Fireplace Fitter Ottery St Mary Devon (EX11): Opening up an old disused fireplace to fit an open fire, a wood burner or a gas fire is a splendid way to add a homely feel and some character to your Ottery St Mary home. If you choose to combine your fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you delight in the ambience and warmth of an open fire or stove on those chilly winters' evenings, you will also be supplied with a plentiful supply of boiling hot water.
Before any real work begins, for instance knocking down the walls of a boarded over fireplace or prising away at a bricked-up chimney breast, there are some important things you need to consider. The United Kingdom's Part J building regulations for heating appliances for starters, which has an impact on any work that is undertaken on hearths, chimney breasts, fireplaces and flue linings. If you reside in a listed building you'll also have to ascertain if planning permission is necessary from the local council before any work begins.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
When renovating an existing bricked-up fireplace, there is a fair likelihood of stumbling on structural issues, therefore even if you are a seasoned DIYer you could struggle to complete this sort of work. When you reveal the old fireplace, you may be lucky and find that in order to get a fire roaring once more, it needs nothing more than a thorough clean up of the hearth and a sweep of the chimney. It's a lot more likely however, that you'll discover a blocked up flue and an expanse of crumbling brickwork that will need structural reinforcement to make sure that it's safe.
If a fireplace is installed in your house in Ottery St Mary and it isn't put in correctly, there's not only a risk or fire, but also of respiratory problems. Therefore, using a certified fireplace fitter is highly recommended in most cases. For a fire to burn properly and efficiently in a room with a fireplace, there should be plenty of airflow to ensure a good level of oxygen. Toxic carbon monoxide can soon build up from a fire burning inefficiently in a poorly ventilated room.
A competent fireplace installation team will assess the situation at hand and get over this challenge to guarantee a satisfactory amount of air flow for the fire to combust safely and properly, by installing vents in locations around the room, or underneath the flooring. To enhance the circulation of air in unused or blocked chimney flues, your fireplace installation engineer might need to install vents to stop moist, condensed air getting trapped and producing stains and damp patches.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
A huge amount of soot and other grime can be released from a bricked up fireplace upon opening it up for restoration. It's recommended that you remove your your furniture, rugs and carpets before any fireplace restoration work starts, as even with covers and other dust protection for your possessions, the risk of damage from dust and soot is still possible. When it is merely part of a bigger restoration project, re-opening a fireplace ought to be one of the first things that you do, due to the mess involved. The reason behind this is to avoid any discolouration damage to restoration work that's previously been completed.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once the old fireplace has been successfully opened up, you'll get a clearer concept of the refurbishment work that's necessary. You can then also proceed with sweeping the chimney and cleaning any repairable portions of the hearth. You now ought to contact your chimney sweep, if you've not already done this, to come and clean the old chimney and fireplace. They will be willing to offer you expert advice on the chimney and flue after sweeping, regarding the situation with the chimney structure and whether it is advisable to exchange the existing flue lining.
It might be necessary to put in a new flue lining to conform to the all important UK Building Regulations, and construction work might also be needed to strengthen the existing chimney and breast. A competent tradesman who is acquainted with the Building Regulations and good construction practices will be needed to complete this work.
If the dimensions of the original fireplace are larger than your needs, a concrete or steel lintel should be put in. The updating, renovation and installation of the fireplace hearth can proceed once the lintel is in position. Once upon a time the hearth was set into a void in the floor, but current Building Regulations in the UK demand that it's raised slightly above floor level. To accomplish this, there are pre-made options made from slate, marble or granite, or you might choose a bespoke, custom-made hearth to fit in with your room style, which your fireplace builder in Ottery St Mary will be happy to help you with.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
If you pop along to a fireplace dealership you are spoilt for choice with a wide array of different choices open to you. It is possible that due to your current flue, chimney and airflow to the room, that certain fireplaces may not be suitable, therefore it pays to follow the recommendations from the fireplace installer in this respect.
In determining the style and design of fireplace that's most suitable for your circumstances, you will want to look at your home's age, and the look you are attempting to create for your room or space. For instance, a wood burner looks fantastic set into an inglenook fireplace, highlighting the charm and character of the stove and reflecting the heat back into the room to good effect.
Even if your Ottery St Mary property doesn't have a chimney you still have options for a fireplace feature through the installation of a wood burning or multi fuel stove. It is possible to take a stainless steel flue straight from the rear or top of the stove and out through an external wall, therefore an existing chimney isn't needed.
OPEN, GAS, MULTI-FUEL, ELECTRIC OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
The charm and ambience of a "real" fire cannot be surpassed, but what alternatives are out there if this form of fireplace isn't possible in your Ottery St Mary home?
Electric Fireplaces - Simple installation and a varied choice of designs make electric fireplaces a popular choice for Ottery St Mary properties that don't have a chimney. They can be set into conventional fireplaces, and with the "real" looking feel of modern electric fires it can often be difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Ottery St Mary can benefit from the installment of a wood burning stove, which come in an array of designs, and, if necessary, can even be fitted as a freestanding feature. These can provide steaming hot water to heat radiators or for use in your home, if fitted with a back boiler.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name implies they can be fired up with with various fuels, such as gas, oil, coal or wood, and become a unique focal point in any kitchen or lounge in Ottery St Mary. If you pick a multi-fuel stove from AGA, you can get hot water, do cooking, and when plumbed into your radiator system, heat your entire property.
Open Fireplaces - Provides an attractive focal point for any room and can use a range of solid fuels. Luckily, contemporary fireplaces are not the draughty, inefficient and smoky features that they once were, and an open fire creates a warm and cosy atmosphere for the occupants to enjoy.
Gas Fireplaces - Delivering instant heat and being more efficient when compared with wood burning stoves or open fireplaces, there are a wide selection of designs to suit any period of property. A Gas Safe registered engineer must fit and maintain any gas fire in your home, (CORGI was replaced by Gas Safe in 2009).
Fireplace fitters can be accessed in Ottery St Mary itself, in these postcodes: EX11 1BP, EX11 1HE, EX11 1YQ, EX11 1FZ, EX11 1YB, EX11 1QS, EX11 1AL, EX11 1FY, EX11 1HD, and EX11 1HX, plus in neighbouring areas like Aller Grove, Feniton, Gosford, Cadhay, Fluxton, West Hill, Sidbury, Wiggaton, Lancercombe, Taleford, Aylesbeare, Southbrook, Rockbeare, East Hill, Perkin's Village, Alfington, Fairmile, Fenny Bridges, Cobden, Metcombe, Putts Corner, Clyst St Lawrence, Higher Metcombe, Whimple. If they've got the postcode EX11 and the dialling code 01404, it is probable that they hail from Ottery St Mary or someplace nearby. Ottery St Mary people have lots of options when they're looking for fireplace services.
How To Preserve Your Fireplace And Reduce Your Heating Bills
The classic fireplace has lost some of its glamour as a result of environmental concerns but it's still loved by many in Ottery St Mary. The natural comfort of an open fireplace invokes very special recollections for those who've got them. There are countless good things about having a fireplace however there are also some negative aspects that may need to be taken care of. With energy costs increasing year on year, your fireplace needs to emit heat in a very cost-effective way. When a fire is burning, it might warm up those who are standing right in front of it, but it can in fact pull warm air out of your room, making your heat source work even harder. Anytime there's no fire, a damper should control the airflow. Often times though, fireplace dampers are often very inefficient in keeping warm air in the dwelling and cold air out.
Many families that possess a fireplace in their property in Ottery St Mary don't understand how the fireplace can cause their energy bills to rise. Instead of keeping heating costs down, it could actually do the precise reverse if one isn't careful. But it is not all bad news as there are ways to make your fireplace more cost-efficient. Just about all you need to do is basically four basic things to fix your fireplace. These will make your current fireplace far more effective, and lower your energy bills.
Step one is to take out your current fireplace damper and change it for a top sealing damper. This kind of damper is located towards the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from coming in. The top sealing damper keeps the air in the property from leaking out and will work incredibly well in cold and hot weather. Its not very difficult to install and can be easily purchased on the internet. An additional thing you will be able to do is position a fire-back in the back part of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate which is created to add to the room decor, while protecting the back wall from being damaged due to the heat. The fire-back takes the heat from a fire, and radiates it back towards the room, enhancing the overall efficiency of the fireplace.
Another cost saver is a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the area by drawing the air into a chamber and blowing the air back into the room. These heaters don't produce any smoke and should be extremely successful in keeping your family home warm and toasty. And finally, putting in glass doors, while a bit on the expensive side, can be effective in making your open fireplace economical to run. If you do your homework, you should be able to get an excellent deal on glass doors and they are not that challenging to fit yourself. Glass doors will keep the air in your house from escaping up the flue and it also helps to save your family from fires.
These suggestions aren't terribly tough to do and you should be able to order all of the items you need from the internet. Keep your fireplace and decrease heating expenses by increasing it's efficiency.
Chimney Cowls Ottery St Mary
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cap for your chimney that provides draft and stops backflow. It is generally made from galvanised iron and sits on top of the chimney to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down. A chimney cowl can be found online or in a builder's merchants. Whether you prefer to invest in a new one or make a pre-existing one work better, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working effectively.
A chimney cowl can also help protect your home and keep you safe. There are several types of chimney cowls available on the market, each designed to address different issues. Before you purchase one, consider a few aspects to ensure you get one that will help protect your home. Once you know what you need, you can then choose a chimney cowl based on your budget and needs.
You can also find chimney cowls made from everyday objects, like a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Chicken wire can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These covers can be purchased at a local hardware store or online.
One of the most common types of chimney cowls is the H-style. This style is the most effective at stabilizing the draft and allows your fireplace to function more efficiently. It is made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down drafts. It originally served marine applications but has become popular among homeowners due to its energy-saving functionality.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. It is available in a variety of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the stove.
Chimney cowls are a simple way to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney in Ottery St Mary. They are inexpensive and easy to install. You should make sure you have easy access to the area above the chimney to install one. It can also prevent debris from accumulating inside the chimney.
Flue Liners
Enabling your chimney to operate a lot more effectively, a chimney or flue lining is a vital element of the chimney structure on your house. Installed inside chimneys to transport smoke and fumes outside, flue liners are conduits fabricated from clay, ceramic material or metal. Subject to their condition and age, older chimneys in Ottery St Mary might have to be re-lined, or might not be fitted with a lining at all.
Harmful gases and fumes are produced by the burning of fires and these can quickly eat away at the flue lining of your chimney. You can either get the chimney sweep to check for possible issues and damage whilst your chimney is being swept and cleaned, or ask your fireplace specialist to inspect it. You need to stop those hazardous gases from leaking into your home, which is what can occur when a flue is impaired. There's also the risk of fires inside the home since a compromised flue can let intense heat penetrate the chimney's structure.
Chimney Sweeping Ottery St Mary
If your home in Ottery St Mary has an open fire or a wood burning stove, it is imperative that you have the chimney swept regularly. To keep your chimney safe and working correctly, it ought to be swept at least once yearly.
This can be a messy job, so you should always bring in a specialist Ottery St Mary chimney sweep. As well as cleaning your chimney, the chimney sweep will be able to spot any safety issues that exist with your chimney, so that these can be attended to in a timely fashion.
A build-up of soot, ash and wood tar can lead to chimney fires if you fail to sweep your chimney. Toxic carbon monoxide gas can also flow back into your home if you allow your chimney to become blocked or poorly maintained.
Check that your chosen chimney sweep in Ottery St Mary is adequately covered by public liability insurance, and is experienced in this field. GO HERE to get chimney sweeping quotes for the Ottery St Mary area. You can also access chimney sweeps in nearby towns and villages.
Ottery St Mary Fireplace Related Tasks
The selection of tasks that can be undertaken by your local fireplace fitter are wide and varied, and will include stuff like outdoor fireplaces Ottery St Mary, fireplace surrounds, the installation of chimney cowls, reclaimed fireplaces Ottery St Mary, brick fireplace installation Ottery St Mary, marble fireplaces in Ottery St Mary, fire grate conversions, fireplaces, fireplace refurbishment Ottery St Mary, elm fireplaces Ottery St Mary, three-sided fireplaces, chimney sweeping, the installation of modern fireplaces in Ottery St Mary, cheap fireplace installation, wood burning stoves Ottery St Mary, fireplace suites, limestone fireplace, stone fireplace installations, open fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installation, classic fireplaces Ottery St Mary, fireplace design, hearth fireplaces Ottery St Mary, gas fireplace installations, freestanding stoves, 2-sided fireplaces, marble fireplace installations, corner fireplaces Ottery St Mary, gas fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces in Ottery St Mary, wood burning fireplaces, wood burning fireplace installations in Ottery St Mary, fireplace hearths, the installation of outside fireplaces Ottery St Mary, fireplace fitting Ottery St Mary, and others unlisted. If you've got fireplace requirements in Ottery St Mary, that you cannot see here, you can go HERE and enter your details on our simple quote form.
Fireplace Installers Near Ottery St Mary
Also find: Fairmile fireplace installers, Wiggaton fireplace installers, Sidbury fireplace installers, Higher Metcombe fireplace installers, Whimple fireplace installers, Taleford fireplace installers, Alfington fireplace installers, Clyst St Lawrence fireplace installers, Fluxton fireplace installers, West Hill fireplace installers, Perkin's Village fireplace installers, Feniton fireplace installers, Gosford fireplace installers, Fenny Bridges fireplace installers, Southbrook fireplace installers, Cadhay fireplace installers, Aller Grove fireplace installers, Cobden fireplace installers, East Hill fireplace installers, Metcombe fireplace installers, Aylesbeare fireplace installers, Putts Corner fireplace installers, Rockbeare fireplace installers, Lancercombe fireplace installers and more. It is possible to get fireplaces installed in almost all of these towns and localities. To adeptly install fireplaces in your home, these versatile tradespeople have the necessary experience and knowledge. The warmth, comfort and atmosphere that a fireplace brings to their living areas can be enjoyed by residents with the help of these dedicated professionals. To get fireplace installation price quotes, local property owners can click here.
Fireplaces Ottery St Mary
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Fireplace installation in EX11 area, 01404.
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