Fireplace Fitter Saxmundham Suffolk (IP17): Re-opening a disused fireplace to install a wood burner, multi fuel or open fire is a good way to add a homely feel and some character to any Saxmundham property. Nippy winter evenings can become very enjoyable as you sit in front of your new fireplace surrounded by the crackling of a burning fire, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can also enjoy steaming hot water too.
Before any serious work proceeds, for example knocking down the walls of a boarded over fireplace or prising away at a bricked-up chimney breast, there are some pressing things to consider. Any heating appliance installed in residential homes in Saxmundham must adhere to Part J of the UK's buildings regulations, and this applies to hearths, flue linings, fireplaces and chimney breasts. If you own a listed building you will also have to ascertain if planning permission is necessary from the local council before any work is started.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When refurbishing an existing bricked-up or blocked fireplace, there's a pretty good chance of running into structural issues, so even if you're an enthusiastic DIYer you could easily struggle with this sort of work. When your boarded fireplace is exposed you might be lucky and find a decent lintel, hearth and chimney breast that needs little more than a chimney sweep to get it working once more. More likely you will discover a blocked flue and crumbling brickwork that requires structural modifications.
Because of the severe fire risk and health problems that can result from a poorly installed or restored fireplace, it is advisable to look to the experience and knowledge of a competent fireplace fitter in Saxmundham. Making certain that sufficient oxygen is available for the fire to burn properly is a major part of Part J of the Building Regulations for fireplaces. Inadequate oxygen means that the fire won't burn well, and carbon monoxide could accumulate, which can cause injury or death.
To effectively overcome any problems with air flow, vents might be fitted in the room during a fireplace installation, to ensure suitable oxygen levels reach the fireplace. To prevent condensed air from becoming trapped in unused or blocked off chimney flues and producing staining and damp spots, flue vents may need to be installed by the fireplace installation team to improve the airflow.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
It's surprising just how much soot and grime can accumulate inside an old fireplace and you won't know exactly what is there until you uncover it. To ensure that your stuff does not get damaged by the dirt, soot and dust that is emitted during the fireplace installation project, removing any furniture, rugs and carpets in advance is highly recommended. If you are conducting a full restoration of a room or property, the fireplace ought to be opened up and worked on before any decoration or plastering works are undertaken. This should help to avoid damage to other parts of your refurbishment project (i.e. wallpapered walls or fresh plasterwork), by dust and chimney soot that's emitted.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
As soon as the old fireplace has been successfully opened up, you'll get a far clearer concept of the renovation work that needs to be done. You can then also proceed to sweep the chimney and clean any salvageable elements of the hearth. One of the initial items on your agenda should be to get hold of a decent chimney sweep who works in the Saxmundham area. After cleaning and sweeping, they'll offer professional advice about what sort of condition your chimney structure and flue liner is in, and tell you whether there are any parts that need replacing.
All the current Building Regulations should be adhered to, if you need to install a new flue liner or reinforce the chimney structure. A reputable fireplace installer and builder in Saxmundham will be needed to accomplish this task, and should have the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all regulations.
It's quite possible that a concrete or steel lintel will need to be installed, if the existing fireplace is of a size that's wider than your needs. The upgrade, installation and renovation of the hearth can commence once the lintel is in place. You might discover that the original hearth has been sunken into a floor void, but to be in accordance with current legislation it is required to be raised above normal floor level. To accomplish this, there are pre-made options made from concrete, marble or stone, or you could choose a custom-made, bespoke hearth to fit in with the design and style of your room, which your Saxmundham fireplace builder will help with.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS
Browsing on the net or visiting a nearby fireplace showroom will give you an indication of the wide array of different styles of fireplace for you to choose from. It is recommended to get the specialist advice of the installers and the sales team, as all fireplaces won't be suited to your specific chimney and flue.
Whether you go with an open fireplace, a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner will hinge on the look that you're attempting to develop, your current decor and maybe, the age of your house in Saxmundham. For example, the perfect backdrop to a cast iron wood burning stove is an inglenook fireplace, which not only perfectly emphasises its charm and character but is also brilliant at deflecting any heat that's generated back into the room.
Even if you don't have a pre-existing chimney breast in your Saxmundham home, it is still feasible to put in a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. An existing chimney isn't required since a stainless steel flue is taken directly from the rear or top of the stove and channeled through an exterior wall.
ELECTRIC, OPEN, GAS, MULTI-FUEL OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
Who doesn't enjoy the warmth and glow of a natural fire on a cold evening, but if your situation doesn't permit this, what are the other available options?
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Saxmundham can be improved by the fitting of a wood burning stove, which are available in an array of styles, and, if needed, can even be installed free standing. A model with an integrated back boiler can supply additional heating capabilities by connecting the hot water to a radiator in a cold spot of your house.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to warm up a room is superior to multi-fuel or wood burning stoves, and there numerous styles to complement all types of property in Saxmundham. Any gas fire put into your Saxmundham property must be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe heating engineer.
Electric Fireplaces - Basic installation and a wide choice of styles make electric fireplaces a popular choice for Saxmundham homes that don't have a chimney. It can sometimes be difficult to tell one from the genuine thing with with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires, and they can readily be inset into regular fireplaces when required.
Open Fireplaces - This is the classic fireplace, that can create a focal point for any room or living space, and can be used to burn a number of different fuels, such as coal, coalite nuts, briquettes and wood. Contemporary fireplaces are no longer the draughty, inefficient and smoky features that they used to be, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm atmosphere for the occupants to enjoy.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you will probably assume from the name, these kinds of stoves can be fed various different fuels, including smokeless coal, wood, gas or oil, and not just that, they can also be a focal point for your home in Saxmundham. The AGA range is well known as being capable of providing heat for an entire house, a constant hot water supply and a cooker all in one useful appliance.
It's not only in Saxmundham itself that you can get fireplace installers - surrounding places like: Benhall Street, Rendham, Marlesford, Benhall Green, Kelsale, Great Glemham, Knodishall Green, Benhall, Stratford St Andrew, Sweffling, Sternfield, Coldfair Green, North Green, Little Glemham, Curlew Green, Gromford can also be covered. Locally based Saxmundham fireplace installers will likely have the postcode IP17 and the telephone code 01728. This could be one thing to verify if you want to make sure that you hire a locally based fireplace installer. Saxmundham householders can benefit from these and countless other fireplace services.
Stone Fireplaces
For that really spectacular look why don't you consider bringing the outdoors inside with a stone fireplace? Maybe your building already has some exterior natural stone features, a boundary wall or stone facade for example. This could be an effective way to match those external features on the inside of your property.
You can construct a natural stone fireplace by using either a full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding, and the one that you choose could be determined by your taste and how much you're prepared to spend. There are also a number of different stone types that can be used to build a fireplace, including: quartz, sandstone, limestone, granite, slate or marble.
The appearance of your completed fireplace will depend on the sort of stone used, the building technique (dry stone or mortar joints) and the methodology used by the craftsman or stonemason who builds it. Do a bit of research before your fireplace company begins, and show them some photographs of just what you have in mind.
Because it has such a striking presence and can dominate the appearance of a room, stone isn't always a suitable material for a contemporary property. But, spectacular might be exactly what you have in mind - and after all, the choice is yours!
Chimney Cowl Installation Saxmundham
To maximize draft and stop smoke from backing up in your chimney you can fit a chimney cowl, which is a hood-shaped cover that fits over the chimney pot. It's generally manufactured from galvanised iron and its purpose is to prevent the wind from blowing smoke down the chimney. To enjoy the benefits of a fireplace fully, it is advised that you add a cowl to your chimney.
There are several kinds of chimney cowls on the market. There are pot hanging cowls which can be installed without removing the chimney pot. They hook up with the flue liner via three straps, which secure the cowl in place. Another sort of cowl is a weathering cap, which is mounted on the end of the flue system. These are bigger than the chimney pot, which makes certain that they stay in position.
Chimney cowls are also available that are made from run-of-the-mill objects, like a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Chicken mesh can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These products can easily be purchased online or at a local hardware store.
Chimney cowls are a quick way to prevent birds nesting in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They are comparatively cheap and simple to put in. You should make certain that you have easy access to the area above the chimney to install one. It can also stop debris from accumulating inside the chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Saxmundham if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Chimney Sweeping Saxmundham
If your property in Saxmundham has a wood burner or an open fire, it is important that you get your chimney swept frequently. Chimneys ought to be swept and cleaned at least once each year to keep them in safe working condition.
The best approach to get this done is to contact a specialist Saxmundham chimney sweep, who will carry out the work correctly and without any mess. An expert chimney sweep won't just clean your chimney but in addition be on the lookout for any safety issues and other problems.
You might be running the risk of a chimney fire if you fail to remove the build-up of ash, soot and wood tar by sweeping it. As well as stopping fires, you will also want to prevent the chance of poisoning by carbon monoxide fumes. When a chimney gets blocked this noxious substance can flow back into your home with horrific consequences.
Check that your chosen chimney sweep in Saxmundham is properly covered by public liability insurance, and is skilled in this field. To find out how much it costs to get a chimney swept in Saxmundham CLICK HERE. You can also get chimney sweeping done in nearby locations and areas.
Flue Linings
Fitted to boost the efficiency and safety of your chimney set-up, a flue or chimney liner is essential and should not be left out in any circumstances. Crafted from clay, metal or ceramic material, flue liners are ducts that are installed inside chimneys to transport toxic fumes to the outside. If you reside in an older property in Saxmundham, it could be that you don't have a flue liner in your chimney at all, or that the existing one is impaired and will have to be replaced.
Dangerous gases are produced by the burning of fires and these can soon cause damage to the flue of your chimney. Your flue lining needs to be frequently examined for damage and possible issues whenever it's being swept. You have to stop those toxic gases from leaking into your home, which is exactly what can happen when a flue lining is faulty. When a flue liner is damaged it can expose the chimney structure to intense heat, which can in turn increase the risk of a house fire occurring.
Saxmundham Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a variety of work that can be conducted by your local Saxmundham fireplace installer including fire grate conversions, Regency fireplaces, open fireplaces, three-sided fireplaces in Saxmundham, the installation of modern fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces in Saxmundham, fake fireplaces, brick fireplaces, fireplace services, reclaimed fireplaces, corner fireplaces, gas fireplaces, electric fire baskets, stone fireplace installations, traditional fireplace installation, traditional fireplaces, period fireplaces, oak beam fireplaces, wall-mounted electric fires, double-sided stoves, fireplace packages in Saxmundham, bespoke fireplaces in Saxmundham, fireplace surrounds, fireplace removal in Saxmundham, cast iron fireplaces, brick fireplace installations, fireplace replacement, wood & multifuel stove installations in Saxmundham, marble fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, and more. If there is something fireplace related, that you need but do not see listed here, you can go to this QUOTE FORM and enter your details.
Leaving a Review
Saxmundham businesses have always relied on positive feedback to gain new customers and develop their local presence, however right now it's even more crucial, and having excellent online reviews is a crucial part of this. If a local business has given good service, you really should take the time to thank them by leaving a review of their abilities. Both possible future customers and the business itself can benefit from you disclosing your personal knowledge in this way. You might remember how reviews helped you to decide when you were initially hunting for someone to install a fireplace. It doesn't matter how convincing a business's website may look, without those favourable reviews you might well have looked elsewhere.
However, when you're on a company's own website, how can you have faith in the reviews? Have these reviews been written by a company employee aiming to promote their services, or were they penned by real clients?
For sincere and authentic reviews on any business in Saxmundham, Google My Business reviews is the first place to head for. For ascertaining the reputation of any business, this is THE review website which is trusted throughout the world, and the search engine results of a business website can also be affected by the results. Bing Places for Business is another review website that you could try when posting reviews for local services and companies in Saxmundham, and is the major competitor of Google My Business, holding second place in the reviews sector. Leaving a good review in either of these places will provide an overall picture of the company that successfully worked on your project and help in boosting the profile of that company.
You could also leave business feedback on Facebook and Twitter pages, which can be just as good. Many small companies in Saxmundham will depend heavily on these social media giants for their marketing and promotion strategy. Your positive reviews will help to strengthen their message, and if you have given recommendations to friends and relations who are interested in services of a similar nature, this will give them a starting point for their hunt for the right tradesman.
Even in these high-tech, modern times, it is still appropriate to send in a hand-drafted letter of thanks, if you are not comfortable with computers. These can soon be photographed for use on company websites, and are still essential in an internet crazy world. They could even be put in a frame or gathered together to form a review portfolio to hand to prospective customers in face to face meetings. No matter which technique you choose to create your review of a trustworthy local company, you will get a fuzzy feeling inside knowing that you've helped somebody who gave you good service.
Fireplace Installation Advice and Guidance
If you want to learn more info on on fireplace designs click here. Discover the basics on installing a fireplace hearth and mantel by using YouTube here. For more information regarding the environmental effects of fireplaces, the evolution of fireplaces, electric fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, fireplace heating efficiency and the various types of fireplaces, take a look at Wikipedia. Fireplace Installation information and advice is readily accessible from internet forums, therefore to take advantage of this you should pop along to the Buildhub Forum, topics you can discuss include things like trims for stoves, widening a fireplace, log burners, chimney design, pellet boilers and stoves and building regulations. To view how fireplace installers are promoting themselves on social websites, check this out.
Fireplace Installers Near Saxmundham
Also find: Gromford fireplace installers, North Green fireplace installers, Benhall fireplace installers, Stratford St Andrew fireplace installers, Sternfield fireplace installers, Great Glemham fireplace installers, Knodishall Green fireplace installers, Curlew Green fireplace installers, Sweffling fireplace installers, Benhall Green fireplace installers, Little Glemham fireplace installers, Rendham fireplace installers, Marlesford fireplace installers, Coldfair Green fireplace installers, Benhall Street fireplace installers, Kelsale fireplace installers and more. Companies who fit fireplaces can be found in almost all of these localities. With the requisite experience and know-how, these versatile tradesmen are adept at successfully installing fireplaces in your home. Dedicated specialists facilitate residents in enjoying the atmosphere, warmth and comfort that come with having a fireplace in their homes. By clicking here, local householders can obtain fireplace installation quotations. Would your home benefit from the installation of a fireplace? Why not get a quote today?
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