Fireplace Fitter Westminster Greater London (SW1): Re-opening up an old fireplace or fitting a new one is a good way to add character to any room in your dwelling in Westminster. If you add a back boiler to your new fire you can even enjoy a plentiful supply of piping hot water too. Cool winter's days can become very enjoyable as you relax in front of your fireplace listening to the pleasant crackle of firewood.
There are some vital considerations you must keep in mind to achieve an efficient and safe fireplace, before you commence smashing down the walls of a boarded up fireplace. Any combustible appliance within residential homes in Westminster must follow Part J of the Building Regulations, and this covers flue linings, chimney breasts, fireplaces and hearths.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If any building work is necessary in your fireplace installation project, structural and safety issues could arise that will need resolving by a specialist, although an enthusiastic and competent DIY person might be able to take a shot at a simple restoration of an old fireplace. You could be fortunate when you reveal the old fireplace and discover you need little more than a good chimney sweep and a quick clean up of the hearth to get your fire roaring once more. What's more commonplace however is a patch of old, crumbling brickwork that hides a stopped up flue, and needs some form of structural modification before it can be used safely.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not only a risk of fire to your home, but there can also be associated health hazards, which is why it is best to bring in a professional Westminster installation team for fireplaces. According to the Building Regulations (Part J), a room with a fireplace must have sufficient airflow and oxygen for the fire to burn satisfactorily. Inadequate oxygen means that the fire will not burn properly, and carbon monoxide fumes could accumulate, which can cause death.
To ensure an adequate amount of air flow for the fire to burn safely and properly, a competent fireplace installation technician will consider the situation at hand and place vents in locations around the room, or underneath the flooring, thus resolving this issue. Blocked off and unused chimney flues might also need to have air vents installed since they can often trap moist air inside them causing damp to develop inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Chimney breasts are notorious for the quantity of muck and soot that can accumulate inside of them, consequently when you go through the process of opening up a fireplace for refurbishment you can anticipate that it will be a fairly messy operation. It is good practice to remove any carpets, rugs and furniture from an area where you are going to uncover an old fireplace, to prevent them from being damaged by dust, grime and soot that will be whipped up during the fireplace installation and chimney cleaning works. If it is just part of a more substantial restoration project, opening up a fireplace should be one of the first things that you do, because of the mess involved. This will help to avoid damage to other stages of your restoration project (i.e. fresh plasterwork or wallpapered walls), by soot and other chimney related dirt that is emitted.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
Now that you are able to see the fireplace opening it's time to sweep and clean the chimney and hearth and figure out what is fit for refurbishment. If this hasn't already been done, you'll now need to get hold of a local Westminster chimney sweep. They will be willing to offer you professional advice on the flue and chimney after sweeping, concerning the state of the chimney and if it is advisable to exchange the existing flue lining.
All the relevant UK Building Regulations must be adhered to, if you need to reinforce the chimney or install a flue lining. An experienced fireplace installer and builder in Westminster will be required to carry out this work, and will have the skills and knowledge of construction to closely follow all regulations.
It's quite likely that a steel or concrete lintel will need to be installed, if the existing fireplace is of a size that is larger than your requirements. And following that, replacing or upgrading the fireplace hearth should be the next phase of your fireplace installation in Westminster. The circumstances with fireplace hearths has somewhat changed through the years, and while in the "good old days" hearths were frequently sunken into the floor, they now need to be laid at least 12.5mm above the level of the floor if you are to abide by the current building regs. To accomplish this, there are pre-formed options made from marble, stone or concrete, or you might choose a bespoke, custom-made hearth to fit in with the design and layout of your room, which your Westminster fireplace builder should be happy to help with.
FIREPLACE STYLE
Browsing on the web or checking out a nearby fireplace showroom will quickly make you realise that there's a wide range of different sizes, shapes and styles of fireplace for you to choose from for your home. You should generally heed the advice of the fireplace installation team when it comes to which fireplaces will be suitable for your flue, chimney and airflow situation, because some of them will not be.
An open fireplace will be a suitable option for some rooms and homes in Westminster, whilst a wood burner or multi fuel stove will be more appropriate for others. A wood burning stove for instance, will look fabulous when positioned in an inglenook fireplace, which redirects any heat that's produced back into the room and highlights its character and charm.
If your Westminster home hasn't got a chimney you've still got the option of a feature fireplace by putting in a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner. A chimney is not required as a stainless steel flue is taken directly from the rear or top of the stove and taken out through an exterior wall.
WOOD, ELECTRIC, GAS, OPEN OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If your circumstances do not allow for a natural fireplace to be installed, what are all the possible options?
Gas Fireplaces - There are a range of styles to suit all property types and their efficiency to warm a room is superior to wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. Any gas fire put into your Westminster property must be installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered tradesperson.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you will probably assume from the name, these sorts of stoves can burn an assortment of fuels, including gas, coal, wood or oil, and not only that, they can also create a focal point for your home in Westminster. Some types, like the AGA range, can also be used for cooking, providing hot water and heating your whole house.
Open Fireplaces - The traditional fireplace that can use various fuels such as briquettes, coal, wood and other burnable products. An open fire is lovely to see and contemporary fireplaces are no more the draughty, inefficient and smoky items they used to be.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves come in modern or old-fashioned designs to suit the decor of your property, and they've recently become "the in thing" in many properties in Westminster. An added benefit of these is that they can provide piping hot water for domestic use, or supply heating to another area by means of a radiator, when combined with a back boiler.
Electric Fireplaces - An obvious choice for many property owners in Westminster, these fireplaces can be put in by pretty much any capable person, easily and safely. Modern electric fires can be successfully installed in your dwelling, even if you have a conventional fireplace, and many of them look pretty much like a genuine fire with dancing flames and even crackling sound effects.
Chimney Cowl Installation Westminster
A hood-shaped cap for your chimney, a chimney cowl improves draft and stops backflow in your chimney system. Fitting neatly over your chimney pot, and typically made from galvanised iron, it stops the wind blowing smoke back down your chimney. It can be purchased in a hardware shop or on the web. Whether you choose to make an existing one work more efficiently, or buy a brand new one, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working to the best of its ability.
A chimney cowl can also help to shield your property and keep you safe. There are several types of chimney cowl available on the market, each one has been developed to address different situations. Before you purchase one, think about a few aspects to make certain you get one that will help protect your house. When you know precisely what you need, you can then select a chimney cowl to match your needs and budget.
Chimney cowls are a great way to stop birds from building nests in your chimney and blocking the whole thing up. They are inexpensive and easy to install. You should make certain you have easy access to the area above the chimney to install one effectively. It can also prevent debris from building up inside your chimney.
Fireplace Inserts Westminster
Upgrading traditional fireplaces with fireplace inserts is a sought-after option among householders in Westminster. To enhance fireplace efficiency, these inserts have been devised to direct more heat into the room and reduce heat loss. Alongside a safer and more secure experience, these inserts offer a simpler and more convenient way to enjoy the atmosphere of a fire, without the hassle and mess of traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
From gas to electric and wood-burning, fireplace inserts are available in various sizes and designs. Opting for gas fireplace inserts provides a hassle-free and low-maintenance choice, while electric inserts offer convenience and adaptability with their remote control and adjustable settings. For those who prefer the authentic experience of a crackling fire and the aroma of burning wood, wood-burning inserts are the ideal choice for homeowners.
In addition to being efficient and convenient, fireplace inserts are also eco-friendly. They reduce the amount of air pollution caused by conventional fireplaces by producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently.
To ensure a safe and correct installation of a fireplace insert, it is essential to have a professional installation. With their numerous benefits, fireplace inserts are a worthwhile investment for any homeowner looking to enhance the comfort, convenience, and value of their home. Fireplace inserts can improve home comfort and reduce heating costs by reducing heat loss and directing more heat back into the room. It's important to note that different types of fireplace inserts may require different venting options.
Brick Fireplaces
Fireplaces that are made out of brick have been a preferred feature in buildings for hundreds of years, and they're still a favoured design element today. A brick fireplace can add warmth, character, and a bit of rustic charm to any room. The following are some things to consider if you're thinking about adding a brick fireplace to your property in Westminster.
First and foremost, you'll need to choose the style of fireplace you want. Conventional brick fireplaces usually feature a simple design with a hearth and mantel. Nonetheless, you could also go with a more contemporary design with a sleek finish and clean lines.
Brick fireplaces can be built with a range of different kinds of brick, each with its own unique colour and texture. You'll want to go with a brick that looks good with the design of your property and fits with the overall aesthetic you're trying to create.
Together with the visual considerations, you'll also want to look at the functional elements of a brick fireplace. Adequate venting is important for safety, and you may want to look into adding glass doors or a fireplace insert for improved efficiency. You'll also need to make certain that the hearth is completely level and that the bricks are properly installed to prevent any possible hazards.
In summary, a brick fireplace can add warmth and character to any room. With good planning and consideration, you can create eye-catching and functional brick fireplace that will enhance your property's design and provide a comfy environment.
Westminster Fireplace Related Tasks
The number of services and tasks that can be completed by your local fireplace fitter are wide and varied, and will include things like marble fireplace installations, wood burning fireplaces, fireplace surrounds Westminster, fireplace replacement, fireplace repairs, traditional electric fires, Victorian fireplaces Westminster, fake fireplaces, wood burning fireplace installations in Westminster, fireplace mantels, gas fireplaces Westminster, chimney repairs, fireplaceestimates, corner fireplaces in Westminster, cast fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installation, chimney modifications, fireplace inserts, oak beam fireplaces Westminster, flue liners Westminster, cast iron fireplace installations, electric fireplaces Westminster, outdoor fireplaces Westminster, stone fireplace installations, elm fireplaces Westminster, Regency fireplaces Westminster, period fireplaces, fireplace cleaning, double-sided stoves Westminster, chimney sweeping, the installation of outside fireplaces, traditional fireplaces Westminster, carbon monoxide detector installation, marble fireplaces, stone fireplaces, and others not listed. Westminster professionals, when contacted, will be delighted to keep you abreast of the whole range of fireplace services that are available. You can easily CLICK HERE and complete the quote form provided, if there are other Westminster fireplace requirements that you need but cannot find here.
Fireplace Installers Near Westminster
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