Fireplace Fitter Wantage Oxfordshire (OX12): A fantastic way to add some character to any Wantage home is by the installation of a new fireplace, or the restoration of an existing one. Adding a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those frosty winter evenings can even prove to be more economical than some central heating systems, providing that you have a good source of fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can supply you with a plentiful supply of hot water in the process.
Before you go chipping away at a blocked up chimney there are some things you will need to think about to ensure you can safely install and use your new fireplace. Any work that is undertaken on your chimney breast, fireplace, hearth and flue lining must comply with the Part J Building Regs for combustible appliances. If you live in a listed building you will also need to ascertain if planning permission is necessary from the local authorities before any work can begin.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A simple remodel of an existing fireplace can be achieved by a skilled do-it-yourselfer, however if any construction work is required there is the possibility of encountering structural problems which need to be resolved by a professional. You could be fortunate when exposing your old fireplace and find out you need little more than a decent chimney sweep and a quick clean out of the hearth to get a fire roaring. What's more common however is a swathe of old brickwork that hides a stopped up flue, and needs some form of structural modification before it can be used safely.
It is normally best to rely on the know-how and experience of a certified fireplace fitter in Wantage, due to the severe health and fire risks associated with an improperly installed or renovated fireplace. Making certain that sufficient oxygen is available for a fire to burn correctly is a key aspect of the Building Regulations for fireplaces. A fire doesn't burn well in a room where there's not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury can occur where carbon monoxide is produced.
To safely overcome any problems with air flow, vents might be fitted around the room during a fireplace installation, to ensure suitable oxygen levels reach the fire. They may have to install vents into unused chimney flues which sometimes trap condensing air and lead to damp spots and staining to your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
A huge amount of soot and dirt can be discharged from an old fireplace upon reopening it for renovation. Even with coverings for your furniture, the risk of impairment from muck and soot is still likely and it's advisable to remove your furniture, rugs and carpets before any fireplace renovation work and chimney cleaning starts. If your fireplace is being installed as part of an overall home restoration project then it should be one of the initial things to be worked on after you've brought the room back to bare floors and walls. By opening a fireplace first you'll prevent any chimney soot causing discolouring damage to other parts of your renovation project, such as wallpapered walls or fresh plasterwork.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
With the fireplace opened up, it is time to see what needs to be renovated or replaced and give the hearth and chimney a comprehensive clean. You now ought to speak to your chimney sweep, if you've not already done this, to come and clean the old fireplace and chimney. Not only will they make certain your chimney and flue are completely clean, but they can additionally determine the state of the chimney and flue liner and provide advice about whether you need to upgrade any part of the flue and chimney.
It could be necessary to put in a new flue lining to observe the current Building Regulations, and construction work may also be needed to strengthen the existing chimney and breast. These are tasks that require a skilled craftsman with a knowledge of the pertinent building regs and sound construction skills.
In buildings that are older you might discover that the existing fireplace is too big for your needs, in which case a supporting concrete lintel will be necessary to modify the opening. When you have successfully supported the fireplace with your lintel it is now necessary to repair or update the hearth. You might discover that the original hearth has been set into the floor, but to be in accordance with current regulations it must be raised above floor level. Off-the-shelf options from concrete, slate or marble are available to achieve this, or your fireplace fitter in Wantage might be able to provide you with a bespoke, custom-made hearth to complement the design of your room.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will reveal the options available for the different fireplace designs and styles. It is quite possible that owing to your current chimney, flue and airflow to the room, that some fireplace designs may not be appropriate, and it pays to follow the advice of your fireplace company with respect to this.
Whether you go for a multi-fuel stove, an open fireplace or a wood burner will be determined by the all round style that you are trying to develop, your existing decor and maybe, the age of your property. If you've got an old-fashioned inglenook fireplace, a cast iron wood burner can look amazing set within it, which also has the benefit of reflecting the heat back into the room from the stone or brick walls surrounding the stove.
Even if you don't have a pre-existing chimney in your Wantage home, it's still entirely possible to install a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. So long as you have an external wall through which a flue from the back or top of the stove can be passed, you don't need a pre-existing chimney structure to enjoy that "real" fire experience.
WOOD, OPEN, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR GAS FIREPLACE?
The charm and ambience of a "real" fire can't be matched, but what alternatives are out there if this kind of fireplace isn't possible in your Wantage property?
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burning stoves have become "the in thing" in many homes in Wantage, and can have modern or classic styling to complement your home's decor. A model with a back boiler will supply supplementary heating by transferring the hot water to radiators in cold spots in your house.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name indicates multi-fuel stoves can be fired up with with various fuels, such as gas, oil, wood or smokeless coal, and become a focal point in any living room or kitchen in Wantage. They can be utilised not only for heating a single room, but some designs like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used to heat the complete home if they are plumbed into a network of radiators.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fireplaces are available in a wide range of designs to suit any property and are more thermally efficient than wood burning stoves. Gas fires must only be maintained and fitted by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, (formerly CORGI registered).
Open Fireplaces - A flickering fire is a stunning focal point for any room in your home and it has the ability to burn almost any solid fuel that you can buy. An expertly fitted open fire will be nothing like the smoky old fireplace that was perhaps bricked up by former owners, and its warm charm is a delightful addition to any house in Wantage.
Electric Fireplaces - Electric fireplaces can be fitted easily and safely by anybody who's reasonable competent and there are varieties which are suitable for virtually any room and type of property in Wantage. Even if your house has a traditional fireplace, an electric fire that looks almost like a "real" fire can be fitted.
Fireplace installation providers are available in Wantage itself, in the following postcodes: OX12 8HF, , OX12 8FE, OX12 7DE, OX12 8ER, OX12 7HE, OX12 2ER, OX12 8FH, OX12 8EG, and OX12 8BD, and in neighbouring areas like Stanford in the Vale, Letcombe Regis, East Challow, East Hendred, Steventon, Ardington, East Hanney, East Lockinge, Harwell, Denchworth, Lambourn, Marcham, Grove, Compton. Locally based Wantage fireplace services will likely have the postcode OX12 and the telephone code 01235.
Flue Linings
An important addition to your chimney system, a chimney or flue liner improves the safety of your chimney while at the same time allowing it to perform more efficiently than it otherwise would. Flue liners are ducts made of metal, ceramic material or clay which are fitted to the inside of chimneys to transport fumes outside. Depending on their age and condition, older chimneys in Wantage might have to be re-lined, or might not have a lining at all.
Your chimney flue lining can soon be affected by the harmful fumes and gases that are created by burning a fire. While it is being cleaned, get the sweep or fireplace specialist to assess your flue for any impairment or chances of it malfunctioning in the future. Rather than expelling those hazardous gases outdoors, a compromised flue can allow them to leak into your home's living area. There is additionally the danger of fires inside the home since an impaired flue can enable intense heat to penetrate the chimney's structure.
Chimney Cowl Installation Wantage
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped covering for your chimney pot that adds draft and prevents backflow. It is usually made of galvanized iron and fits over the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down. It is an essential component for any chimney in Wantage. It can be bought online or in a hardware store. Whether you choose to purchase a new one or make an existing one work better, a cowl will keep your fireplace or stove working efficiently.
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 stainless steel colander or steel bucket. 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. Other types of chimney cowl include: aspirotor chimney cowls, birdguards, revolving chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls, anti-downdraught chimney cowls and static chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are a simple way to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney in Wantage. 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. Ask your local fireplace installer in Wantage if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Chimney Repair Wantage
Fireplaces and heating systems rely on effective chimney repair to maintain safety and efficiency. Issues such as leaks, blockages or cracks may arise in chimneys due to wear and deterioration over time. Swift repairs are essential to prevent potential threats, including fire and carbon monoxide exposure. Addressing these issues, chimney repair professionals in Wantage ensure the chimney operates optimally and meets the appropriate safety regulations. Prolonging the chimney's life expectancy and minimizing the need for expensive future repairs, regular inspections and repairs provide homeowners with reassurance and a dependable heating source. (39607 - Chimney Repairs Wantage)
Fireplace Installation Information and Advice
To see the latest on social media websites, check this out. To discover what's happening in the field of fireplace installation pay a visit to one of the fireplace forums, topics include things like widening a fireplace, wood burning stoves, pellet stoves and boilers, trims for stoves, chimney design and building regulations. These days there are some nice posts about fireplace installation online, therefore if you are eager to find out about fireplace mantels head here. Find suggestions for installing a gas fireplace on You Tube here. Wikipedia is an excellent place to head to if you would like to find out more about fireplaces, their dedicated page discusses fireplace accessories, the heating efficiency of fireplaces, the various types of fireplace, the health effects of fireplaces, how fireplaces affect the environment and the history of the fireplace.
Wantage Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a range of work that can be completed by your local Wantage fireplace fitter including reclaimed fireplaces Wantage, open fireplaces, fireplace repairs, chimney sweeping, fireplace suites, contemporary fireplaces Wantage, wood burning fireplace installations, classic fireplaces Wantage, hearth fireplaces Wantage, marble fireplaces in Wantage, fireplace inserts in Wantage, fire grate conversions, stone fireplace installation Wantage, chimney repairs in Wantage, made-to-measure fireplaces, fireplace removal, flue lining, limestone fireplaces Wantage, fireplace packages, Regency fireplaces Wantage, cast iron fireplaces, fake fireplaces Wantage, tiled fireplaces Wantage, wood burning stove installations in Wantage, fireplace cleaning, fireplace surrounds, Victorian fireplace installations Wantage, wood burning fireplaces Wantage, two-sided fireplaces Wantage, gas fireplace installation Wantage, modern fireplace installations, electric fire suites, the installation of modern fireplaces in Wantage, inglenook fireplace installations Wantage, electric fireplace installation, and more. These are just some of the tasks that are undertaken by people fitting fireplaces. Wantage companies will be happy to tell you about their entire range of services.
Fireplace Installers Near Wantage
Also find: Steventon fireplace installers, Grove fireplace installers, Lambourn fireplace installers, Marcham fireplace installers, East Lockinge fireplace installers, Stanford in the Vale fireplace installers, East Hanney fireplace installers, Letcombe Regis fireplace installers, East Hendred fireplace installers, Ardington fireplace installers, Compton fireplace installers, East Challow fireplace installers, Harwell fireplace installers, Denchworth fireplace installers and more. These and other areas are serviced by fireplace installers and similar tradesmen. To adeptly install fireplaces in your home, these versatile tradesmen possess the necessary experience and know-how. The assistance and help of these dedicated experts allows residents to enjoy the comfort, warmth, and inviting atmosphere of a fireplace in their living areas. By simply clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are readily available to local residents. Would you like to get a fireplace installed on your property? Don't delay - get a quote today!
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Fireplace installation in OX12 area, 01235.