Fireplace Fitter Saltash Cornwall (PL12): A good way to add a touch of character and a welcoming feel to any dwelling in Saltash, is to re-open an unused fireplace to fit a multi-fuel, open or wood burning fireplace. If you combine your new fireplace with a back boiler, you can not only enjoy the warmth and ambience of an open fire during the cold winters' evenings, you will also be supplied with plentiful hot water.
There are a few vital things you must think about before you commence any work, if you are to create a safe, efficient and attractive fireplace in your home. The United Kingdom's building regs, Part J for heat producing appliances for starters, which relates to any work that is conducted on flue linings, fireplaces, chimney breasts and hearths. Planning permission may also be needed before work begins if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A basic restoration of a current fireplace can generally be accomplished by a skilled DIY enthusiast, however if any building work is required there is a possibility of running into structural issues that need to be handled by a professional. It may be the case that when you remove the boarding surrounding a disused fireplace to find a hidden treasure that needs nothing more than a good clean and a call to a chimney sweep to get a roaring fire going. However, what you will most likely find is a patch of crumbling bricks that hides issues such as a lintel that needs replacing or a stopped up chimney.
An incorrectly installed fireplace can cause severe fire risk and respiratory health problems and should only be fitted by a professional fireplace installer in Saltash with the knowledge and experience to do the job effectively. According to the Building Regulations, a room that has a fireplace installed in it must have ample airflow and oxygen for the fire to burn safely. Carbon monoxide gas (which is lethal) can build-up and become a problem in an inadequately ventilated area where an inefficently burning fire is installed.
To guarantee adequate oxygen levels reach the fire at all times, and to successfully get around any airflow problems, vents may be installed around the room during the installation of a fireplace. Unused and blocked up chimney flues might also have to have air vents fitted since they can often trap moist air causing damp to develop inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are renowned for the huge amount of soot and grime that can build-up inside of them, thus when you set out to open up an unused fireplace you can expect it to be a fairly messy enterprise. A decent Saltash fireplace installer will bring dust sheets to cover up your furniture and supply a bit of protection, but it is wise where possible to remove furniture and woven floor coverings from the room before work begins. If it's only a part of a more substantial renovation project, opening up an unused fireplace ought to be one of the first tasks to be worked on, due to the mess involved. The reason behind this is to lower the chances of any staining damage to any renovation work which has previously been done.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
Now you can see the fireplace opening it's time to sweep and clean the chimney and hearth and figure out what can be restored. One of the initial items on your agenda should be to bring in a decent chimney sweep who operates in the Saltash area. In addition to cleaning your flue and chimney, they'll also assess the condition of your chimney and flu liner and advise you about whether any aspect of the chimney structure and flue needs replacing.
Following a chimney sweep's examination it may be required to install a new liner and/or strengthen the chimney breast in keeping with Part J of the UK Building Regulations. This is unlikely to be the kind of work that can be accomplished by a DIY person, so you'll need to hire an experienced builder or fireplace installer who has experience in good construction techniques and a knowledge of the appropriate Building Regulations.
If you need to modify the width of opening of your exposed fireplace to something smaller and more suitable for your design, a supporting lintel will have to be installed. Once your new lintel is in place and secure you can now get on with the repair, installation and updating of the fireplace hearth. You might find your existing hearth has been sunken into a floor void, however to conform to current regulations it is required to be raised above normal floor level. You can purchase a range of popular size and shape hearths to complement the decor of your home, or there are bespoke options to fit any style and size of fireplace.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS AND STYLES
Because of the wide range of different fireplace styles, shapes and sizes, picking the most suitable one might not be that straightforward. You can see what's currently on the market by going online or by visiting your nearest fireplace showroom. You should heed the recommendations of the fireplace installers with regards to which fireplaces will be appropriate for your chimney and flue, because some won't be.
The look you are aiming to create, your existing decor and in some situations, your property's age, will affect whether you decide on an open fireplace, a wood burner or a multi-fuel stove. If you're fortunate enough to have a property with an inglenook fireplace for instance, this can be a perfect position for a cast iron wood-burner stove. This won't only redirect the heat back into the room, but will also put the focus on the charm and beauty of the stove itself.
Even if you haven't got an existing chimney in your Saltash property, it's still entirely possible to install a wood burner stove. This form of fireplace can be installed with its own flue that's passed through an external wall and does not need a chimney, to be installed and work safely.
MULTI-FUEL, OPEN, ELECTRIC, GAS OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
The charm and ambience of a "real" fire can't be surpassed, but what alternatives are out there if this type of fireplace is not possible within your Saltash property?
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in classic or cutting-edge designs to match your furnishings, and they have recently become extremely popular in many households in Saltash. An added benefit of these products is that they can provide piping hot water for domestic use, or provide heating in another room via a radiator, when connected to a back boiler.
Open Fireplaces - Being able to burn virtually any solid fuel that's available to buy, the open fireplace can produce a flickering fire as an excellent focal point for any room or living area. An expertly installed open fire will be nothing like the smoky old fireplace that was perhaps bricked up by former owners, and its warm elegance is a delightful addition to any room in Saltash.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Multi-fuel stoves can be fired up with with a range of fuels, including gas, wood, oil or coal, to establish an interesting focal point in your home in Saltash. The AGA range is renowned as being able to provide heating for an entire house, a supply of hot water and a hob and oven for cooking all in a single unit.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a whole host of designs to complement any property in Saltash, and they provide instant heat which is more efficient (thermally) than a wood burner. Any gas fireplace in your Saltash property must be installed by a Gas Safe authorised tradesperson.
Electric Fireplaces - These can be fitted easily and safely by any competent individual and there are designs and styles which are suitable for just about any room and type of home in Saltash. Even if your room has a regular fireplace, an electric fire that seems almost like a "real" fire can be fitted.
Fireplace Inserts
The installation of fireplace inserts is a popular option for property owners in Saltash looking to upgrade their traditional fireplaces. Increasing heat output into the room and decreasing heat loss, these inserts are tailored to optimize fireplace efficiency. These inserts offer a more practical and safe way to experience the allure of a fire, without the fuss and untidiness associated with conventional wood-burning fireplaces.
There are numerous sizes and designs of fireplace inserts, including electric, gas and wood-burning models. Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use and need minimal maintenance, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their adjustable settings and remote control. Wood-burning inserts are the perfect option for homeowners who cherish the authentic experience of a crackling fire and the scent of burning wood.
Fireplace inserts not only provide convenience and efficiency but are also environmentally friendly. They reduce the amount of air pollution caused by traditional fireplaces by producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently.
If you're considering a fireplace insert, it's important to have it professionally installed to ensure it's done correctly and safely. A worthwhile investment for any householder seeking to improve the convenience, comfort, and value of their home, fireplace inserts provide numerous benefits. Fireplace inserts offer a dual benefit of enhancing home comfort and saving homeowners money on heating bills by directing more heat into the room and reducing heat loss.
Chimney Sweep Saltash
The routine sweeping of your chimney is essential if you've got an open fire or a log burning stove in your property in Saltash. Chimney cleaning and sweeping should typically be done at least once annually.
The best approach to get this done is to contact a professional Saltash chimney sweep, who'll carry out the work properly and without any mess. Bringing in a chimney sweep doesn't only keep your chimney clean but also highlights any problems that there might be with your chimney.
A chimney fire could easily be brought on by a build-up of ash, soot and wood tar if this is not removed by sweeping. Apart from fires there are other hazardous situations that can be caused by a blocked chimney, one example is that of poisonous carbon monoxide fumes being drawn back into your home.
Make sure your chosen Saltash chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by ample public liability insurance. For Saltash chimney cleaning quotes GO HERE.
Hints To Maintain Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Expenses
The age-old open fireplace seems to have lost a little bit of of its glamour as a result of concerns for the environment but it's still loved by many in Saltash. The natural comfort of a fireplace triggers very special remembrances for those who have them. There are countless upsides to having a fireplace however there are some negative aspects that might need to be taken care of. With power costs elevating so rapidly nowadays, your open fireplace needs to be a reliable source of heat, not one of inefficiency. While having a fire blazing in a fireplace keeps those around it warm, it can actually suck warm air from other parts of the room, causing your heat source to work harder. The fireplace damper is supposed to stop cold air from entering your home when you haven't got a fire in the fireplace. Yet, dampers are generally not terribly efficient seals, so all of the warm air escapes and allows cold air to enter the property.
What many people in Saltash don't realise about their fireplace is that it doesn't necessarily do precisely what they assume it's doing. Rather than conserving resources, and heating costs, it's generally adding hundreds of pounds of energy costs. There's a simple way to take your ineffective fireplace, and remake it into a heat generating system that will more closely fit your budget. There are at least 4 easy things that you can do to improve your fireplace. These should make your fireplace very affordable and very efficient.
The first point is to swap your existing fireplace damper with a top sealing damper. This form of damper is placed at the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain and snow from coming in. It does a good job of retaining warm air in the house during wintertime and cool air from getting out in the summertime. It is not that challenging to install and can be easily purchased online. Next, you ought to have a fire-back in the rear area of your open fireplace. A fire-back consists of cast iron and it is actually meant to shield the wall behind from fire damage, while at the same time making your fireplace look elegant. The fire-back also absorbs heat coming from the fire and sends it back inside, making the fireplace more efficient.
Another method is to buy a fireplace heater/fan, which draws air into the room and warms it up. These devices are put in place as closed systems in order that they do not produce any smoke, but they are extremely effective at keeping your house warm. And finally, adding glass doors, although a bit on the expensive side, can be helpful in making your fireplace economical to run. If you do a bit of homework, you can secure a good price on glass doors and install them on your own. These glass doors help to keep the heat from leaking out and also it keeps pets and young ones from getting burned.
The advice we just provided isn't that hard to put into action, and all of the products can be readily purchased online, or from your local fireplace stockist. Retain your fireplace and decrease heating expenses by making it more efficient.
Coming Soon:
Carbon monoxide detector installation - article 231.
More Saltash Tradespeople: Home improvement projects in Saltash often require the skills of several different craftsmen, and a chimney sweep in Saltash, a cleaner in Saltash, an odd job man in Saltash, a blacksmith in Saltash, a bricklayer in Saltash, a carpenter and joiner in Saltash, a painter and decorator in Saltash, screeding in Saltash, a roofer in Saltash, a stonemason in Saltash, SKIP HIRE in Saltash, a builder in Saltash, a plumber in Saltash, a tiler in Saltash, a plasterer in Saltash, pressure washing in Saltash, waste removal in Saltash, an electrician in Saltash might be needed although you are currently trying to find fireplace specialists in Saltash, Cornwall. Click on the links to get price quotes for all types of home improvement work.
Saltash Fireplace Related Tasks
Maybe you came here looking for basic fireplace installation, but your local Saltash fireplace installer can accomplish a host of additional tasks and services, and these might include fireplace packages, bespoke fireplaces, cast iron fireplace installation in Saltash, contemprary fireplace installation Saltash, Victorian fireplace installations, fake fireplaces in Saltash, chimney lining, the installation of modern fireplaces Saltash, traditional fireplaces Saltash, modern gas fires, stone fireplace installation in Saltash, marble fireplaces Saltash, 2-sided fireplaces Saltash, fireplacequotations, fireplace removal Saltash, fireplace installation, brick fireplace installation, inglenook fireplace installation, cheap fireplace installation Saltash, chimney sweeping, chimney strengthening, marble fireplace surrounds, gas fireplaces in Saltash, corner fireplaces, elm fireplaces Saltash, carbon monoxide detector installation, stone fireplaces, 3-sided fireplaces, double-sided stoves, period fireplaces, corner fireplace installation Saltash, gas fireplace installations, wood fireplace mantels Saltash, chimney modifications in Saltash, electric fire suites, and others. Saltash professionals will be happy to provide a complete list of their fireplace services when requested. If there happen to be other Saltash fireplace requirements that you are searching for but don't find here, you can easily list them on the QUOTE FORM provided.
Fireplace Installers Near Saltash
Also find: Lower Burraton fireplace installers, Moditonham fireplace installers, St Mellion fireplace installers, Carkeel fireplace installers, Forder fireplace installers, Trehan fireplace installers, Pillmere fireplace installers, South Pill fireplace installers, Trematon fireplace installers, Burraton Combe fireplace installers, Pillaton fireplace installers, St Stephens fireplace installers, Latchbrook fireplace installers, Botusfleming fireplace installers, Hatt fireplace services and more. These areas are all serviced by local fireplace fitters. By going here, Saltash business and home owners can get fireplace price quotes.
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