Fireplace Fitter Harrow Greater London (HA1): Re-opening up an unused fireplace or having a new one installed is a good way to add a touch of character to any room in your home in Harrow. Chilly evenings in winter can become very enjoyable as you sit in front of your new fireplace surrounded by the crackle of firewood, and if your fire is used in combination with a back boiler you can even benefit from piping hot water to boot.
There are some crucial things to consider before you start any work, in order to establish an attractive, safe and efficient fireplace in your property. Any work which is carried out on your fireplace, hearth, chimney breast and flue lining must comply with the Part J Building Regs for heating appliances. For a fireplace installation in a building that is listed, or one that stands in an official conservation area, you will have to find out from the local authorities if planning permission is required.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If any construction work is associated with your fireplace installation project, both safety and structural problems may arise that have to be resolved professionally, although a competent and enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer might be able to take a shot at a basic refurbishment of a pre-existing fireplace. You might find that the chimney breast, lintel and hearth are in fine shape, when you've pulled back the boarding surrounding the old fireplace, and the hidden treasure that lies beneath requires barely more than a chimney sweep. However, a blocked flue and old, crumbling brickwork that needs to be reinforced structurally is what you're most likely to discover.
Due to the serious health and fire risk problems that can be caused by an incorrectly installed or restored fireplace, it is preferable to draw on the knowledge and experience of a certified fireplace installer in Harrow. A major factor of Part J of the Building Regulations for fireplaces is that enough oxygen is available for a fire to burn safely and efficiently. An inefficiently burning fire in an inadequately ventilated space can result in an accumulation of toxic carbon monoxide.
To ensure suitable oxygen levels are able to reach the fire at all times, and to safely overcome any airflow problems, vents will be fitted in the room during the installation of a fireplace. Condensed air can often get trapped inside unused or blocked chimney flues which might also need to have air vents installed, to prevent problems with damp and staining in the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are notorious for the huge volume of soot and dust that can accumulate inside them, thus when you go through the process of opening up a disused fireplace you can expect it to be a rather messy affair. It is advisable to remove any rugs, carpets and furniture from an area where you're planning to uncover an old fireplace, to prevent them being damaged by dust, soot and grime that might be disturbed during the fireplace installation and chimney cleaning work. Re-opening an old fireplace ought to be one of the initial things that you tackle, if it's part of a more extensive restoration project. This stops any discolouration damage to any refurbished work you've already done.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
As soon as the fireplace has been successfully opened up and exposed, you will get a far clearer concept of the refurbishment work that needs to be carried out. You can then also proceed with sweeping the chimney and cleaning any surviving portions of the hearth and back panel. You now ought to contact your chimney sweep, if you've not already done so, to come and look at the old fireplace and chimney. They'll be able to provide professional guidance on the chimney and flue after sweeping, regarding the condition of the chimney and whether you need to swap the existing flue lining.
Construction work may be required to strengthen the existing chimney and chimney breast, and a new flue liner might also have to be installed. All this work will have to follow the current Building Regulations which are of course there for your own safety. This is not likely to be the kind of work that you can do yourself, so you will want to hire an experienced builder or fireplace fitter who has experience in good construction practices and is familiar with the Building Regulations.
When this step of the work has been accomplished, the updating or refurbishment of the fireplace hearth can be dealt with. In earlier times the hearth was normally sunken into the floor, however the latest regulations require it to be raised slightly above normal floor level. Ready-made options from marble, concrete or stone are available to accomplish this, or your fireplace builder in Harrow may be able to offer a bespoke, custom-made hearth to fit in with the design of your room.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
If you go to a fireplace dealership you're spoilt for choice with a wide array of different choices available to you. Not all fireplaces may be appropriate for your flue and chimney and it's sensible to accept any help and advice from your installation team regarding your specific situation.
An open fireplace will be the perfect option for some rooms and properties in Harrow, while a multi-fuel or wood burning stove will be a better choice for others. If you're lucky enough to have a property with an inglenook fireplace for instance, this is the perfect position for a cast iron wood-burner stove. This won't only redirect the heat back into the room, but will also put the focus on the charm and beauty of the stove.
Even if your Harrow home does not have a chimney you've still got the option of a feature fireplace by putting in a wood burning or multi fuel stove. An existing chimney isn't needed because the flue is taken straight from the top or rear of the wood burner and taken out through an outside wall.
ELECTRIC, OPEN, GAS, WOOD OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If your circumstances do not allow for the installation of a natural fireplace, what are all the possible options?
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can even be a freestanding feature, and there's a huge range available to complement any type of dwelling in Harrow. They are able to provide hot water for radiators or for other use around the home, if used alongside a back boiler.
Open Fireplaces - A flickering fire is an eye-catching focal point for any room and it has the ability to burn virtually any solid fuel that you can buy. An open fire is wonderful to watch and modern fireplaces are no longer the draughty, inefficient and smoky things that they were in the past.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you will doubtless assume from the name, these sorts of stoves can run on a selection of fuels, including gas, oil, smokeless coal or wood, and not just that, they can also create an eye-catching focal point for your home in Harrow. If you opt for a multi-fuel stove from AGA for example, you can get hot water, do cooking, and when plumbed into your central heating system, heat your whole home.
Electric Fireplaces - Anybody who is reasonably capable can easily and safely install one of these fireplaces, and the wide assortment of models make these a popular choice for property owners in Harrow. When inset into a conventional fireplace, modern electric fires can imitate an actual fire, with "real" looking flame effects and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to warm up a space is better than wood burners, and there lots of designs to suit all property types. Any gas fireplace in your Harrow home must be installed by a registered Gas Safe technician.
Fireplace installers are available in Wealdstone, South Harrow, North Harrow, Rayners Lane, Harrow on the Hill, Harrow Weald, West Harrow, Kenton, Greenhill, Belmont, Roxeth, Burnt Oak, in the following postcodes: HA1 1PY, HA1 1TG, HA1 2AG, HA1 1JU, HA1 1DB, HA1 1SQ, HA1 1NR, HA1 1UW, HA1 1XT, and HA1 1SP, and also in Harrow itself. If they've got the postcode HA1 and the dialling code 020, it is fairly likely that they operate in Harrow or someplace close by.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Harrow
If you're hoping to achieve a really spectacular look with your new fireplace, how about bringing the outdoors inside with a fireplace crafted from stone? There may already be some natural stone features on the external areas of your building, a boundary wall or stone facade, for instance? This may be a way to match those features on the inside.
Subject to your taste and spending budget, it is possible to build a stone fireplace using either stone cladding or full depth stone. There is also a large selection of stone that you can select from, including: slate, marble, sandstone, limestone, granite or quartz.
Exactly how your completed fireplace looks, will depend on the individuality of the craftsman or stonemason who builds it, the building method (dry stone or mortar jointed) and the sort of stone used. Do some research before your fireplace builder begins, and show them some photographs of what you have in mind.
Stone isn't always a suitable material for a contemporary property, as it has a striking appearance and could rather dominate the appearance of a space, but obviously that is down to the choice of each individual property owner - perhaps spectacular is what you're looking for!
Chimney Sweep Harrow
If you have an open fire or a stove in your home, it is imperative that you have the chimney swept frequently. Chimneys need to be swept and cleaned at least once annually, if not more.
So as to get the work done properly and without any mess, the preferred approach is to contact a specialist Harrow chimney sweep, who will be happy to help you. While your chimney is being cleaned, the chimney sweep will also keep an eye out for any problems or safety issues that there might be with your chimney.
A chimney fire could easily be brought on by a build-up of soot and ash if this isn't removed by sweeping. An equally dangerous situation that can arise as a result of a blocked or poorly maintained chimney is harmful carbon monoxide gas flowing back into your home.
The importance of hiring a dependable chimney sweep in Harrow, should now be clear. To check on the current chimney sweeping prices in Harrow CLICK HERE. You should also be able to get chimney sweeping done in nearby locations and areas.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick fireplaces have been a staple in buildings for centuries, and with good reason. They not only provide comfort and warmth during the winter but also add a classic, rustic touch to any room that they're in. There are a number of issues that you'll need to consider, if you are thinking about installing a brick fireplace in your house in Harrow
First and foremost, you'll need to choose the style of fireplace you want. Standard brick fireplaces typically feature a straightforward design with a mantel and hearth. Nevertheless, you could also go for a more contemporary design with a sleek finish and clean lines.
Brick fireplaces can be built using different kinds of bricks. You can choose between a variety of brick colours and textures to match your home's design. It's also possible to add additional elements such as stone, tile or wood to enhance the brickwork.
As well as the aesthetic considerations, you will also want to contemplate the functional elements of a brick fireplace. Good venting is crucial for safety, and you might also want to look into adding glass doors or a fireplace insert for improved efficiency. You'll also want to make certain that the hearth is completely level and that the bricks are properly installed to avoid any potential hazards.
All in all, a brick fireplace can be a fantastic addition to your dwelling in Harrow, providing both functional warmth and aesthetic appeal. With a little planning and consideration, you can create eye-catching and functional brick fireplace that will be a focal point in your home for years to come.
Fireplace Installers Near Harrow
Also find: Roxeth fireplace installers, West Harrow fireplace installers, Rayners Lane fireplace installers, Burnt Oak fireplace installers, Greenhill fireplace installers, Kenton fireplace installers, Wealdstone fireplace installers, South Harrow fireplace installers, Harrow on the Hill fireplace installers, North Harrow fireplace installers, Belmont fireplace installers, Harrow Weald fireplace installers and more. These and other communities and towns are serviced by fireplace fitters and related tradesmen and women. In your home, these skilled tradespeople can put their expertise and know-how to use for adeptly installing fireplaces. With these dedicated experts at their service, residents can bask in the warmth and comforting atmosphere a fireplace brings to their living areas. By clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are available to local home and property owners.
Harrow Fireplace Related Tasks
Stuff like wood burning fireplace installations, hearth-mounted electric fires, the installation of chimney cowls, fireplaces in Harrow, wood fireplace mantels, marble fireplace surrounds, double-sided stove installation, fireplace services, hearth fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces, Regency fireplaces Harrow, inset stove installation in Harrow, electric fireplace installations, bespoke fireplaces Harrow, tiled fireplaces Harrow, chimney strengthening Harrow, carbon monoxide detector installation in Harrow, fireplace packages, fireplace design, contemporary fireplaces Harrow, marble fireplace installations in Harrow, gas fireplace installations, Victorian fireplaces, fire grate conversions, brick fireplace installation, fireplace installation, fireplace refurbishment Harrow, modern gas fires, fireplace removal, chimney modifications, fireplace surrounds, the installation of modern fireplaces Harrow, fireplaceestimates, electric fire suites in Harrow, traditional fireplaces Harrow are just a taste of the extensive array of services and tasks that your local Harrow fireplace fitter can provide. This is simply a selection of what you can expect from a local fireplace installer.
More Harrow Tradespeople: When your Harrow property is in need of improvements or refurbishments, a number of different tradesmen could be necessary to finish the work, and despite the fact that your current search is for fireplace installers in Harrow, Greater London, you could also need the expertise of a floor fitter in Harrow, a plasterer in Harrow, a carpenter and joiner in Harrow, SKIP HIRE in Harrow, a chimney sweep in Harrow, a handyperson in Harrow, a heating engineer in Harrow, brick cleaning in Harrow, a tiler in Harrow, a blacksmith in Harrow, waste removal in Harrow, an electrician in Harrow, a stonemason in Harrow, a painter/decorator in Harrow, a general builder in Harrow, a roofer in Harrow, jet washing in Harrow, a bricklayer in Harrow, and perhaps others.
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