Fireplace Fitter Overton Hampshire (RG25): Opening up an old fireplace or having a new one installed is an effective way to add a bit of charm to any room of your dwelling in Overton. Providing that you've got a ready source of wood, adding an open fire or wood burning stove for those cold winter days could even be more cost effective than certain central heating systems. Combine your fireplace with a back boiler and you can enjoy supplies of endless hot water to save even more money.
There are some important considerations to make before you start any work, in order to establish an efficient, attractive and safe fireplace in your house. Work that is conducted on the fireplaces, hearths, chimney breasts and flue linings of any combustible appliances, must follow Part J of the UK Building Regulations. If your dwelling in Overton is a listed building or is situated in a designated conservation area, planning permission may also be needed before any work can proceed. You'll have to check with the local council about this.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you've got the ability to do so, and are good at do-it-yourself you may be capable of doing some of the renovation work on an existing fireplace, but professional help might be required if safety or structural issues arise during the process. You might find that the hearth, lintel and chimney breast are in good shape, once you have exposed the old fireplace, and the hidden gem beneath needs barely more than a visit by a chimney sweep. What you will most likely discover is a wall of old, crumbling bricks that conceals problems such as a lintel that needs to be replaced or a stopped up chimney.
A wrongly fitted fireplace can cause severe fire risk and respiratory health problems and should only be fitted by a specialist fireplace installer in Overton with the experience and knowledge to do the job safely. Ensuring that sufficient oxygen is available for the fire to burn properly and efficiently is a major part of the Building Regulations for fireplaces. An accumulation of carbon monoxide can be the result in a room where there's not enough airflow, and death is a risk when a fire doesn't burn effectively.
It may be necessary to fit airflow vents in floors and walls to allow the fire to receive ample oxygen to burn efficiently and safely all the time. Flue vents may also have to be installed in blocked chimney flues which frequently cause damp areas and stains to to a chimney breast, because of moist air being trapped.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
It is surprising just how much soot and dirt can build up inside an old fireplace and chimney and you won't know precisely what is there until you uncover it. Even with covers and other dust protection for your furniture, the chance of damage from soot and dust is still possible and it is advised to remove your belongings and any woven materials before any fireplace renovation work commences. If you're performing a complete restoration of a room or house, the fireplace should be opened up before any plastering or decorating is tackled. The reasoning behind this is to avoid the chance of any discolouring damage to work that's recently been finished.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
Now you can see the opening of your fireplace it is time to clean and sweep the chimney and hearth and figure out what is fit for refurbishment. You now need to contact your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done so, to come and clean the old chimney and fireplace. A decent chimney sweep will first of all clean the flue and whilst doing so can check the structural condition of the chimney and provide you with advice on whether you need a new flue lining.
If it is necessary to install a new flue liner or strengthen the chimney all current Building Regulations must be followed to the letter. A competent tradesman with experience of the Building Regs and good working practices will be needed to carry out this type of work.
It is quite possible that a concrete or steel lintel will have to be installed, if the size of the existing fireplace is larger than your requirements. After this phase of the project has been completed, the restoration or updating of the old hearth can be undertaken. The situation with hearths has changed quite a bit through the years, and whilst in past days hearths were frequently sunk into floor voids, they now must be laid above the level of the floor if you are to abide by the current Building Regulations. You could think about asking your fireplace builder in Overton about a bespoke, made to measure hearth that will complement your property's style and design, or if you have a standard sized fireplace, there is a wide array of pre-made options in marble, slate and granite.
FIREPLACE STYLE
Choosing your perfect fireplace can be tricky amongst the various designs, shapes and sizes available from an online shop or fireplace showroom. It's vital to follow the expert advice of the sales team, since all the available fireplaces won't be suitable for your particular chimney and flue.
Whether you go with a wood burner, a multi-fuel stove or an open fireplace will depend on the overall style you are seeking to establish, your existing decor and in some situations, your property's age. If you've got an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, a cast iron wood burner can look magnificent set inside it, and has the added benefit of effectively deflecting heat back into the room from the stone or brick walls surrounding the stove.
A wood-burning stove is also a great choice if you haven't got a chimney breast in your Overton home. You don't have to have a chimney to experience a real fire, providing you have an outside wall through which a stainless steel flue from the stove can be channelled.
GAS, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN, WOOD OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
Who could possibly deny that they enjoy the warmth and glow of a natural fireplace on a cold evening, but if your circumstances do not allow for this, what other options are on offer?
Electric Fireplaces - Basic installation and a wide choice of designs make electric fireplaces an extremely popular choice for Overton homes without a chimney breast. Contemporary electric fires can provide "real" looking flame effects and and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood to imitate a real open fire when set into into an old fashioned fireplace.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To introduce a stunning focal point in your living space, these stoves can be run on a selection of different fuels, such as gas, coal, oil or wood. If you go for a multi-fuel stove from AGA for instance, you can get supplied with hot water, do cooking, and when connected to your radiators or central heating system, heat your whole home.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of styles to suit all home types and their effectiveness in warming a room is superior to wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. Gas fireplaces can only be installed and maintained by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, (formerly CORGI registered).
Wood Burning Stoves - Coming in an array of designs that can be a free standing feature where needed, these versatile stoves can be installed in rooms of almost any size. When used in tandem with a back boiler, these types of stoves can supply added heating capabilities by transferring the hot water to cold areas of your home by way of a radiator.
Open Fireplaces - This is the classic fireplace, establishing an eye-catching focal point for a room or space, and can be used to burn various different solid fuels, such as briquettes, wood, coal and anthracite nuts nuts. In the bad old days an open fire may have had the associations with being draughty, inefficient and smoky, however a well installed fireplace is a joy to behold while reclining in the warm glow it provides.
Practical Ideas On How To Preserve Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Bills
With all of the current green issues, the fireplace has lost some of its charm, but it still is a favourite feature for many people in Overton. There's nothing quite like feeling the genuine warmth of a fireplace throughout a chilly winter evening. Having an open fireplace has its perks but there are a few issues that could have an impact on its performance. Due to energy costs rising so quickly these days, your open fireplace must be a sound source of heat, not one of inefficiency. Although having a fire alight in a fireplace keeps the people around it toasty, it actually removes warm air from the rest of the area, causing your heat source to work harder. The chimney damper is expected to keep cold air from coming in to your home when you haven't got a fire going in the fireplace. Yet, dampers are not terribly effective seals, consequently a lot of the warm air escapes and allows cold air to come into the room.
Many homeowners that possess a fireplace in their home in Overton do not realise how the fireplace can have an effect on their utility bill. Rather than keeping the cost of heating down, it may actually do the complete opposite if one is not careful. But it is not all hopeless as there are ways to make your fireplace very cost-efficient. There are at least four simple things that you are able to do to fix up your fireplace. You will recognize that these tips will help to make your fireplace produce quality heat and your present energy bill lower.
The initial step is to remove your current fireplace damper and replace it with a top sealing damper. This form of damper is placed towards the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain and snow from coming in. It does an excellent job of retaining warm air in the house during wintertime and cool air from getting out in the warmer months. It does not take much time to fit and you can find one online. One more thing you can do is fit a fire-back in the back part of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate that is designed to enhance the room interior decoration, while saving the back wall from being damaged due to the heat. The fire-back absorbs the heat from a fire, and radiates it back inside the room, increasing the overall efficiency of your fireplace.
Another approach is to obtain a fireplace heater/fan, which draws in air in a room and warms it up. These heaters are enclosed systems, so no smoke is released, and they really can make a huge difference to the temperature of your house. And finally, adding glass doors, although a bit on the expensive side, can be effective in making your open fireplace cost efficient. Browsing around, you will be able to locate a good deal, and with clear instructions, you can even install them on your own. These doors help to stop the heat from escaping and also it keeps pets and children from getting burnt.
All these tips are simple to do, and the required products can be easily sourced online. Just do your best to keep your fireplace efficient and watch your heating bill go down.
Stone Fireplaces
When it comes to fireplaces, some householders wish to go for that truly dramatic look, and how better to do that, than by installing a natural stone fireplace. It could be that you have already got a stone feature on the exterior of your home, for example a stone facade or boundary wall. This may be an excellent way to complement those outside features on the inside of your home.
You can construct a stone fireplace by using either a thin stone cladding or a full-depth stone, and the one that you choose might be subject to your personal preference and how much money you're willing to spend. You'll also need to decide what sort of stone you would prefer for your new fireplace, choose between: granite, limestone, slate, quartz, sandstone or marble.
Exactly how your new fireplace looks, will depend on the individuality of the stonemason or craftsman who builds it, the building method (dry stone or mortar joints) and the type of stone used. Do a bit of research before your fireplace builder begins, and show them some photos of exactly what you've got in mind.
Because it has such a striking presence and can dominate the appearance of a room, stone isn't always suitable for a modern property. But, spectacular might be just what you have in mind - and after all, the choice is down to you!
Brick Fireplaces Overton
Brick fireplaces have been a common feature in homes for centuries, and they're still a beloved interior design element today. A brick fireplace can add warmth, character, and a bit of rustic charm to any room. Here are a few things to think about if you're considering adding a brick fireplace to your home in Overton.
First off, you'll want to consider the type of fireplace you prefer. Classic brick fireplaces generally feature a mantel and hearth, whilst contemporary fireplaces may have a sleeker design with clean, sharp lines. You'll also want to consider the size of your fireplace. A larger fireplace can make a spectacular statement in a room, whilst a smaller one can provide a snug and cosy nook.
Brick fireplaces can be constructed using different sorts of bricks. You can select from a number of brick textures and colours to match the design of your property. It's also possible to add extra elements such as stone, tile or wood to complement the brickwork.
Lastly, consider the practical aspects of a brick fireplace. Make sure that your fireplace is correctly vented and that you have a functioning chimney. If you intend to use the fireplace for heating, think about adding glass doors or a fireplace insert to improve safety and efficiency.
To conclude, brick fireplaces are a timeless addition to any property. They're versatile, durable, and provide warmth and comfort for many years. If you are considering a fireplace for your house in Overton, a brick fireplace is a wonderful choice.
Overton Fireplace Related Tasks
You most likely came here looking for basic fireplace installation, but your local Overton fireplace installer can offer a large range of additional services and tasks, and these might include wood mantels Overton, tiled fireplaces Overton, limestone fireplace, fireplace cleaning, made-to-measure fireplaces, electric fireplace installation Overton, chimney strengthening, fireplace packages in Overton, Victorian fireplaces Overton, Victorian fireplace installation, brick fireplace installations in Overton, freestanding stoves, reclaimed fireplace installations, fireplace refurbishment in Overton, wood burning fireplaces, reclaimed fireplaces Overton, carbon monoxide detector installation Overton, Victorian fireplaces, classic fireplaces, fireplace removal, fireplace inserts Overton, cheap fireplace installation, stone fireplaces in Overton, fake fireplaces, the installation of Regency fireplaces, chimney sweeping Overton, fire grate conversions, fireplace repairs, double-sided stoves, gas fireplaces, fireplace surrounds, wall-mounted electric fires Overton, cast iron fireplace installations, outdoor fireplaces Overton, hearth fireplaces, and others. This is merely a sampling of what you can expect from your local fireplace fitter. Overton providers will inform you about their full range of fireplace services if you phone them. You can perhaps go to this QUOTE FORM and fill in your details, if you have other Overton fireplace requirements that you are looking for but cannot find here.
Fireplace Installers Near Overton
Also find: Whitnal fireplace installers, Hannington fireplace installers, North Waltham fireplace installers, Ewhurst fireplace installers, Quidhampton fireplace installers, Upper Woodcott fireplace installers, Newfound fireplace installers, Wadwick fireplace installers, Sydmonton fireplace installers, Ashe Warren fireplace installers, Steventon fireplace installers, Tufton fireplace installers and more.
Electric Fireplaces Overton - Fireplaces Overton - Fireplace Fitter Overton - Fireplace Installation Services Overton - Fireplace Fitters Overton - Fireplace Installation Estimates Overton - Domestic Fireplaces Overton - Fireplace Installers Near Me - Fireplace Designs Overton