Fireplace Fitter Littleborough Greater Manchester (OL15): A splendid way to add some charm to any Littleborough property is by installing a new fireplace, or restoring an existing one. If you opt to combine your fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the warmth and ambience of an open fire on those chilly winters' evenings, you'll also be supplied with plenty of piping hot water.
Before you go bashing away at a bricked-up chimney there are some things you will need to think about to make certain you can install your new fireplace in a safe and efficient way. Any heat producing appliance installed in domestic homes in Littleborough must adhere to Part J of the building regulations, and this applies to hearths, fireplaces, flue linings and chimney breasts. If your dwelling in Littleborough is a listed building or is in a conservation area, planning permission might also be needed before any work can start.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When renovating an existing blocked or bricked-up fireplace, there is a fair likelihood of encountering structural problems, so even if you're a competent do-it-yourself fanatic you could find this sort of work difficult. It might be the case that when you pull back the boarding surrounding an old fireplace to uncover a hidden treasure that needs nothing more than a quick clean and a check from a chimney sweep to get a roaring fire going. However, what you'll likely discover is a patch of crumbling bricks that hides issues such as a lintel that needs to be replaced or a stopped up chimney.
If a fireplace is installed in your property in Littleborough and it is not correctly put in, there's not only a fire risk, but also of respiratory health conditions. So, using a specialist fireplace fitter is highly recommended in most cases. Ensuring that enough oxygen is available for the fire to burn properly and efficiently is a key aspect of the Building Regulations (Part J) for fireplaces. Carbon monoxide fumes (which are lethal can build-up and become an issue in a poorly ventilated area where an inefficently burning fire is installed.
To guarantee an adequate air flow for the fire to burn effectively and safely, a professional fireplace installation company will assess the situation at hand and place vents in locations around the room, or under the flooring, thus solving this problem. Flue vents may also need to be fitted into blocked or unused chimney flues which can sometimes cause damp patches and staining to to the chimney breast, because of trapped condensing air.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Massive amounts of soot and grime will enter a room when you are opening up an unused fireplace for renovation. Essentially, this is a really messy job. A fireplace installer will bring coverings for your home furnishings and provide some form of protection, but it is advisable where feasible to remove rugs, carpets and furniture from the area before work begins. If you are lucky enough to be working on a complete home renovation project then it ought to be one of the first jobs to work on before you re-plaster or decorate the walls. This will prevent damage to other elements of your remodelling project (i.e. plaster or freshly painted walls), by dust and chimney soot that is emitted.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
You'll get a greater idea about the refurbishment work that needs doing, after you have opened up the old fireplace. You will also be able to get the chimney swept and clean up any of the hearth that has survived. The first job on your to-do list will be to contact a competent Littleborough chimney sweep. After sweeping and cleaning, they will offer specialist advice on the condition of your flue and chimney structure, and let you know if there are any components that need replacing.
All the current UK Building Regulations must be adhered to, if you need to install a new flue liner or strengthen the chimney. A good fireplace installer and builder in Littleborough will be needed to undertake this task, and will have the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all building regulations.
If the dimensions of the existing fireplace are greater than your needs, a concrete lintel should be put in. As soon as your concrete lintel is safely in position you may now press on with the installation, repair and upgrade of the fireplace's hearth. In past days the hearth was set into the floor, however the current Building Regulations require it to be raised slightly above normal floor level. If your fireplace is not a standard size you may have to choose a custom-built hearth, however there are a whole host of ready to fit hearths in slate, marble or stone.
FIREPLACE STYLE
Because of the wide array of different fireplace shapes, styles and sizes, picking the one that's right for your home may not be that clear-cut. You can find out what's currently available by going on the web or by visiting your nearest fireplace outlet. It generally pays to follow the advice of the installation team and the salespeople in relation to which fireplaces will be suitable for your chimney and flue, because some will not be.
Some rooms and properties will look better with an open fireplace than a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner and vice versa. A wood burning stove for example, will look fabulous when positioned in an inglenook fireplace, which deflects any heat that's produced back into the room and emphasises its character and charm.
A cast iron wood burner is also an excellent choice if you do not have a chimney breast in your Littleborough property. A pre-existing chimney is not required because the flue is taken straight from the rear or top of the wood burner and channeled through an outside wall.
MULTI-FUEL, ELECTRIC, GAS, WOOD OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
If this kind of fireplace is not possible within your Littleborough property, what other choices are available?
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in old-fashioned or modern designs to suit your decor, and they've become very popular in many Littleborough households. If combined with a back boiler can provide hot water for radiators or for other use in your house.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to heat a space is better than wood burning stoves, and there countless designs to complement all property types. You will need a certified Gas Safe contractor to fit one these fires in your house in Littleborough.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies multi-fuel stoves can be used with various fuels, such as wood, coal, oil or gas, and become a focal point in any living room or kitchen in Littleborough. The AGA style is renowned as being capable of providing heat for an entire home, a supply of hot water and a hob and oven all in one unit.
Electric Fireplaces - Can be fitted easily and safely by anybody who's reasonable competent and there are designs which are appropriate for virtually any room and type of property in Littleborough. An electric fire can be installed in your home, even if you have a conventional fireplace, and some of them look pretty much like a genuine fire with crackling sound effects and dancing flames.
Open Fireplaces - A flickering fire is a unique focal point for any room in your home and it has the capacity to burn almost any solid fuel that you can buy. An open fire is a sight to behold and modern fireplaces are no more the inefficient, smoky and draughty things that they were in the past.
It is not only in Littleborough itself where you're able to obtain fireplace installation services - neighbouring areas like: Denshaw, Delph, Ripponden, Walsden, Wardle, Marsden, Smallbridge, Hurstead, Shore, Shawforth, Clough, Diggle, Gale are also covered. If a fireplace company has the postcode OL15 and the telephone code 01706, it is likely that they operate in the Littleborough area. Checking this can guarantee you access a locally based fireplace company. To get specifics on the installation of fireplaces near you click on the "QUOTE" form or banner.
Stone Fireplaces
You could always consider bringing the outdoors inside, and build a fireplace out of natural stone, which is a great way to achieve a truly dramatic look. It's possible that you've already got some natural stone features on your home's exterior, such as a stone facade or boundary wall. This might be a method for complementing those natural features internally.
Either full-depth stone or thinner stone cladding can be used to create a natural stone fireplace. Your budget and taste might affect your choice. The sorts of natural stone that can be used are numerous. Choose from limestone, marble, granite, quartz, slate or sandstone.
Just how your stone fireplace looks when it's complete will be affected by the style of building (mortar built or dry stone), the individuality of the tradesperson or stonemason who builds it and the kind of stone which is used. Do a bit of research before your fireplace installer begins, and show them some images of precisely what you have in mind.
Many contemporary homes are not really suited to the look of a stone fireplace, mostly because stone can be so striking, and dominate the appearance of an area. However, each individual property owner has their own preferences and taste, hence it is for them to choose.
Chimney Cowls Littleborough
The hood-shaped cover that can be installed over your chimney to increase the draft and stop smoke from backing up is referred to as a chimney cowl. Often made out of galvanised iron, the chimney cowl has the purpose of stopping the wind blowing smoke down the chimney and causing problems inside the building. This should be an integral part of any fireplace in Littleborough. If you wish to fully enjoy the many benefits of a fireplace, you should fit a cowl to your chimney in Littleborough.
There are several types of chimney cowl available. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They attach to the flue liner by means of three straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another type of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. These are bigger than the chimney pot, which ensures that they stay in place.
You can also find chimney cowls made from commonplace objects, like a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Ordinary chicken wire can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make decent chimney cowls. These products can be purchased on the internet or at your local hardware store.
Chimney cowls are a great way to stop birds building nests in your chimney and blocking the whole thing up. They're reasonably priced and easy to put in. You should ensure you have clear access to the area above the chimney stack to install one effectively. It can also stop debris from accumulating inside the chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Littleborough if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Flue Linings
A vital addition to the chimney structure on your property, a flue liner improves the safety of your chimney while allowing it to function more effectively than it otherwise would. Installed inside chimneys to carry smoke and fumes to the outside, flue liners are ducts manufactured from ceramic material, metal or clay. Older chimneys in Littleborough might not be fitted with linings at all, or will need to be re-lined in accordance with their age and condition.
Whilst a fire is burning in your grate, some dangerous gases and fumes are created, and the flue inside your chimney can be harmed and worn away by these fumes. Your flue lining should be regularly inspected for damage and possible problems each time it's being swept. If it is compromised, those dangerous gases could seep into your home rather than being properly expelled outside. When a flue lining is impaired it can subject the chimney structure to intensive heat, which can increase the risk of a house fire.
Hints To Look After Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Costs
The classic open fireplace has lost a certain amount of of its allure as a result of concerns for the environment but it's still loved by many homeowners in Littleborough. Sitting near the heat of a fireplace, revives many treasured memories for a lot of people. Having a fireplace has its advantages but there are also a few negative aspects that could have an impact on its usefulness. As energy costs climb, you'll want to make sure that your fireplace is giving you heat in a safe and efficient way. When a fire is burning, it may possibly warm up people standing in close proximity to it, but it can actually pull warm air out of a room, making your heat source work even more. If there's no fire, a damper is supposed to control the airflow. However, dampers often have an ineffective seal, so cold air gets in, and warmer air goes out.
A great many householders in Littleborough with a fireplace don't realise how it can influence heating costs. Instead of heating a residence naturally, a fireplace can in fact add hundreds of pounds to the cost of your heating. Just consider that it's not all gloom and doom seeing that there are techniques for making your fireplace more economical. There tend to be four simple steps that you can take to turn your fireplace into a cost-effective heat resource. These definitely will make your current fireplace more efficient, and reduce your heating bills.
The first tip is to swap your fireplace damper with a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is fitted toward the top end of your chimney which in turn also behaves the same as a storm door. It does a good job of preserving warm air in the home during wintertime and cool air from escaping in the summertime. It does not take lots of time to fit and you can find one online. Another thing that can be done should be to position a fire-back at the rear of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate that is created to enhance the room design, while saving the back wall from being damaged due to the heat. The fire-back gets warmed up by the flames and reflects the heat back into a room, thus enhancing the fireplace's efficiency.
The next thing that can help is a fireplace heater, which heats the room air that is being circulated through a chamber, and sends it back towards the room. These heaters do not release any smoke and can be extremely successful in keeping your family home warm and toasty. The final thing that you can do is to fix glass doors, which could be your biggest expense. If you do your homework, you should be able to get an excellent deal on glass doors and they are not too difficult to put in yourself. Such doors create a buffer between the hearth and living space, not only stopping the air in the room from escaping, but also offering protection to the inhabitants.
All of these suggestions are straightforward to do, and the products can easily be sourced online. Make the most of your fireplace and see your energy bills drop.
Leaving a Review
In the past, folks used to flick through the Yellow Pages or local papers to find services and businesses in the area, currently they're more likely to read reviews online, which are becoming ever more favoured. If somebody you've employed has done an exceptional job, let others know about how they did, by leaving them a nice review and sharing your experience with the world. Sharing your first hand knowledge in this way can help both the company itself and any prospective customers moving forward. If you think back to the techniques you used to locate someone to do your work, you will realise how reading reviews helped (or could have helped) you yourself. Even if you had visited a company website which looks really professional, you would probably have looked someplace else if they didn't have meaningful reviews.
But, how much faith can be put on customer reviews that are displayed on the website of a company? Are such reviews provided by real customers who were happy with the services they received, or were they provided by a company employee?
If you wish to find sincere and genuine reviews on a fireplace company in Littleborough, a good technique is to look at the Google My Business reviews. Potential customers in Littleborough, and throughout the world, research the reputation of companies each day on this widely trusted website. The key rival to Google My Business and the 2nd biggest review website for local businesses in Littleborough is Bing Places for Business. Your review here will generate a rundown of the company that successfully worked on your fireplace project and help to raise their profile.
Reviews and feedback can also be posted on Twitter and Facebook pages, which are excellent and immediately visible ways to compliment a local business. A leading part of any small company's marketing and promotion strategy will include the effective use of these social media giants. Their marketing message will be strengthened by your feedback and give a starting place for relatives and friends who are looking for similar services.
Of course you could go 'traditional' and prepare a hand-drafted thank you letter. Such letters can be mounted in a frame for display in offices or reception areas, gathered together to make a review portfolio which is useful for face to face meetings with potential customers, or scanned and published on the reviews page of the business website or Instagram page. However you create your review it's a great feeling to think you have helped a local small business get another foothold in a competitive market.
Doing a Search On the Internet
When looking for any kind of services or tradesmen nowadays, most people in Littleborough are inclined to head straight online to simply "Google it". In fact, you almost certainly used Google, Yahoo, Bing or Ask to access the page you are scanning at this moment. On the surface it might seem that the results displayed on the first page are just what you were looking for, however that is not invariably the reality. In this precise instance you'll be keying in something along the lines of "Littleborough fireplace installation", "fireplace installation Littleborough", "fireplace installation in Littleborough" or "fireplace installation near me" to locate the right individual.
Directories such as ThreeBestRated, Yell, Thomson Local or Yelp, or entries for large trade portals like Quotatis, TrustaTrader, Checkatrade, Local Heroes, Rated People or My Builder will more than likely feature highly on the resulting page one listings, as will strictly pay per click (PPC) adverts. You'll quite possibly discover the websites of real life fireplace installers languishing on the second or third pages of the listings, held back by the big money businesses who can afford search engine optimization.
Littleborough Fireplace Related Tasks
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Fireplace Installers Near Littleborough
Also find: Marsden fireplace installers, Clough fireplace installers, Diggle fireplace installers, Shore fireplace installers, Gale fireplace installers, Delph fireplace installers, Smallbridge fireplace installers, Hurstead fireplace installers, Wardle fireplace installers, Shawforth fireplace installers, Denshaw fireplace installers, Walsden fireplace installers, Ripponden fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installation services are available in the majority of these areas. The adept installation of a fireplace in your property is well within the skillset of these versatile tradesmen, given their know-how and experience. These dedicated professionals can help residents experience the warmth, comfort and ambiance that a fireplace brings to their homes. Local residents can obtain fireplace installation estimates by going here.
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Fireplace installation in OL15 area, and dialling code 01706.
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