Fireplace Fitter Westgate-on-Sea Kent (CT8): Installing a new fireplace or renovating an existing one is a good way to add more charm and character to any Westgate-on-Sea home. You cannot only delight in the warmth and comfort of a stove or open fire through the frosty winter's days, but if you combine a back boiler with your new fireplace, you will also be provided with an adequate supply of piping hot water.
There are a few things you will have to do to make sure you can install your new fireplace in an efficient and safe way, before you start to prise away at a blocked chimney breast. The UK building regulations, Part J for heating appliances for starters, which impacts on any work carried out on fireplaces, hearths, chimney breasts and flue linings. If your property is a listed building you'll also have to find out if planning permission is required from the local authorities before any work commences.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you have the skills that are necessary, and are a keen DIY'er you might be able to do some of the work in restoring an old fireplace, but the help of a specialist may be needed if safety or structural problems arise. It may be that so as to get a fire roaring in your fireplace once again you need little more than a quick clean of the hearth and a sweeping of the chimney. It's much more likely that you'll come across a stopped up flue and crumbling brickwork that needs structural reinforcement.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not just a fire risk to your property, but there can also be associated respiratory health hazards, which is why it's best to bring in a competent Westgate-on-Sea installation company for fireplaces. According to Part J of the Building Regulations, a room with a fireplace must have adequate oxygen and airflow to allow the fire to burn satisfactorily. A fire doesn't burn efficiently in a room where there's not enough oxygen, and death could occur when there is a build-up of carbon monoxide.
It might be necessary to fit airflow vents in walls and floors to allow the fire to receive adequate oxygen to burn effectively and safely at all times. To improve air circulation within blocked chimney flues, your fireplace installation technician might need to fit flue vents to prevent moist, condensed air becoming trapped and producing damp spots and staining.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are notorious for the huge volume of dirt and soot that can accumulate inside of them, therefore when you set out to open up a fireplace for refurbishing you can expect it to be an incredibly messy enterprise. So that any rugs, carpets and furniture within a room do not get adversely affected by the soot and grime that is emitted during the fireplace installation works, it is advisable to have them removed beforehand. If you're engaging in a complete renovation of a room or property, the fireplace ought to be opened up before any decoration or plastering works are undertaken. The reason for this is to lower the chances of any staining damage to any work that has already been done.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
It will be time to clean and sweep the chimney and hearth and figure out what can be repaired, as soon as the opening up of the fireplace has been completed. The very first thing on your agenda will be to contact a proper Westgate-on-Sea chimney sweep. After cleaning and sweeping, they'll offer specialist advice on the condition of your chimney structure and flue, and inform you if there are any parts that need replacing.
After a chimney sweep's examination it may be required to strengthen the chimney breast or/and install a new flue liner as laid down in Part J of the UK Building Regulations. Experience in good working practices and an understanding of the appropriate Building Regs will be needed by anybody who does this type of work, so you really want a qualified builder and should not attempt to do this yourself.
If the dimensions of the original fireplace are larger than your needs, a new concrete lintel should be installed. Once your new concrete lintel is safely in place you can now press on with the updating, repair and installation of the fireplace's hearth. To be in accordance with the latest building regs, any hearth needs to be set at least 12.5mm above the level of the floor, although you may discover that your hearth is set into a floor void, as they quite often were in the olden days. If your fireplace is of non-standard size you may have to purchase a custom-built hearth, however there are also a whole host of "off-the-shelf" hearths in stone, marble or slate.
FIREPLACE STYLE
Visiting a nearby fireplace showroom or browsing on the net will give you an inkling about the wide range of different sizes, shapes and designs of fireplace for you to choose from. It is important to follow the specialist advice of the sales and installation team, as all fireplaces won't be suited to your specific chimney and flue.
A wood burner or multi fuel stove will be suitable for some rooms and properties in Westgate-on-Sea, whilst an open fireplace will be a better choice for others. For instance, an attractive inglenook fireplace can be a perfect backdrop to a classic cast iron wood burning stove, which highlights its character and deflects the heat into the room.
A wood-burning stove is also a great option if your Westgate-on-Sea property hasn't got a chimney breast. So long as you have an external wall through which a flue from the top or back of the stove can be channeled, you don't need to have a pre-existing chimney in place to experience a "real" fire.
ELECTRIC, OPEN, GAS, WOOD OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If your circumstances do not allow for a natural fireplace to be installed, what are the possible alternatives?
Open Fireplaces - This is the classic fireplace, creating an interesting focal point for your room or space, and can use a range of different solid fuels, such as briquettes, smokeless coal, anthracite nuts nuts and wood. Being far from the smoky old fireplaces of yesteryear, a modern, professionally installed open fire can provide a warm and toasty environment in any Westgate-on-Sea property.
Wood Burning Stoves - A wide variety of different styles to suit any kind of home in Westgate-on-Sea, and can even be a free standing feature. If used in tandem with a back boiler can provide steaming hot water to heat radiators or for use around the home.
Electric Fireplaces - These can be fitted safely and easily by anybody who is reasonable competent and there are styles which are suitable for any room and house in Westgate-on-Sea. They can be inset into regular fireplaces, and with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires it can often be difficult to distinguish them from the real thing.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to warm up a space is a lot better than wood burning stoves, and there numerous designs to suit all property types. Must be professionally maintained and fitted by a Gas Safe certified engineer.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To introduce an eye-catching focal point in your living space, these stoves can burn various different fuels, such as coal, wood, gas or oil. They can be utilised not only for heating a single room, but some styles like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be employed to heat the complete property when plumbed into an existing radiator network.
Fireplace installation providers are accessible in Westgate-on-Sea itself, in the following postcodes: CT8 8RD, CT8 8PB, CT8 8DE, CT8 8UZ, CT8 8TF, CT8 8HQ, CT8 8QF, CT8 8LW, CT8 8DR, and CT8 8QU, as well as in proximate places like Westwood, St Peters, St Nicholas-at-Wade, Garlinge, Monkton, Birchington, Broomfield, Cliftonville, Cliffs End, Marshside, Minster, Manston, Reculver, Acol. It's most likely that any fireplace builders from the Westgate-on-Sea district will have the phone code 01843 and the postcode CT8. Westgate-on-Sea householders are spoiled for choice when hunting for fireplace contractors. If you would like to access fireplaces info for your area, click the "quote" form or banner.
Flues
Allowing your chimney to operate a lot more effectively, a flue liner or chimney liner is an important part of the chimney system on your home. Crafted from clay, ceramic material or metal, flue liners are conduits which are installed inside chimneys to transport toxic fumes outside. There is a fair chance that if your Westgate-on-Sea property is quite old, the chimney may not even be fitted with a lining, and even if it is it will probably need replacing.
Your fireplace flue lining can easily be compromised by the harmful gases and fumes which are produced by the burning of a fire. You can either ask the chimney sweep to inspect it for damage and potential issues whilst your chimney is being swept and cleaned, or alternatively you could ask your fireplace builder to check it out. A flue that has been damaged might enable those toxic gases to leak into your home, rather than chanelling them outside. Impaired flues can also lead to house fires - so have them inspected!
Chimney Cowl Installation Westgate-on-Sea
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cover for your chimney pot that improves draft and helps to stop backflow. It sits on top of the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down, and is generally made from galvanised iron. For any chimney system in Westgate-on-Sea, it's a crucial element. Chimney cowls can be found online or in a builder's merchants. Whether you choose to make an existing one work more effectively, or invest in a new one, a cowl will keep your fireplace or stove working at its best.
A chimney cowl can also help to shield your dwelling and keep you safe. There are several sorts of chimney cowl available to purchase, each one is designed to address different situations. Before you purchase one, think about a few aspects to make sure you get one that will help safeguard your home. Once you know what you need, you can then pick out a chimney cowl to suit your budget and needs.
One of the most common forms of chimney cowl is known as the H-style. This style is one of the best for stabilising the draught and allows your fireplace to function more efficiently. It's made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It originally served marine applications, but has become popular among householders because of its energy-saving attributes.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and lowering downdraught. These are available in a number of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the fireplace or stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: static chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls, anti-downdraught chimney cowls, birdguards, aspirotor chimney cowls and revolving chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to prevent birds from building nests in your chimney in Westgate-on-Sea. They're inexpensive and easy to put in. You should ensure you have clear access to the area above the chimney stack to install one effectively. It can also stop debris from building up inside your chimney.
Brick Fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea
Brick fireplaces have long been a staple in home design. They provide warmth, character and charm to any space. Although traditional brick fireplaces were mostly used for the purpose of heating, they've been reinvented as a statement piece in many modern homes. Here are a few things to think about if you're considering a brick fireplace for your property in Westgate-on-Sea.
First, you'll need to think about the design of fireplace you want. Conventional brick fireplaces usually feature a hearth and mantel, whilst contemporary fireplaces frequently have a sleeker design with clean, neat lines. You should also consider the size of your fireplace. A larger fireplace can make a dramatic statement in a room, whilst a smaller one can provide a welcoming nook.
Brick fireplaces can be built using different types of bricks. You can select from a range of brick textures and colours to match the design of your property. You can also add additional elements such as stone, tile or wood to complement the brickwork.
Lastly, consider the functional elements of a brick fireplace. Ensure that your fireplace is properly vented and that you've got a fully functioning chimney. If you want to use the fireplace for heat, consider installing a fireplace insert or glass doors to improve safety and efficiency.
Overall, a brick fireplace can be an incredible addition to your property in Westgate-on-Sea, providing both functional warmth and aesthetic appeal. With a little planning and consideration, you can create a functional and beautiful brick fireplace that will be a centerpiece of your home for many years to come.
Chimney Sweep Westgate-on-Sea
It's easy to postpone a routine household chore like sweeping the chimney, but if you have a wood burner or an open fire, it really is essential that this is done regularly. To keep the chimney in safe working condition, it should be swept at least once every year.
You can sweep your own chimney, if you possess the right equipment, but this is a messy job and is best left to a professional Westgate-on-Sea chimney sweep if you want it done cleanly and correctly. While your chimney is being cleaned, the chimney sweep will also be on the lookout for any problems or safety issues that there may be with your chimney.
Routine sweeping prevents a build-up of soot, ash and wood tar, a common cause of chimney fires. Apart from the risk of fires there are other dangerous situations that can be caused by a badly maintained chimney, one example is that of carbon monoxide gas being drawn back into your property.
This all adds up to the fact that you should always use an experienced Westgate-on-Sea chimney sweep, and one who has decent public liability cover in case of any accidents. To find out the current prices of chimney sweeps in nearby towns, villages and locations.
Searching Online For Fireplace Installation in Westgate-on-Sea
Just "Googling it" appears to be the way in which almost all people in Westgate-on-Sea look for all kinds of tradesmen nowadays. Since you're seeing this web page at this point, you more than likely uncovered it by looking on Yahoo, Bing, Google or Ask. Flaws do however exist with search engines, and you might discover that the results provided are not exactly what you had anticipated. Typing in "fireplace installation near me", "fireplace installation Westgate-on-Sea", "Westgate-on-Sea fireplace installation" or "fireplace installation in Westgate-on-Sea" will typically be the process to follow when trying to locate fireplace installers in Westgate-on-Sea.
The first page results that you will get however, will mainly be "pay per click" adverts, internet directories like 3 Best Rated, Yelp, Cyclex or Yell, or entries from major trade portals such as TrustaTrader, Quotatis, My Hammer, Checkatrade, Rated People or Local Heroes. If you take a look at the 2nd or 3rd pages of the results you'll maybe be more likely to find the websites of actual fireplace installers in your area. Therefore you must explore further to find them.
Skip Hire Westgate-on-Sea
With the majority of home renovations or improvements in Westgate-on-Sea, a substantial amount of waste will be created, and you will have to make provision for this during the planning phase. Although on the whole, fireplace installations does not generate a huge amount of waste, it is going to depend on the size of your project and the kind of surface that it is being laid onto. You may have to arrange your own waste removal, as a lot of tradesmen don't include this in their quote.
Where there's a substantial amount of waste, most property owners in Westgate-on-Sea opt to hire a skip. Coming in a range of different sizes, skips can be booked to match the amount of waste that you're likely to produce. You can choose from a mini-skip (2-3 yrds), a midi-skip (4-5 yds), a builders skip (6-8 yds), or a roll-on-roll-off skip (20-25 yds), or you could even go with the skip bag alternative.
You can CLICK HERE for the latest skip hire prices in Westgate-on-Sea.
Fireplace Installation Advice and Guidance
Fireplace Installation advice and information is readily accessible from online forums, therefore to take advantage of this fact you should pop along to one of the fireplace forums, discussions include stove vents, log burners, chimney design, widening fireplaces, pellet boilers and stoves and understanding building regulations. Discover how to install a wood burning fireplace on YouTube here. If you wish to understand more about fireplace designs check this out. To see the trends on social websites, check this out. For more information regarding the health effects of fireplaces, the different types of fireplace, the history of the fireplace, the heating efficiency of fireplaces, how fireplaces affect the environment and gas fireplaces, you could do little better than to take a look at the Wikipedia "Fireplace" page.
Family & Friends
Whenever you're trying to find a professional contractor for your project or undertaking, it is invariably extremely useful to get recommendations from friends and family members. It is widely acknowledged, that person to person references are an excellent solution with regards to finding someone who's ideal for your requirements, and can also be helpful in weeding out contractors who aren't up to standard, or local companies with far from complimentary service histories.
If you're aware that an acquaintance or member of your family has used a particular fireplace installer, you can ask whether things went pear-shaped during the work, if so, how swiftly it was rectified, and what the attitude of the contractor was like as a result. You'll also be able to get an insight into their time keeping and reliability They will also be able to give you information about how the final bill measured up when compared with the initial estimate that was given, details which are normally hard to extract from the contractors themselves.
At the end of the day, in relation to advice, your family and friends are individuals you know and can trust to be honest and truthful. If they have had an unsatisfactory experience in their dealings with a specific contractor or company, you could discover that they'll be reluctant to discuss them. Many people will be perfectly happy to speak about a decent contractor, but less inclined to talk about a poor one, and rather than 'bad mouth' a far from ideal business that they've had dealings with previously, they might even suggest an alternative company.
Westgate-on-Sea Fireplace Related Tasks
Maybe you came here trying to find basic fireplace installation, yet your local Westgate-on-Sea fireplace fitter can offer an assortment of additional services and tasks, and these may include fireplace suites, wood burning fireplace installation in Westgate-on-Sea, outdoor fireplace installation, marble fireplace surrounds, traditional fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, Victorian fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, fireplace services in Westgate-on-Sea, oak beam fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, cast iron fireplace installations, marble fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, chimney repairs, the installation of modern fireplaces, fireplace packages, Victorian fireplace installation, reclaimed fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, gas fireplace installations, fireplace design, fireplace installation, the installation of Regency fireplaces, modern fireplace installations, fireplaceprice quotes, elm fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, electric fire baskets in Westgate-on-Sea, fake fireplaces, corner fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, fireplace restoration, tiled fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, fireplace surrounds, Victorian fireplaces, inglenook fireplaces, two-sided fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, inset stove installation in Westgate-on-Sea, fireplace inserts in Westgate-on-Sea, traditional gas fires in Westgate-on-Sea, Regency fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea, and more. These services are only a few of those offered by your local fireplace fitter.
Fireplace Installers Near Westgate-on-Sea
Also find: Acol fireplace installers, Cliffs End fireplace installers, Cliftonville fireplace installers, Monkton fireplace installers, Minster fireplace installers, Birchington fireplace installers, Broomfield fireplace installers, Garlinge fireplace installers, Marshside fireplace installers, St Nicholas-at-Wade fireplace installers, St Peters fireplace installers, Manston fireplace installers, Westwood fireplace installers, Reculver fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are available to serve those living in pretty much all of these towns and areas. In your home, these skilled tradesmen can put their know-how and expertise to use for successfully installing fireplaces. Residents can experience the comfort, warmth and atmosphere that a fireplace brings to their living areas with the help and assistance of these dedicated professionals. Local home and property owners can obtain fireplace installation price quotes by clicking here.
More Westgate-on-Sea Tradespeople: Obviously, when you are doing home improvements in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, you are likely to be in need of all sorts of different tradespeople and apart from fireplace installers in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, you may also need a painter and decorator in Westgate-on-Sea, a plasterer in Westgate-on-Sea, a chimney sweep in Westgate-on-Sea, a builder in Westgate-on-Sea, a stonemason in Westgate-on-Sea, pressure washing in Westgate-on-Sea, a carpenter/joiner in Westgate-on-Sea, a bricklayer in Westgate-on-Sea, a tiling specialist in Westgate-on-Sea, an electrician in Westgate-on-Sea, waste removal in Westgate-on-Sea, a handyman in Westgate-on-Sea, a roofing contractor in Westgate-on-Sea, a blacksmith in Westgate-on-Sea, a floor fitter in Westgate-on-Sea, brick cleaning in Westgate-on-Sea, a plumber in Westgate-on-Sea, SKIP HIRE in Westgate-on-Sea, and other different Westgate-on-Sea tradesmen.
Fireplaces Westgate-on-Sea
Fireplace Installers Near Me
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Fireplace installation in CT8 area, and dialling code 01843.
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