Fireplace Fitter Guildford Surrey (GU1): If you're frustrated by high energy costs and want to find an alternative way to heat your property in Guildford, why not open up an unused fireplace and put in an economical wood burner, open or multi-fuel fire? You cannot only take pleasure in the ambience and warmth of a stove or open fire through the chilly winter days, but if you combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, you'll also be provided with an adequate supply of steaming hot water.
In order to build an attractive, safe and efficient fireplace in your house in Guildford, there are important considerations you must think of before you start any work. Any heat producing appliance installed in the home must adhere to Part J of the UK's Building Regs, and this covers flue linings, chimney breasts, fireplaces and hearths. Also, you will want to find out whether planning permission is required from the local council before any work is started, if you own or live in a listed building in Guildford.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you have the skills to do so, and are a keen DIYer you may be able to do some of the renovation work on an old or existing fireplace, but the help of a specialist might be required if structural problems arise during the process. If you're lucky when you open up a boarded fireplace you may find a decent lintel, hearth and chimney breast that requires little more than the advice and services of a chimney sweep to get it ready for a fire once more. Much more likely you'll come across a blocked flue and crumbling brickwork that needs structural reinforcement.
It's generally best to benefit from the experience and know-how of a specialist fireplace installer in Guildford, because of the severe fire and health risks that can result from an improperly installed or renovated fireplace. So that a fire can burn properly and efficiently in a space with a fireplace, there must be plenty of airflow to create sufficient amounts of oxygen. A build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide gas can occur in a room where there's inadequate airflow, and death is possible where a fire does not burn effectively.
To allow the fireplace to receive sufficient oxygen to combust safely and effectively all the time, it may be a requirement for a specialist fireplace installation engineer to fit floors and walls with suitable airflow vents. To increase airflow within blocked chimney flues, your fireplace installation team may have to install vents to prevent condensed air getting trapped and causing stains and damp spots.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
A large amount of soot and muck can be discharged from an old chimney upon reopening it for restoration. So that the carpets, furniture and rugs inside a room don't get adversely affected by the soot and dust that is emitted during work by a fireplace installer, it's a good idea to remove them in advance. If you are carrying out a complete renovation of a room or property, the fireplace ought to be opened up before any decoration or plastering works are tackled. This should limit damage to other phases of your restoration project (i.e. plaster or freshly painted walls), by soot and other chimney related dirt that's released.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Now that you're able to see the opening of your fireplace it is time to clean and sweep the chimney and hearth and see what can be refurbished. You should now get in touch with your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done so, to come and look at the old fireplace and chimney. A professional chimney sweep will first clean the flue and while doing so will be able to check the condition of the chimney and offer advice on whether you need a new flue liner.
Following a chimney sweep examination it may be necessary to strengthen the chimney breast or/and install a new flue liner in keeping with Part J of the Building Regulations. A reliable fireplace installer and builder in Guildford will be needed to accomplish this task, and will need the skills and knowledge of construction to follow all building regulations.
It is quite likely that a concrete lintel will need to be installed, if the existing fireplace is of a size that's wider than your requirements. The updating, repair and installation of the fireplace hearth can commence as soon as the supporting lintel is in place. You may find the original hearth has been set into a floor void, but to abide by latest Building Regulations in the UK it must be raised slightly above normal floor level. Pre-made solutions from granite, slate or marble are available to achieve this, or your fireplace builder in Guildford should be able to offer you a bespoke, made to measure hearth to match the style of your room.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
You will quickly discover that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to fireplaces, with the huge selection of different choices that are available, when you step inside a quality fireplace showroom. It generally pays to follow the advice of the fireplace installation team with regards to which fireplaces will be suitable for your specific chimney and flue, because some won't be.
In order to decide the fireplace style and design that is the best option for your circumstances, you will have to look at your home's age, and the look that you are aiming to create in your room. If you are lucky enough to have a property with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is the perfect position for a classic cast iron wood-burner stove. This won't just redirect any heat that's generated back into the room effectively, but will also highlight the character and charm of the stove.
A wood burner is also a good choice if your Guildford property does not have a chimney breast. Since a stainless steel flue can be channeled through an external wall and doesn't need a chimney breast, it's still possible to fit this type of fireplace.
ELECTRIC, WOOD, OPEN, GAS OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If your situation does not allow for a natural fireplace, what are the possible alternatives?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Multi-fuel stoves provide you with options to use coal, wood, oil and gas to furnish you with a multi-purpose stove for any house in Guildford. If linked up with your central heating system, some of the multi-fuel stoves (such as the AGA range) can provide heat for the whole house, as well as cooking facilities, hot water and even outdoor BBQs.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to warm up a space is a lot better than wood burning stoves, and there lots of designs to suit all types of property in Guildford. Any gas fireplace in your Guildford home must be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe approved tradesperson.
Electric Fireplaces - These can be fitted quickly and safely by any competent individual and there are designs and styles that are appropriate for almost any room and type of property in Guildford. Even if your property has a conventional fireplace, an electric fire can be installed that looks almost like a real fire with dancing flames.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can have modern or traditional styling to complement the decor of your property, and they have become "the in thing" in many households in Guildford. When used in combination with a back boiler, these can supply extra heating capabilities by connecting the hot water to a colder area of your property by way of a radiator.
Open Fireplaces - A flickering fire is a stunning focal point for any room in your home and it has the capability to burn virtually any solid fuel that you can buy. An open fire is a sight to behold and contemporary fireplaces are no more the inefficient, draughty and smoky objects that they used to be.
Fireplace installers can be found in the Guildford area, and in: Sutton Green, West Clandon, Artington, Albury, Compton, Peasmarsh, Merrow, Stoughton, Farncombe, Burpham, Bellfields, Wood Street Village, Onslow Village, in addition to these postcode areas: GU1 1JZ, GU1 1HD, GU1 1RW, GU1 1RE, GU1 1QH, GU1 1RR, GU1 1HT, GU1 1JS, GU1 1AT, and GU1 1NT. Local Guildford fireplace installers will likely have the telephone code 01483 and the postcode GU1. This might be something that you can confirm if you would like to guarantee that you hire a locally based fireplace installer.
Flues
A flue liner or chimney liner is an essential part of the chimney system on your home, allowing it to function more efficiently than it would otherwise, and improving the overall safety of your home. Running the full length of a chimney, flue liners are ducts made out of an assortment of materials including stainless steel, clay or ceramics. They transport smoke and fumes to the outside of your home. Some older chimneys in Guildford may not even be fitted with a liner, or if the existing lining is damaged, might need to be relined.
Harmful fumes and gases can be created by burning fires and these gases can quickly cause damage to the flue lining of your fireplace. When you're having your chimney swept, it's a no-brainer get the sweep to check it out for any damages. A damaged flue can allow those toxic gases to seep into your house. There is likewise the danger of fires in the home because a damaged flue lining can enable extreme heat to penetrate the chimney's structure.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Guildford
When it comes to fireplaces, some homeowners want to go for that really spectacular look, and how better to do that, than by building a fireplace crafted from natural stone. The exterior of your home might already have a stone boundary wall, stone facade, or some similar natural feature. You could create something on the inside that matches the outside.
Either full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding can be used to create a stone fireplace. Your taste and price range may influence your choice. The types of stone that can be used for fireplaces are many and varied. Choose from sandstone, limestone, quartz, marble, granite or slate.
The finished appearance your completed fireplace will depend on the type of stone used, the method of building and the methodology used by the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it. Do a bit of research before your fireplace builder begins, and show them some pictures of exactly what you've got in mind.
Because it's got such a striking appearance and can dominate the look of a room, stone isn't always suitable for a modern home. However, spectacular could be exactly what you're looking for - and at the end of the day, the choice is down to you!
Chimney Cowls Guildford
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped covering for your chimney that improves draft and helps prevent backflow. It's often produced from galvanized iron and sits over the chimney to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down. It's an important component for any chimney system in Guildford. It can be bought online or in a hardware store. A cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working efficiently, whether you choose to purchase a new one or make your current one work better.
There are several forms of chimney cowl on the market. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They hook up with the flue liner via three straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another form of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue. It is larger than the chimney pot, which makes sure that it remains in place.
One of the most common forms of chimney cowls is known as the H-style. This pattern is the most effective at controlling the draught and enables your fireplace to perform more efficiently. It's made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It was originally used for marine applications, but has become popular among homeowners because of its energy-saving attributes.
Another kind is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and lowering 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 stove.
Chimney cowls are a great way to prevent birds nesting in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They are reasonably priced and simple to put in. You should make sure that you have clear access to the area above the chimney stack to install one effectively. It can also stop dirt and debris from accumulating inside your chimney.
Chimney Sweep Guildford
Having the chimney swept is one thing that householders often put off or forget, but it's important to get this done regularly if you've got a wood burning stove or an open fire in your Guildford home. Chimney sweeping and cleaning should generally be carried out at least once per year.
In order to get the work done correctly and without lots of mess, the best approach is to contact a professional Guildford chimney sweep, who'll be glad to help you. This not only means that you chimney is kept nice and clean, the chimney sweep will also be in a position to highlight any safety issues with you chimney.
If you don't routinely sweep your chimney in Guildford, the resulting build-up of soot and ash can easily lead to a chimney fire. Badly maintained chimneys can also cause another dangerous situation by drawing odourless carbon monoxide gas back into your property.
All of these factors add up to the importance of picking a qualified Guildford chimney sweep, who's also covered by public liability insurance. To book your chimney sweep in Guildford CLICK HERE. chimney sweeps are also available in nearby villages and towns.
Fireplace Installers Near Guildford
Also find: Farncombe fireplace installers, Compton fireplace installers, Stoughton fireplace installers, Bellfields fireplace installers, Albury fireplace installers, Onslow Village fireplace installers, Merrow fireplace installers, Wood Street Village fireplace installers, Peasmarsh fireplace installers, Artington fireplace installers, Sutton Green fireplace installers, West Clandon fireplace installers, Burpham fireplace installers and more. Almost all of these areas are covered by people who install fireplaces. These tradespeople, with their expertise and knowledge, are well-equipped to perform successful 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 living areas. Local property owners can get price quotes by simply going here.
Guildford Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace installer can perform a large assortment of services and tasks including corner fireplaces in Guildford, fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installation, outdoor fireplaces Guildford, cast iron fireplace installation Guildford, fireplace refurbishment, fireplace hearths, wood & multifuel stoves in Guildford, inset stove installation, inglenook fireplace Guildford, period fireplaces in Guildford, classic fireplaces, the installation of outside fireplaces Guildford, electric fire baskets, stone fireplaces, chimney sweeping, 3-sided fireplaces, reclaimed fireplaces Guildford, electric fireplace installations in Guildford, stone fireplace installations, fireplace fitting in Guildford, fireplace services, the installation of chimney cowls, gas fireplace installation, fake fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces Guildford, elm fireplace installations Guildford, tiled fireplaces Guildford, chimney modifications, fireplace inserts, fireplace packages in Guildford, electric fireplaces, chimney strengthening, marble fireplace surrounds, open fireplaces Guildford, and others. Guildford professionals will be delighted to keep you abreast of their entire range of fireplace services if you phone or email them.
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