Fireplace Fitter Harefield Greater London (UB9): If you are weary of soaring energy costs and want to find an alternative solution for heating your dwelling in Harefield, why don't you open up that unused fireplace and put in a budget friendly open, multi-fuel or wood burner fire? Chilly winter evenings can become enjoyable as you relax in front of your new fireplace listening to the crackle of a burning fire, and if your fire is used in combination with a back boiler you can also benefit from steaming hot water to boot.
Before you begin prising away at a blocked up chimney there are a few things you'll need to do to make sure you can safely install and use your new fireplace. The Part J Building Regs for combustible appliances for example, which relates to any work that is carried out on chimney breasts, flue linings, fireplaces and hearths. If you reside in a building that is listed, or a property that is within an official conservation, you will need to find out from the council if you need to have planning permission for a fireplace installation.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you're a keen DIYer it is quite possible to renovate an existing blocked up fireplace, however the chances of running into structural problems in many cases is unfortunately high. If you're lucky when you open up a stopped up fireplace you may find a decent lintel, hearth and chimney breast that requires nothing other than the services and advice of a chimney sweep to get it ready for a fire once more. However, what you'll likely discover is a patch of old bricks that conceals issues such as a blocked chimney or a lintel that requires replacement.
Hiring a professional fireplace fitter in Harefield is normally advised, as a fireplace which is incorrectly installed can can cause a fire risk and respiratory health issues. Airflow must be sufficient in any room which has a fireplace; in fact it is a requirement in Part J of the Building Regulations that this is so. A fire won't burn efficiently if there's not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury can occur when carbon monoxide gas builds-up.
To get past this issue a fireplace specialist in Harefield will analyse the circumstances and fit vents in the room, or underneath the flooring, to guarantee a sufficient air flow for the fire to combust safely and efficiently. To prevent condensed air becoming trapped in unused chimney flues and creating damp spots and staining, flue vents may have to be fitted by the fireplace installation team to introduce some airflow.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Opening up an old fireplace can create huge amounts of soot and grime. Where possible it is sensible to remove any carpets and furniture from the area before any work starts, although a thoughtful Harefield fireplace installer will bring covers for your furniture and provide a bit of protection. Opening up a fireplace should be one of the first things to be worked on, if it's a part of a larger restoration project. By opening up a fireplace first you will stop any soot from the chimney causing staining damage to other phases of your project, such as fresh plasterwork or paint on walls.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
You'll get a far better understanding of the refurbishment work that's needed, once the opening up of the old fireplace is complete. You will also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean up any remaining hearth. You now need to contact your chimney sweep, if you've not already done this, to come and look at the old fireplace and chimney. A decent chimney sweep will first clean the flue and while doing so can inspect the structural condition of the chimney and offer you advice on whether a new flue liner is necessary.
After a chimney sweep's examination it may be necessary to strengthen the chimney breast and/or install a new flue liner in accordance with Part J of the Building Regulations. This type of work should be tackled by a qualified craftsman who is familiar with the current Building Regulations and good construction practices.
In buildings that are older you may find that the revealed fireplace is too large for your purposes, in which case a concrete or steel lintel will be needed to adapt the opening. And after this, replacing or upgrading the fireplace hearth will be the next stage of your fireplace installation in Harefield. To stay in line with the present regulations, the hearth of a fireplace should be raised at least 12.5mm above the normal floor level, although you may discover that your hearth is sunk into a floor void, as they often were in the old days. You can choose from a range of popular sized hearths to fit in with your home decor, or there are made to measure options to fit virtually any size and style of fireplace.
FIREPLACE STYLES
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will illustrate the options that are available for the different designs and styles of fireplaces. The advice and recommendations from your installation team, which will be in line with your specific requirements, will enable you to choose a fireplace that's both perfect for your existing chimney and flue, as well as for your home's decor.
Whether you opt for an open fireplace, a wood burner or a multi-fuel stove will be determined by the overall look that you are trying to establish, your current decor and in some cases, the age of your property in Harefield. For example, an attractive inglenook fireplace can be a perfect backdrop for a traditional cast iron wood burning stove, highlighting its charm and reflecting heat back into the room.
It is still viable to install a wood burner, even if you don't have a chimney breast in your Harefield property. As a flue can be passed through an outside wall and has no need of an existing chimney, it is still quite possible to install and enjoy this kind of fireplace.
OPEN, WOOD, ELECTRIC, GAS OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
A crackling fire on a cold evening creates a charm and ambience that simply can't be matched, however what else is available to install in your new fireplace in Harefield?
Gas Fireplaces - There are a range of designs to suit all property types and their effectiveness in warming a room is better than wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. Any gas fireplace put into your Harefield home must be installed by an approved Gas Safe contractor.
Electric Fireplaces - An obvious choice for many property owners in Harefield, these fires can be put in by more or less any competent individual, safely and easily. They can be set into traditional fireplaces, and with "real feel" electric fires it can often be difficult to distinguish from the genuine thing.
Wood Burning Stoves - These have become "the in thing" in many properties in Harefield, and can have classic or modern design to suit your furnishings. When used in tandem with a back boiler, these stoves can supply added heating functionality by connecting the heated water to cold areas of your house by way of radiators.
Open Fireplaces - Having the capability to burn almost any solid fuel that is available to buy, the open fireplace can produce a roaring fire as an eye-catching focal point for a room or living space. In earlier times an open fire might have had a reputation of being smoky, inefficient and draughty, but a well installed fireplace is a delight to the eye whilst basking in the warm glow it provides.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To create a unique focal point in your dwelling in Harefield, these stoves can burn a number of different fuels, such as coal, wood, gas or oil. The AGA style is well known as being able to provide heat for the entire home, a supply of hot water and an oven and hob all in one single appliance.
Fireplace installation providers can be found in the Harefield area, together with: Dibden Hill, Jordans, Fulmer, Seer Green, Batchworth Heath, The Swillett, Maple Cross, Heronsgate, South Harefield, Newyears Green, Mill End, Butler's Cross, Hedgerley, in addition to places with postcodes like: , UB9 6DR, UB9 6BZ, UB9 6DD, UB9 6LQ, UB9 6NT, UB9 6NE, UB9 6DQ, UB9 6JR, and UB9 6FD. Harefield fireplace services will generally have the dialling code 01895 and the postcode UB9. You can just click on the "quote" form or banner to get more information on fireplaces and fireplace installation in the area.
Flues
A flue liner or chimney liner is a vital addition to your chimney structure, enabling it to function far more effectively and improving the overall safety of your chimney. Fitted to the inside of chimneys to transport smoke and fumes to the outside, flue liners are ducts manufactured from clay, metal or ceramic material. A chimney on an older structure in Harefield might not be fitted with a flue liner at all, or will need to be relined depending on it's condition and age.
Burning fires create toxic gases and fumes which can cause considerable damage to your chimney's flue. You could either ask the chimney sweep to examine it for potential problems and damage as your chimney is being swept, or ask your fireplace builder to inspect it. If there is damage, those hazardous gases could possibly seep into your living area rather than being properly expelled outside. There can be an increased likelihood of house fires when flu linings are impaired, because intensive heat can reach the actual structure of the chimney, sometimes with serious consequences.
Chimney Repair
Proper chimney repair is essential for the safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems. Over time, chimneys are susceptible to wear and tear, resulting in problems like blockages, cracks or leaks. To prevent potential threats like fire and exposure to carbon monoxide, repairs must be carried out in a timely fashion. Chimney repair professionals in Harefield can address these problems, ensuring that the chimney functions optimally and adheres to safety specifications. Regular repairs and inspections also prolong the chimney's lifespan and reduce the need for expensive repairs later on, offering property owners peace of mind and a dependable heating source. (88224 - Chimney Repairs Harefield)
Fireplace Installers Near Harefield
Also find: Mill End fireplace installers, The Swillett fireplace installers, Fulmer fireplace installers, South Harefield fireplace installers, Maple Cross fireplace installers, Heronsgate fireplace installers, Batchworth Heath fireplace installers, Butler's Cross fireplace installers, Dibden Hill fireplace installers, Seer Green fireplace installers, Jordans fireplace installers, Newyears Green fireplace installers, Hedgerley fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and able to serve people living in all these towns and areas. In your home, these versatile tradespeople can put their expertise and knowledge to use for successfully installing fireplaces. With the assistance of these dedicated experts, residents can enjoy the atmosphere, comfort and warmth that a fireplace brings to their living spaces. By going here, local residents can obtain fireplace installation estimates.
Harefield Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a variety of work that can be conducted by your local Harefield fireplace fitter including fireplace restoration, wall-mounted electric fires, chimney sweeping, fake fireplaces, cast iron fireplace installations, 3-sided fireplaces, electric fireplace installations, fireplace repairs, fireplace replacement, fireplacequotes, fireplace suites, reclaimed fireplaces Harefield, traditional gas fires Harefield, marble fireplaces, classic fireplaces, modern fireplace installations Harefield, the installation of modern fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces, wood & multifuel stoves, chimney lining Harefield, oak beam fireplaces in Harefield, wood burning fireplaces, fireplace fitting, fireplace inserts, outdoor fireplaces Harefield, electric fire baskets in Harefield, brick fireplaces, fireplace surrounds Harefield, period fireplaces, wood fireplace mantels, carbon monoxide detector installation, brick fireplace installation, fireplaces, inset stoves, gas fireplace installation, and more. Harefield specialists will be happy to tell you about their entire range of fireplace services.
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