Fireplace Fitter Southsea Hampshire (PO4): Putting in a new fireplace or re-opening a disused fireplace in your Southsea property is a splendid way to add charm and a homely feel to any room. If you opt to combine your new fireplace with a back boiler, you can not only enjoy the ambience and warmth of an open fire on those chilly winters' evenings, you'll also be provided with lots of steaming hot water.
However before you begin smashing down the walls of a blocked up fireplace there are some important things to consider to achieve an efficient and safe fireplace. Any combustible appliance in the home must comply with Part J of the Building Regulations, and this covers chimney breasts, fireplaces, hearths and flue linings. Planning permission may also be necessary before work begins if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
You might be capable of doing some of the restoration work on a bricked-up fireplace if you've got the skills needed, however there is always a problem in finding safety and structural problems which need to be resolved professionally. If you are lucky when you open up a blocked up fireplace you may find a decent lintel, hearth and chimney breast that needs nothing other than the services and advice of a chimney sweep to get a toasty fire going. What is more commonplace however is a jumble of crumbling brickwork that conceals a stopped up flue, and also requires some degree of structural modification before it can be used safely.
An improperly installed fireplace can cause severe respiratory health problems and fire risk and, as such, should only be put in by a specialist fireplace installer in Southsea with the knowledge and experience to do the job effectively. There always has to be a decent air flow into a room where there's a fireplace to ensure sufficient quantities of oxygen allow the fire to burn properly. Insufficient oxygen means that the fire will not burn well, and carbon monoxide fumes could accumulate, which can cause breathing problems or even death.
It may be necessary to fit airflow vents in walls and floors to enable the fire to get enough oxygen to burn safely and effectively at all times. Unused and blocked up chimney flues may also have to have air vents installed as they can often trap moist air within them and cause damp to occur inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
A large amount of soot and grime can be discharged from a blocked up chimney when reopening it for renovation. It is wise to remove any rugs, carpets and furniture from a room where you are going to expose an old fireplace, to prevent them from being damaged by soot, dust and dirt that might be stirred up during the fireplace installation works. If you're installing a fireplace as part of a larger restoration project then it ought to be one of the first things to be completed once you have taken the room back to bare floors and walls. By opening a fireplace first you will stop any chimney soot causing damage to other stages of your project, such as fresh plasterwork or wallpapered walls.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
With your fireplace revealed, it's time to see what needs to be restored and to give the hearth and chimney a good clean. The very first item on your agenda will be to call in a professional chimney sweep. They'll be able to provide professional guidance on the flue and chimney after sweeping, as to the state of the chimney structure and whether it would be advisable to replace the existing lining.
It may be vital to fit a new flue lining to conform to the all important Building Regulations, and construction might also be required to beef up the original chimney and chimney breast. A good fireplace installer in Southsea will be required to perform this work, and will need the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all regulations.
If the size of the original fireplace is larger than your needs, a concrete supporting lintel will need to be put in. When your concrete lintel is safely in position you can now proceed with the renovation, upgrade and installation of the fireplace hearth. In past times the hearth was usually sunken into the floor, but the latest building regulations require it to be raised above floor level. You can get tailor-made options to fit virtually any size and style of fireplace, or you can select from a range of popular size and shape hearths to fit in with your decor.
STYLES OF FIREPLACE
If you pay a visit to a fireplace showroom you'll find that you are spoilt for choice with the wide range of different choices open to you. It is entirely possible that because of your existing flue and chimney, that some fireplaces may not be appropriate, and it's advisable to follow the the advice and recommendations of your fireplace company with respect to this.
Whether you opt for a wood burner, a multi-fuel stove or an open fireplace will hinge on the overall style you're trying to develop, your existing decor and in some situations, your property's age. If you've got an inglenook fireplace, a wood burning stove can look amazing set inside it, which also has the benefit of deflecting heat into the room from the brick or stone walls that surround the stove.
A cast iron wood burner is also a splendid choice if you haven't got a chimney breast in your Southsea property. This style of fireplace can be installed with a stainless steel flue that is routed through an external wall and does not need a chimney, to be safely installed.
WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL, GAS OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
The charm and ambience of an open fireplace can't be surpassed, however what alternatives are available if this form of fireplace is not possible in your Southsea property?
Open Fireplaces - A flickering fire is a focus for any room and it has the capability to burn almost any solid fuel that is available. In the past an open fire may have been associated with being draughty, inefficient and smoky, but a skillfully installed contemporary fireplace is a joy to sit in front of and bask in the warmth it provides.
Wood Burning Stoves - A wide selection of styles to suit any period of home in Southsea, and can even be free standing. A back boiler is an extra benefit and can provide piping hot water for use around the home, or for heating for the house via radiators.
Electric Fireplaces - Basic installation and a wide choice of styles make electric fireplaces an extremely popular choice for Southsea houses without a chimney. They can be inset into traditional fireplaces, and with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of styles to suit all property types and their efficiency to warm a room is superior to wood burning stoves. Gas fires must only be fitted and maintained by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer, (previously CORGI registered).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Can be fired up with with a variety of fuels, (gas, oil, coal, wood) to generate an attractive focal point in your house in Southsea. Some types, like the AGA range of multi-fuel stoves, are also suitable for generating hot water, cooking and heating your whole home.
Fireplace installation companies can be located in the Southsea area, together with: Portsea, Farlington, Copnor, Eastney, Alverstoke, Hilsea, Wymering, Hardway, Cosham, Buckland, Widley, Fratton, Gunwharf Quays, Bedhampton, plus places with postcodes like: PO4 0LL, PO4 0EH, PO4 0AG, PO4 9DZ, PO4 8BH, PO4 8BU, PO4 0DF, PO4 0LR, PO4 0EA, and PO4 0JP. A couple of hints which indicate that a fireplace builder works in Southsea area is if they've got the telephone code 023 and the postcode PO4. This is just something you can verify if you want to make certain you hire a local fireplace builder. Southsea residents will be able to utilise these and various other fireplace services.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Southsea
To ensure household safety, it is vital to install carbon monoxide detectors near fireplaces. Don't be fooled by their inviting glow - fireplaces can emit carbon monoxide if ventilation is inadequate. A detector placed in the same room as the fireplace can alert occupants to the presence of this odourless, colourless gas, which can be deadly.
Despite their simple setup, proper installation is paramount for carbon monoxide detectors. Manufacturer's instructions suggest mounting detectors on the ceiling or wall, ideally at least fifteen feet from the fireplace, to prevent false alarms. Ensuring the detector functions properly requires frequent testing and annual battery replacement.
For ultimate peace of mind, consider professional installation of your carbon monoxide detectors. They'll ensure everything is positioned and working perfectly. Property owners can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by taking this precaution, thereby protecting their loved ones and enhancing the safety of their living spaces. Ongoing protection requires regular maintenance of both the fireplace and the detector. (Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Southsea)
Flue Liners
A flue liner is a vital part of the chimney structure on your home, allowing it to function more effectively and improving the overall safety of your chimney. With the objective of carrying smoke and fumes to the outside of a building, flue liners are ducts made from metal, clay or ceramic material which are fitted to the inside of chimneys. A chimney on an older property in Southsea might not be fitted with a lining at all, or will need relining subject to it's condition and age.
Dangerous gases and fumes are created by burning fires and these can quickly eat away at the flue lining of your chimney. Whilst it is being cleaned, get the sweep or fireplace specialist to examine your flue for any damage or any chances of it deteriorating in the future. If there is damage, those dangerous gases may seep into your living area instead of being safely vented outside. There is an added risk with damaged flue liners, in that they may permit extreme heat to penetrate the chimney's structure, which might lead to fires.
Chimney Sweeping Southsea
Getting the chimney swept is something that householders often put off or forget, but it is essential to get this done on a regular basis if you've got an open fire or a stove in your Southsea property. To be totally safe, it's advisable to sweep your chimney twice each year, particularly if you are burning bituminous coal or wood.
To ensure that the task is being conducted properly, it is invariably a good idea to bring in a qualified Southsea chimney sweep. Bringing in a chimney sweep doesn't only keep your chimney clean and tidy but also highlights any problems that there may be with your chimney.
You may be running the risk of a chimney fire if you fail to remove the build-up of ash, soot and creosote by sweeping it. Apart from the risk of fires there are other dangerous situations that can be caused by a poorly maintained chimney, one example is that of carbon monoxide gas being drawn back into your home.
Check that your chosen chimney sweep in Southsea is properly covered by public liability insurance, and is skilled in this field. To find a price for chimney sweeping in Southsea CLICK HERE. You should also be able to get chimney sweeping done in neabry locations.
Log Burner Fireplaces Southsea
Log burner fireplaces, also known as wood-burning stoves, have become a popular choice among householders in Southsea seeking both efficient heating solutions and visual appeal. These fireplaces offer a rustic and charming touch to any home, creating a cosy and snug atmosphere during the winter months. Together with their aesthetic appeal, log burners are highly efficient, capable of providing considerable warmth with comparatively inexpensive fuel costs. Their combination of elegance and practicality makes them a popular choice for many interior design schemes.
Nonetheless, the installation of a wood-burning stove requires thoughtful consideration and planning. First of all, selecting the right size and model that fits your property's specific requirements is crucial. Factors such as insulation quality, ventilation and room size must also be taken into account. For the stove to be fitted safely and in accordance with local building codes, professional installation is highly recommended. Ensuring optimum performance and minimising the risk of hazards such as chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks require proper installation.
Maintenance is also a key element when it comes to owning a log burner fireplace. Don't let creosote accumulate! This flammable byproduct of wood burning can be prevented with frequent cleaning of your chimney and stove. To ensure the system remains in good working order, annual inspections by qualified specialists are advisable. By adhering to these maintenance measures, home and property owners can ensure the safety and longevity of their log burner fireplaces while relishing the warmth and atmosphere that they provide. (Log Burner Fireplaces Southsea)
Chimney Repair
Chimney repair plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of fireplaces and heating systems. Chimneys may encounter issues such as blockages, cracks or leaks as a result of wear and deterioration over time. Preventing potential threats, including carbon monoxide exposure and fire, necessitates swift repairs. By availing the services of professional chimney repair in Southsea, these problems can be tackled, ensuring optimal chimney performance and safety compliance. Regular inspections and repairs also prolong the chimney's lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs later on, offering homeowners peace of mind and a dependable heating source. (93852 - Chimney Repairs Southsea)
Searching On the Web
There's no question that your initial impulse when you're looking for a tradesman or service in Southsea is to hook up to the internet and "Google it". Logic would say that you're looking at this page right now because you found us by looking on Yahoo, Google, Ask or Bing and it appeared on page one. Occasionally the first page listings displayed are not actually what you had expected when searching with these types of search engines. When searching for fireplace installers in Southsea, you will very likely enter "Southsea fireplace installation", "fireplace installation near me", "fireplace installation in Southsea" or "fireplace installation Southsea" into the search engine and see what listing results this brings up.
Unfortunately, most of the page one listings on the various search engines, as you will soon discover, are either going to be "paid for" results or entries from large lead creation sites like Quotatis, My Hammer, Checkatrade, TrustaTrader, Rated People or Bidvine or web directories such as Thomson Local, Yell, Yelp or ThreeBestRated. In order to get the sites of real life fireplace installers, you will need to scroll to page 2 and 3 or possibly even further down the search engine listings. Obtaining free price quotes, customer appraisals and reviews on a trade portal like Trustatrader or Rated People can come in handy, because there are going to be fireplace fitters working with such platforms who haven't got their own company websites or associated social media accounts.
Southsea Fireplace Related Tasks
The array of tasks that can be conducted by your local fireplace fitter are varied and wide, and will include things like stone fireplaces, freestanding stoves, reclaimed fireplaces, cast fireplace installation, Victorian fireplaces in Southsea, traditional fireplaces, electric fireplace installations, fireplace repairs in Southsea, fireplace services, carbon monoxide detector installation, electric fire baskets, double-sided stoves, marble fireplace surrounds, 3-sided fireplaces, cast iron fireplaces, chimney modifications, marble fireplace installation in Southsea, fireplace suites, designer fireplaces, fireplace hearths, fireplace cleaning in Southsea, fireplace installation, chimney lining, gas fireplace installations in Southsea, fireplace prices, fireplace refurbishment, stone fireplace installation in Southsea, flue lining, cheap fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces, and others not listed here. Listed are just a selection of the activities that are conducted by a locally based fireplace fitter. Southsea specialists who are operating in the local area will keep you abreast of the entire range of fireplace sevices that are offered.
Fireplace Installers Near Southsea
Also find: Hilsea fireplace installers, Hardway fireplace installers, Alverstoke fireplace installers, Wymering fireplace installers, Eastney fireplace installers, Gunwharf Quays fireplace installers, Cosham fireplace installers, Portsea fireplace installers, Bedhampton fireplace installers, Fratton fireplace installers, Buckland fireplace installers, Copnor fireplace installers, Widley fireplace installers, Farlington fireplace installers and more. Pretty much all of these areas are covered by companies who install fireplaces. These tradespeople, with their expertise and know-how, are well-equipped to perform precise fireplace installations in your home. The assistance of these dedicated professionals allows residents to enjoy the warmth, comfort, and inviting atmosphere of a fireplace in their homes. If you're a local home or property owner looking to obtain competitive and accurate fireplace installation quotes tailored to your specific needs, you just have to click here. Do you need to get a fireplace installed on your home? Don't delay - get a quote today!
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Fireplace installation in PO4 area, (dialling code 023).
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