Fireplace Fitter Orpington Greater London (BR5): The installation of a new fireplace, or the renovation of a pre-existing one is a good way to add a touch of charm to any property in Orpington. So long as you've got a ready source of wood, the addition of an open fire or multi-fuel stove for those cold winter evenings can even prove more cost effective than a regular central heating system. Combine a back boiler with your fireplace and you can enjoy constant supplies of hot water to save even more cash.
In order to create an efficient, attractive and safe fireplace in your house in Orpington, there are some vital considerations to make before you start any work. Work conducted on the fireplaces, hearths, flue linings and chimney breasts of any heating appliances, must comply with Part J of the UK's Building Regulations.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A simple renovation of an existing fireplace can generally be executed by a skilled do-it-yourselfer, however if any construction work is required there is a chance of running into structural problems that will have to be addressed professionally. If you are fortunate when you open up a blocked up fireplace you might find a decent hearth, chimney breast and lintel that requires little more than the advice and services of a chimney sweep to get a toasty fire going. It is much more likely however, that you'll uncover a blocked flue and a swathe of crumbling, old brickwork that will need structural reinforcement to make it safe.
Due to the severe health and fire risk issues that can result from an improperly installed or restored fireplace, it is preferable to look to the experience and knowledge of a competent fireplace fitter and builder in Orpington. According to Part J of the Building Regulations, a room that has a fireplace installed in it must have sufficient airflow and oxygen for the fire to burn properly. Toxic carbon monoxide can accumulate from a fire burning inefficiently in an inadequately ventilated room.
To guarantee an adequate airflow for the fire to burn safely and effectively, a competent fireplace installation team will assess the situation at hand and install vents around the room, or beneath the floor, thus solving this issue. Vents may also need to be fitted into blocked chimney flues which often cause damp patches and staining to to your chimney breast, because of moist air being trapped.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
It is surprising how much dirt and soot can accumulate inside an old chimney and you will not know precisely what's there until you proceed to open it up. So that your possessions don't get impaired by the muck, soot and dust that's released during the fireplace installation work, removing any furniture, carpets and rugs beforehand is highly recommended. If your fireplace is being fitted as part of a larger home renovation project then it ought to be one of the first things to be worked on once you have got the room back to its bare walls and floors. This should prevent damage to other parts of your restoration project (i.e. painted walls or fresh plasterwork), by dust and chimney soot that's discharged.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
You will have a much better idea about the refurbishment work that needs doing, as soon as you have opened up and exposed the old fireplace. You'll also be able to sweep the chimney and clean any remaining hearth. This will be the ideal time to get hold of a professional Orpington chimney sweep to find out if they're able to come and inspect your fireplace and chimney. After sweeping, they'll offer guidance and advice on the state of the chimney structure and flue, and tell you whether there are any parts that need replacing.
Construction work could be required to reinforce the original chimney breast and chimney, and a new flue liner may also have to be fitted. All of this renovation work will need to follow the current Building Regulations which are there for your safety. A skilled tradesman with experience of the Building Regs and good construction techniques will need to carry out this work.
There's no guarantee that the size of the exposed fireplace will match the style that you have in mind, which means that it might be necessary to put in a concrete supporting lintel. As soon as you have successfully supported the fireplace with your lintel it is now time to repair or update the hearth. The legislation relating to fireplace hearths has changed quite a bit over the years, and whilst in past times hearths were usually sunk into floor voids, they now need to be set above floor level if you are to abide by the current regulations. You will find that there is a whole host of pre-made hearths in marble, slate or granite, but if your fireplace isn't of a standard size you might have to go with a bespoke hearth, which you could ask your fireplace builder in Orpington about.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Due to the wide variety of different fireplace designs and styles, picking the one that is best for your home might not be that clear-cut. You can find out what's currently available by visiting your nearest fireplace showroom or by going on the web. It's quite possible that due to your current flue, chimney and airflow to the room, that some fireplace designs may not be suitable, therefore it's advisable to follow the the advice and recommendations of the fireplace company in this respect.
A wood burning or multi-fuel stove may be perfect for some rooms and homes in Orpington, while an open fireplace will be more appropriate for others. If you've got an attractive inglenook fireplace, a wood burning stove can look magnificent in this surrounding, and has the added benefit of reflecting the heat into the room from the stone or brick walls that surround the stove.
For properties in Orpington that haven't got a chimney, a wood burning or multi fuel stove is an excellent solution. This form of fireplace can be fitted with a stainless steel flue that's taken through an outside wall and doesn't need a chimney, to be installed and work safely.
WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN OR GAS FIREPLACE?
If your situation doesn't allow for the installation of a natural fireplace, what are all the possible options?
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To establish an eye-catching centerpiece in your living space, these stoves can burn an assortment of fuels, such as coal, oil, wood or gas. If you decide on a multi-fuel stove from the AGA range, you can get hot water, do cooking, and when linked up with your radiator system, provide heat for your whole home.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in modern or old-fashioned designs to go with the decor of your property, and they have recently become very popular in many households in Orpington. They are able to provide steaming hot water for radiators or for other uses in your house, if fitted with a back boiler.
Electric Fireplaces - A popular choice for householders in Orpington, these fires can be installed by pretty much any competent individual, in a safe and easy manner. Can be inset into traditional fireplaces, and with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires it can often be difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a whole host of styles to suit any home in Orpington, and they provide instantaneous heat which is more heat efficient than a wood burner. You will need an authorised Gas Safe tradesman to fit one these fires in your house in Orpington.
Open Fireplaces - Can be used with a number of solid fuels (briquettes, wood, smokeless coal), and creates a stunning focal point for any room in your home. In bygone days regarded as being smoky, inefficient and draughty, a well-installed contemporary open fireplace can be a joy to behold.
Fireplace fitters can be located in Orpington itself, in these nearby postcodes: , BR5 1PA, BR5 1JX, BR5 1DS, BR5 1ET, BR5 1AD, BR5 1PJ, BR5 1HU, BR2 6EX, and BR5 1DL, as well as in close by areas like Crockenhill, St Pauls Cray, Farningham, St Mary Cray, Well Hill, Pratts Bottom, Locksbottom, Chelsfield, Chislehurst, Green Street Green, Eynsford, Keston. Fireplace companies from Orpington will usually have the phone code 01689 and the postcode BR5. You'll want to confirm this if you favour using a locally based fireplace specialist. Orpington householders will be able to benefit from these and many other related services. If you would like to obtain any aspect of fireplace installation info for your area, simply click the "QUOTE" banner or form.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick fireplaces have been a popular feature in dwellings for many centuries, and they continue to be a beloved design element today. A brick fireplace can add character, warmth, and a bit of rustic charm to any room. The following are some things to consider if you're thinking about adding a brick fireplace to your house in Orpington.
First, you will need to consider the type of fireplace you prefer. Traditional brick fireplaces generally feature a hearth and mantel, while modern fireplaces often have a sleeker design with clean, neat lines. You'll also want to consider what size of fireplace you want. A larger fireplace can make a spectacular statement in a room, whilst a smaller version can provide a comfortable nook.
Brick fireplaces can be constructed using different kinds of brick. You can pick from a range of brick textures and colours to match the design of your home. It's also possible to add extra elements such as wood, tile or stone to highlight the brickwork.
Lastly, keep in mind the functional considerations. A brick fireplace can be an effective way to heat your house, so you'll want to make certain it is adequately vented and that you're using it safely.
In summary, a brick fireplace can add charm and warmth to any room. With good consideration and planning, you can create a functional and attractive brick fireplace that will enhance your property's design and provide a comfy atmosphere.
Chimney Sweep Orpington
It is imperative that you have your chimney swept frequently, regardless of whether you've got a stove or an open fire. Chimneys should be cleaned and swept at least once yearly, if not more.
It's invariably wise to bring in a qualified Orpington chimney sweep if you want to get this job done properly. Not only does this mean that you chimney is kept nice and clean, the chimney sweep will be on hand to highlight any problems with you chimney.
The build-up of soot and ash that results from failing to sweep a chimney in Orpington, could easily lead to a chimney fire. An equally hazardous situation that can arise as a result of a blocked chimney is carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your house.
Make certain you pick a trustworthy chimney sweep in Orpington, and check that they are covered by public liability insurance in case of damages or accidents. CLICK HERE to get chimney sweeping quotes for the Orpington area. You should also be able to get chimney sweeping done in nearby locations and areas.
Flue Liners
A flue or chimney liner is an essential part of the chimney structure on your home, allowing it to function far more efficiently than it would without one, and improving it's overall safety. Running the complete length of the inside of the chimney, flue liners are conduits made from various different materials including metal, clay or ceramics. They carry fumes outside your home. Subject to their condition and age, older chimneys in Orpington might need to be re-lined, or may not be fitted with a flue lining at all.
Your chimney flue can, over time, be impaired by the dangerous gases that are generated by burning a fire. You could either get the sweep to inspect it for damage and potential problems while your chimney is being swept, or you could ask your fireplace builder to inspect it. You must stop those harmful gases from seeping into your home's living space, which is what can occur when a flue lining is damaged. Damaged flue linings can also trigger house fires - so make sure that you have them checked out!
Orpington Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace company can undertake a wide range of tasks including fireplace refurbishment in Orpington, electric fireplace installation in Orpington, fireplace repairs, cheap fireplaces, traditional fireplaces Orpington, gas stoves, fireplace mantels, reclaimed fireplaces Orpington, the installation of modern fireplaces, chimney cowl installations, carbon monoxide detector installation, period fireplaces Orpington, corner fireplaces, brick fireplaces, fireplace hearths Orpington, chimney repairs Orpington, contemporary fireplaces Orpington, fake fireplaces in Orpington, fire grate conversions Orpington, Victorian fireplace installation, outdoor fireplaces Orpington, electric fireplaces, marble fireplace surrounds, cast iron fireplace installation, fireplace removal, chimney sweeping, chimney strengthening, tiled fireplaces Orpington, brick fireplace installation, fake fireplace installations, designer fireplaces, fireplacequotations, contemprary fireplace installations, the installation of tiled fireplaces, made-to-measure fireplaces, and others. These services are just a few of those available from your local fireplace fitter. You could always click HERE and complete our quote form, if you've got fireplace requirements in Orpington, that you can't find here.
Please Leave a Review
In order for Orpington businesses to obtain work and prosper, they need to have excellent reviews on their standard of work, in fact nowadays reviews and testimonials are the lifeblood of business. If you've received great work, you may wish to take some time to thank them by giving a positive review of their performance on your fireplace project. Both potential future clients and the business itself can be helped by you recounting your first hand knowledge in this way. If you read reviews to locate somebody to do your work, you'll realise how useful that can be. You may well have looked someplace else if a particular company did not have some meaningful feedback and reviews, even if their official company website appeared to be professional.
However, when you're on a company's own website, how can the so called customer reviews you see be relied on? Were actual customers involved in writing these, or were they "made up" by a company employee in order to make them look better than they are?
Rather than trusting these, you can check out the reviews on Google My Business listings, where you'll get more authentic and sincere reviews on businesses in Orpington. This is the review website that is trusted by millions of people to establish company reputations, and can have an impact on their placement in the search engines too. Google My Business's main rival and the 2nd biggest local company review area is Bing Places for Business, which is Microsoft's alternative. Leaving a positive review in either of these places will provide a rundown of the company that worked successfully on your fireplace project and help to increase the profile of that company.
Leaving reviews on Twitter and Facebook pages is equally powerful for endorsing a company that has performed well. These social media giants will form a key part of any small business's marketing and media campaigns. Their marketing message will be strengthened by your favourable reviews and give a starting place for neighbours and friends who may be interested in services of a similar nature.
Even in these high-tech, modern times, it is still appropriate to send in a hand-written thankyou letter, if you aren't computer savvy. Letters like this can be framed for display in reception areas, compiled to create a portfolio of reviews which is handy in face to face meetings with potential clients, or scanned and published on the reviews page of the business website or Instagram account. Regardless of how you create a review it's an amazing feeling to think you may have helped a local small business get a stronger foothold in the highly competitive market.
More Help and Guidance
If you wish to find out more on fireplace designs check this out. To see what's happening on social websites, check this out. To discover what's taking place in the field of fireplace installation visit the Buildhub Forum, subjects include things like wood burners, trims for stoves, chimney flues, pellet boilers and stoves, understanding building regulations and widening fireplaces. Go here to see how to install a fireplace. To get more information about coal burning fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, the history of the fireplace, the heating efficiency of fireplaces, the environmental effects of fireplaces and the different types of fireplace, head to the Wikipedia fireplace page.
Friends & Family Recommendations
Friends and family members are a great source of recommendations, when you're on the lookout for a contractor in Orpington for your project or undertaking. It's generally accepted, that personal references are the preferred solution when it comes to finding someone who is ideal for your requirements, and can also help in pointing a finger at fireplace contractors who are not up to the job, or local companies with less than flattering track records.
Getting the feedback of an acquaintance or member of your family also means that you can discover if anything went awry, how quickly errors were rectified, and what the contractor's attitude was like. Moreover you can get an insight into the punctuality and reliability of the fireplace installer involved. They will also be in a position to give you details about the quotation process and how accurate the initial estimate was when compared to the final price that was demanded by the installer.
In the final analysis, your friends and family are folks that you know and trust in relation to their advice. If they've had a disappointing experience in dealing with a particular contractor or fireplace installer, you might find that they won't want to discuss them. Although it might not necessarily be the case, in some instances people are more willing to recommend a decent quality contractor than an inferior one, and might even suggest a different company rather than 'bad mouth' one that didn't fully meet their expectations.
Fireplace Installers Near Orpington
Also find: St Mary Cray fireplace installers, Green Street Green fireplace installers, Keston fireplace installers, Chislehurst fireplace installers, Crockenhill fireplace installers, St Pauls Cray fireplace installers, Pratts Bottom fireplace installers, Eynsford fireplace installers, Locksbottom fireplace installers, Farningham fireplace installers, Well Hill fireplace installers, Chelsfield fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installation services are available in almost all of these villages and towns. These tradespeople, with their expertise and knowledge, are well-equipped to perform successful fireplace installations in your home. The atmosphere, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living spaces can be experienced by residents with the help and assistance of these dedicated professionals. By clicking here, local residents can get fireplace installation price quotes.
More Orpington Tradespeople: Not surprisingly, whenever you are doing home repairs and improvements in Orpington, Greater London, you will probably need all kinds of different tradesmen and together with fireplace fitters in Orpington, Greater London, you could also need a stonemason in Orpington, a chimney sweep in Orpington, a heating engineer in Orpington, a bricklayer in Orpington, a painter and decorator in Orpington, a plasterer in Orpington, waste removal in Orpington, an odd job man in Orpington, a damp proofer in Orpington, a carpenter in Orpington, jet washing in Orpington, a roofer in Orpington, a cleaner in Orpington, a floor fitter in Orpington, a building contractor in Orpington, a blacksmith in Orpington, an electrician in Orpington, SKIP HIRE in Orpington, and several other different Orpington tradesmen.
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Fireplace installation in BR5 area, telephone code 01689.
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