient than a wood burning or multi-fuel stove. You will need a certified Gas Safe contractor to install one these fires in your property in Great Lumley.
Fireplace installation work can be undertaken in Great Lumley and also in nearby places like: West Rainton, Woodstone Village, Leamside, Kimblesworth, Plawsworth, Middle Rainton, Bournmoor, Lumley Thicks, Castle Dean, Waldridge, Fence Houses, Colliery Row, together with these postcodes DH3 4LF, , DH3 4SP, DH3 4LQ, DH3 4ND, DH3 4LZ, DH3 4LX, DH3 4JF, DH3 4LU, and DH3 4NQ. Two hints which imply that a fireplace service operates in Great Lumley area is if they have the telephone code 0191 and the postcode DH3. This might be one thing that you can verify if you would like to guarantee that you hire a locally based fireplace fitter. Great Lumley householders will be able to benefit from these and numerous other fireplace services.
Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill And Also Keep Your Open Fireplace In Excellent Shape
The age-old fireplace may have lost a certain amount of of its allure as a result of environmental worries but it's still favoured by many householders in Great Lumley. Sitting near the heat of an open fireplace, brings back many treasured memories for lots of people. Having a fireplace has its advantages but there are a handful of negative aspects that could affect its performance. As energy costs increase, you need to ensure that your fireplace is giving you heat efficiently. While having a fire blazing in a fireplace keeps those near to it warm, it can actually suck warm air from the rest of the area, causing your heater to work harder. If there is no fire, a damper is supposed to regulate the airflow. Yet, dampers are not very efficient seals, therefore a lot of the warm air escapes and allows cold air to enter the room.
Many homeowners that have fireplaces in their home in Great Lumley don't realize how the fireplace can cause their energy bills to rise. Instead of warming a home naturally, a fireplace can actually add 100s of pounds to your heating expenses. But it is not all hopeless seeing that there are ways to make your fireplace far more economical. Just about all you need to do is only 4 fundamental things to fix your fireplace. These definitely will make your present fireplace more efficient, and lower your heating bills.
The first step is to take out your damper and change it for a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is installed toward the top end of your chimney which in turn also doubles as a storm door. It will keep the inside air from escaping, and the outside air from coming into the house, and works in cold or hot weather. Its not very tricky to install and may be easily purchased online. Another thing that can be done is to place a fire-back at the back of your fireplace. It is manufactured from cast iron and is used to improve the look of your fireplace while shielding the back wall from fire damage. The fire-back also soaks up heat from the fire and channels it back inside, making the fireplace more effective.
Another thing that is going to help is a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the air which is being circulated through an internal chamber, and sends it back inside the room. These fireplace heaters are created as closed systems in order that they don't produce any smoke, but they are quite effective at warming your room. Lastly, it is possible to install glass doors which could be the most costly option. If you do your homework, you can find glass doors at a decent price and install them yourself. These doors help to prevent the heat from getting away plus it keeps children and pets from being burned.
The guidance we've just given isn't difficult to put into action, and all of the required products can be purchased online. Just do your best to keep your fireplace efficient and notice your heating bill go down.
Flue Liners
Put in to improve the efficiency and safety of your chimney structure, a flue liner (or chimney liner) is crucial and should never be left out whatever the circumstances. Installed inside chimneys to transport smoke and fumes to the outside, flue liners are conduits fabricated from clay, ceramic material or metal. A chimney on an older home in Great Lumley may in fact not be fitted with a liner at all, or will need relining in accordance with it's age and condition.
The flue within your chimney can easily be harmed and eaten away and impaired by the harmful fumes and gases that develop whilst a fire is burning in your grate. A great time to check for damage and potential issues is whilst your chimney is being swept - so you should ask your sweep to do this for you. You need to prevent those toxic gases from seeping into your living area, which is what can take place when a flue is damaged. When a flue lining is impaired it can also expose the actual chimney structure to excessive heat, which can in turn increase the likelihood of a house fire occurring.
Brick Fireplaces Great Lumley
Brick fireplaces have been a staple in dwellings for hundreds of years, and it's hardly surprising. They not only provide warmth and comfort during the winter but also add a classic, rustic touch to any room they're in. There are some things that you will need to think about if you're considering installing a brick fireplace in your home in Great Lumley
Firstly, you'll need to decide on the style of fireplace you prefer. Conventional brick fireplaces generally feature a basic design with a mantel and hearth. However, you can also go with a more contemporary design with a sleek finish and clean lines.
With regards to brick selection, you have lots of options. Bricks come in a number of textures and colours, thus you can choose the perfect brick to complement your home's style. You could even think about mixing and matching different brick styles to create a unique look.
In addition to the visual considerations, you will also want to think about the functional aspects of a brick fireplace. Adequate venting is vital for safety, and you may also want to think about adding a fireplace insert or glass doors for improved efficiency. You will also need to ensure that the bricks are properly installed and the hearth is level to avoid any possible hazards.
To summarise, a brick fireplace can add warmth and charm to any room. With the right planning and consideration, you can create a functional and eye-catching brick fireplace that will enhance your home's design and provide a comfortable ambiance for your family to enjoy.
Friends & Family Recommendations
Relatives and friends are a fantastic source of recommendations, when your are searching for a contractor in Great Lumley for your project or undertaking. It's widely accepted, that person to person references are an excellent solution when it comes to finding someone who is perfect for your requirements, and can also be a great help in weeding out fireplace contractors who aren't up to the job, or local companies with less than flattering service records.
Getting the advice of a relative or friend also means you can discover if anything went wrong, how speedily mistakes were resolved, and what the contractor's attitude was like. Furthermore you can get first hand experience of the punctuality and reliability of the contractor concerned. They should also be able to let you know how the final price when compared with the original quotation they were presented with, or whether the contractor offers a price guarantee for their work.
Ultimately, in relation to advice, your relatives and friends are individuals you know and can trust to be frank. If you find it hard to get specifics on a certain contractor or fireplace installer, it's probably because they have had an unsatisfactory experience in their dealings with them. Many people will be perfectly happy to talk about a good contractor, less inclined to discuss a poor one, and might suggest some alternative company rather than 'slag off' a below par business they have dealt with previously.
Leaving a Review
Reviews are the lifeblood of any Great Lumley business, and a great online review or testimonial can be the difference between a prospective client choosing a company, or moving on to somewhere else. It is helpful for them if you could leave them a positive review when they have done a good job or offered a great service, and it is handy for other people as well. Your personal knowledge of the business will be beneficial not only to the company, but also to any prospective customers. If negative or positive reviews helped you to decide on who to employ for your project, you will surely appreciate how this can be helpful. Even if a company website seemed to be really professional and convincing, if it wasn't backed up by positive reviews and testimonials, you would possibly have looked someplace else.
However, how can the reviews shown on a business's website be relied on? Did "real" people write these reviews or did a member of the company, looking to promote their services, make them up?
If you want to find honest and genuine reviews on a business in Great Lumley, a great strategy is to go through the Google My Business reviews. Millions of people look at the reviews on this website daily, in order to ascertain the standing and reputation companies all over the world. After Google My Business reviews, the next largest location for local company reviews is Microsoft's alternative - Bing Places for Business. Your review here can help to increase the profile of the company that successfully worked on your project and establish a rundown of their working standards and dependability.
You can also post company testimonials on Facebook and Twitter pages, which can often be just as good. Regularly used in the media marketing campaigns of most small businesses in Great Lumley, such social media sites are highly influential. Their marketing message will be reinforced by your reviews and you have given recommendations to friends and relatives who are looking for services of a similar nature, this will give them a starting place for their search for the right company.
If you are not comfortable with computers you can always simply send in a hand-written thank you letter to the company involved. Such letters can be mounted in a frame for display in reception areas, gathered together to create a portfolio of reviews which is useful in one on one meetings with prospective customers, or photographed and published on the reviews page of the business website or Facebook account. The belief that your review may have helped a small business to attract more clients and gain visibility in the local Great Lumley marketplace is reward in itself.
Great Lumley Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Great Lumley fireplace fitter can deliver an extensive assortment of tasks, and together with what's already been covered here they can do marble fireplace installations, fireplace cleaning, 3-sided fireplaces, fireplace hearths, fire grate conversions, marble fireplace installation, fake fireplace installation, multifuel & wood burning stoves in Great Lumley, gas fireplace installation in Great Lumley, brick fireplace installation, traditional fireplaces Great Lumley, reclaimed fireplaces Great Lumley, made-to-measure fireplaces, chimney cowl installation, fireplace fitting, built-in gas fires, fireplace surrounds, fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installations, hearth fireplaces, fireplace installation in Great Lumley, fireplace repairs, carbon monoxide detector installation in Great Lumley, freestanding stoves, designer fireplaces, fireplace suites Great Lumley, fireplace restoration in Great Lumley, fake fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Great Lumley, fireplace replacement, elm fireplaces Great Lumley, wood fireplace mantels, period fireplaces, double-sided stove installation, cast iron fireplace installations in Great Lumley, and more.
Fireplace Installers Near Great Lumley
Also find: Kimblesworth fireplace installers, West Rainton fireplace installers, Plawsworth fireplace installers, Lumley Thicks fireplace installers, Leamside fireplace installers, Woodstone Village fireplace installers, Castle Dean fireplace installers, Fence Houses fireplace installers, Bournmoor fireplace installers, Colliery Row fireplace installers, Waldridge fireplace installers, Middle Rainton fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installation services are available in pretty much all of these areas. These tradesmen, with their expertise and know-how, are well-equipped to perform precise fireplace installations in your home. With these dedicated professionals at their service, residents can bask in the comforting and warm ambiance a fireplace brings to their homes. If you're a local home or business owner looking to obtain competitive and accurate fireplace installation quotes tailored to your particular needs, you just have to click here.
Fireplace Services Great Lumley
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