Fireplace Fitter Hawkinge Kent (CT18): Re-opening a disused fireplace to fit a wood burner, multi fuel or open fire is a wonderful way to add a homely feel and a bit of character to any Hawkinge home. So long as you have a good source of wood, adding an open fire or multi-fuel stove for those chilly winters' days could even be less expensive than a traditional central heating system. Combine a back boiler with your fireplace and you can enjoy boundless supplies of hot water to save you even more cash.
There are a few crucial points to consider to achieve a safe and efficient fireplace, before you start knocking down the walls of a boarded over fireplace. For starters, Part J of the UK's Building Regulations will have to be adhered to in regards to the installation and construction of any chimney breasts, fireplaces, hearths and flue linings which are an integral part of a heat producing appliance in your home in Hawkinge. You will also have to check with the local authorities if planning permission is required before any work can commence, if you reside in a designated conservation area or a listed building in Hawkinge.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When renovating an old blocked up fireplace, there's a high probability of stumbling on structural problems, therefore even if you're a keen DIYer you could find this type of work difficult. It may be your good fortune when you remove the covering from an old fireplace to discover a hidden gem which requires little more than a good clear out and a visit from a chimney sweep to get a fire roaring once again. What you'll most likely discover is a patch of crumbling, old bricks that conceals issues such as a blocked chimney or a lintel that requires replacement.
It is normally best to benefit from the experience and know-how of a professional fireplace installer in Hawkinge, due to the severe fire and health risks that can be caused by an incorrectly fitted or renovated fireplace. A major part of Part J of the Building Regulations for fireplaces is that sufficient oxygen is available in a room for the fire to burn efficiently and properly. Carbon monoxide fumes (which are poisonous can build-up and become an issue in a poorly ventilated room where an inefficently burning fire is installed.
To ensure an adequate airflow for the fire to burn safely and properly, a professional fireplace installation team will consider the situation and place vents in locations around the room, or under the floors, thus solving this issue. Vents might also have to be installed in unused chimney flues which sometimes cause damp patches and stains to to your chimney breast, because of moist air being trapped.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Having a fireplace opened up can cause huge amounts of grime and soot to enter your room. It's advisable when possible to remove furniture and carpets from the room before any work commences, although a thoughtful Hawkinge fireplace installer will bring dust sheets to cover up your furniture and provide a certain level of protection. If you are lucky enough to be working on a complete home renovation project then it should be one of the first jobs to complete before re-plastering and decorating the walls. This helps to prevent any discolouration damage to any refurbished work you might have already completed.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Now you can see the opening of your fireplace it is time to clean and sweep the chimney and hearth and identify what is fit for refurbishment. If you've not already done so, you should now get hold of a local Hawkinge chimney sweep. As well as cleaning your flue and chimney, they will also assess the condition of your chimney and flu liner and advise you about whether any portion of the flue and chimney structure needs to be replaced.
All of the current UK Building Regulations should be adhered to, if you need to reinforce the chimney structure or install a flue lining. This is unlikely to be the type of work that can be accomplished by a DIYer, therefore you'll have to hire a competent builder who is experienced in good construction practices and a knowledge of the Building Regulations.
It's by no means a given that the size of the exposed fireplace will tally up with the style that you've got in mind, in which case it might be necessary to lay a supporting concrete lintel. As soon as you have supported your fireplace with a lintel it is now time to upgrade or renovate the hearth. Most fireplace hearths were set into voids in the floor in past times. If that's the scenario with yours it will have to be raised at least 12.5mm above the normal floor level if it is going to to satisfy the Building Regulations as they stand. To accomplish this, there are pre-made options made from marble, concrete or stone, or perhaps you prefer a made to measure, bespoke hearth to match your room style, which your fireplace builder in Hawkinge will help you with.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
Browsing on the web or checking out a nearby fireplace outlet will quickly make you realise that there's a huge selection of different styles of fireplace for your home. It is quite possible that owing to your current flue, chimney and airflow to the room, that some fireplace designs might not be appropriate, and it's a good idea to follow the the advice and recommendations of the fireplace installer in this respect.
A wood burning or multi-fuel stove may be suitable for some rooms and homes in Hawkinge, while an open fireplace will be more suitable for others. If you've got an attractive inglenook fireplace, a wood burner can look striking in this surrounding, and has the added benefit of reflecting the heat back into the room from the brick or stone walls that surround the stove.
If your Hawkinge home does not have a chimney breast you've still got the option of a fireplace feature by installing a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner. Your fireplace installer can take a stainless steel flue directly from the top or rear of the stove and out through an external wall, therefore a chimney structure is not required.
GAS, WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
A roaring fire on a winter's evening delivers a charm and ambience that cannot be beaten, however what other options are available to fit in your new fireplace in Hawkinge?
Electric Fireplaces - Straightforward installation and a wide choice of styles make electric fireplaces an extremely popular choice for Hawkinge houses that don't have a chimney. When inset into a regular fireplace, today's electric fires can replicate a genuine fire, with authentic looking flames and often even the sound of crackling wood.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you'll probably gather from the name, these types of stoves can burn a number of different fuels, including oil, coal, gas or wood, and furthermore, they can also be a focal point for your home in Hawkinge. The AGA style is well known as being able to provide heat for an entire house, a constant supply of hot water and an oven and hob for cooking all in one useful appliance.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of styles to complement any property in Hawkinge, and they provide instantaneous heat which is more thermally efficient than a wood burning stove. Only approved Gas Safe contractors are permitted to install these fireplaces.
Open Fireplaces - This is the timeless fireplace, establishing a great focal point for your room or living space, and can use a number of different solid fuels, such as anthracite nuts nuts, briquettes, smokeless coal and wood. In yesteryear associated with being draughty, smoky and inefficient, a professionally installed contemporary open fireplace can be a joy to behold.
Wood Burning Stoves - Coming in a huge range of sizes and designs which can be freestanding if required, these stoves can be employed in rooms both small and large. These are able to provide steaming hot water to heat radiators or for other uses in your house, if used in tandem with a back boiler.
Fireplace installation work can be done in Hawkinge and also nearby in: Paddlesworth, Densole, Drellingore, Old Hawkinge, Ottinge, Swingfield Minnis, Lower Syanden, Peene, North Elham, Acrise Place, Capel-le-Ferne, South Alkham, Etchinghill, Arpinge, as well as in these postcodes CT18 7PX, CT18 7QS, CT18 7ED, CT18 7GA, CT18 7RR, CT18 7SH, CT18 7TU, CT18 7AW, CT18 7TP, and CT18 7QG. It is probable that any fireplace builders from the Hawkinge area will have the postcode CT18 and the dialling code 01303. Hawkinge property owners can access these fireplace services as and when they need them.
Natural Stone Fireplaces
Why not go some way to bringing the outdoors inside and choose a dramatic looking stone fireplace? A stone boundary wall or stone facade might already be a natural stone feature of your home's exterior areas. These beautiful exterior features could be matched with your fireplace on the inside.
You can construct a stone fireplace by using either a full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding, and the one you choose might be influenced by your taste and how much cash you're ready to spend. The kinds of stone that can be used for fireplaces are numerous. Select from granite, sandstone, limestone, marble, quartz or slate.
The look of your completed fireplace will depend on the kind of stone which is used, the individuality of the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it and the method of building. You should get some pictures prepared of the sort of design you're looking for, and before any work commences, you can show them to your fireplace builder.
Stone is not always suitable for a modern home, as it has a striking appearance and could rather dominate the look of an area, but of course that is down to the choice of each individual householder - perhaps spectacular is what you have in mind!
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Hawkinge
Ensuring household safety requires the vital step of installing carbon monoxide detectors near fireplaces. While providing comfort and warmth, fireplaces can become sources of carbon monoxide if not properly ventilated. By placing a detector in the same room as the fireplace, occupants can be alerted to the presence of this colourless, odourless gas, which can be deadly.
Although straightforward, the installation process for carbon monoxide detectors needs to be done properly. Detectors should be mounted on the ceiling or wall according to the manufacturer's instructions, ideally at least 15 feet from the fireplace so that false alarms are avoided. It is essential to frequently test the detector and replace the batteries every year to maintain proper functionality.
By ensuring the device is fully operational and correctly positioned, the professional installation of carbon monoxide detectors provides peace of mind. This precaution enables householders to significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, protecting their loved ones and improving the safety of their living spaces. For ongoing protection, it is essential to maintain both the detector and the fireplace regularly. (Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Hawkinge)
Chimney Repair
Fireplaces and heating systems rely on effective chimney repair to maintain safety and efficiency. The wear and tear that chimneys undergo over time can give rise to various issues, including cracks, leaks or blockages. Repairs carried out in a timely manner are essential to avoid potential threats like fire and exposure to carbon monoxide. By availing the services of professional chimney repair in Hawkinge, these problems can be tackled, ensuring optimal chimney performance and safety compliance. By performing regular repairs and inspections, homeowners ensure a prolonged chimney lifespan and diminish the necessity for expensive future repairs, enjoying peace of mind and a dependable heating source. (93852 - Chimney Repairs Hawkinge)
Hawkinge Fireplace Related Tasks
Things like fireplace repairs, the installation of modern fireplaces, open fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces, fake fireplace installation, classic fireplaces, contemporary fireplaces, fireplace design, carbon monoxide detector installation, wood & multifuel stoves in Hawkinge, fireplace hearths, brick fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces, chimney strengthening, two-sided fireplaces, brick fireplace installation, electric fire baskets, stone fireplace installation, timber mantels, fireplace services in Hawkinge, tiled fireplaces, marble fireplace installation, fireplaces, marble fireplace surrounds, double-sided stove installation, fireplace fitting, chimney lining, fireplace inserts, cast fireplaces, fireplace removal in Hawkinge are just some of the tasks and services that your local Hawkinge fireplace fitter can accomplish. These are just a few of the activities that are carried out by a local fireplace installer. You can easily CLICK HERE and fill out our simple quote form, if there are other Hawkinge fireplace requirements that you require but can't see here.
Friends & Family Recommendations
An excellent idea, whenever you're searching for a contractor or service for your project in Hawkinge, is to get recommendations from family and friends. When it comes to choosing someone who is perfect for your needs, word of mouth referrals are frequently the best solution, and are just as effective for filtering out companies with a terrible track record, and contractors who aren't up to standard.
Getting the feedback of a friend or relative also means you can discover if anything went pear-shaped, how quickly faults were rectified, and what the contractor's attitude was like. Moreover you can get an insight into the reliability and time keeping of the contractor in question. You can get a notion of how accurate was the initial quote when compared to the final price. which can be difficult to obtain from the fitters themselves unless they've got a guaranteed price promise.
Since your friends and family are folks that you know and trust in relation to their advice, they ought to be your first port of call. It is likely that they have had a poor experience, if they are hesitant to chat about a particular contractor or company. Most people will be more than happy to discuss a good contractor, but less inclined to discuss an inferior one, and may even offer some alternative company rather than 'slag off' a far from perfect business they have dealt with previously.
Fireplace Installation Information and Advice
To read more regarding how fireplaces affect the environment, electric fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, the evolution of fireplaces, fireplace heating efficiency and the different types of fireplace, take a look at Wikipedia. To learn more about 70 fireplace ideas click here. To see how freplace fitters are marketing themselves on social media, check this out. To reply to or ask questions about fireplace installation check out a fireplace installation forum, discussion threads comprise widening fireplaces, log burning stoves, stove vents, pellet stoves and boilers, understanding building regulations and chimney flues. Learn the basics on installing a fireplace mantel and hearth by using You Tube here.
Please Leave a Review
For Hawkinge businesses to obtain work and survive, they need to get excellent reviews on their work or services, in fact these days customer reviews are the driving force for business. If the fireplace installer you hired offered an excellent service, you can reward their hard work by leaving them an appreciative review. Prospective future clients can benefit from learning of your first hand knowledge, and there are obviously benefits for the company as well. When you were initially looking to find somebody to install a fireplace, you should consider how your decision was ultimately swayed by positive reviews. Even if you had visited a company website which looked really professional, you might well have looked elsewhere if they did not have favourable reviews and testimonials.
But, can the reviews be trusted when you're actually on a business's own website? Were they provided by real customers or by an employee of the company looking to push their services?
Instead of trusting these, you can head to the reviews on Google My Business listings, where you will find more frank and authentic reviews on companies in Hawkinge. For determining the reputation of any company and also influence a business's ranking in search engines, most would agree that this is THE review website. The second biggest review area for local businesses in Hawkinge is Bing Places for Business, and this is the key competitor of Google My Business. Helping to provide an overall picture of the dependability and working standards of a company that worked successfully on your project, leaving an honest review here can also help to raise their local profile.
Leaving testimonials on Facebook and Twitter is just as effective for endorsing a company that has performed admirably. The media and marketing activities of any small business in Hawkinge will depend heavily on such social media giants. Their marketing message can be reinforced by your reviews and give a starting place for friends and family who may be searching for services of a similar nature.
Going 'old school' is obviously still appropriate, and you can prepare a hand-drafted thankyou letter and post or hand it in to the company. Letters like this can be put in a frame for display in offices or reception areas, gathered together to make a review portfolio which is useful for one on one meetings with prospective clients, or scanned and uploaded to the reviews page of the company's website or Facebook account. Regardless of how you create a review it is a great feeling to think that you have helped a small local business get a better foothold in a competitive marketplace.
Fireplace Installers Near Hawkinge
Also find: Acrise Place fireplace installers, Arpinge fireplace installers, Paddlesworth fireplace installers, Ottinge fireplace installers, North Elham fireplace installers, Etchinghill fireplace installers, Densole fireplace installers, Old Hawkinge fireplace installers, Lower Syanden fireplace installers, Capel-le-Ferne fireplace installers, Drellingore fireplace installers, South Alkham fireplace installers, Peene fireplace installers, Swingfield Minnis fireplace installers and more. There are companies who install fireplaces in pretty much all of these towns and areas. To adeptly install fireplaces in your property, these versatile tradespeople have the necessary knowledge and experience. The assistance and help of these dedicated experts allows residents to enjoy the warmth, comfort, and inviting atmosphere of a fireplace in their homes. If you're a local property owner looking to obtain accurate and competitive fireplace installation quotes tailored to your particular needs, you simply have to click here.
Fireplace Services Hawkinge
- Fireplace Installation Services
- Fireplace Repair
- Gas Fireplaces
- Fireplace Surrounds
- Fireplace Restoration
- Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Installation Quotes
- Victorian Fireplaces
- Cast Iron Fireplace Installation
- Tiled Fireplaces
- Natural Stone Fireplaces
- Fireplace Fitters
- Wood Burning Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Mantels
More Hawkinge Tradespeople: When your Hawkinge home needs refurbishing or improvements, various different craftsmen may be needed to finish the work, and despite the fact that your present search is for fireplace fitters in Hawkinge, you could also need the skills of a roofer in Hawkinge, waste removal in Hawkinge, a chimney sweep in Hawkinge, a carpenter in Hawkinge, a stonemason in Hawkinge, screeding in Hawkinge, a bricklayer in Hawkinge, a blacksmith in Hawkinge, a general builder in Hawkinge, stone cleaning in Hawkinge, a painter and decorator in Hawkinge, a plumber in Hawkinge, SKIP HIRE in Hawkinge, and quite possibly others.
For the latest local Hawkinge information go here
Fireplace installation in CT18 area, telephone code 01303.
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