Fireplace Fitter Woodford Greater London (IG8): The installation of a new fireplace, or the renovation of an existing one is a splendid way to add a touch of character to any Woodford property. Cold winters' evenings can become enjoyable as you relax beside your fireplace listening to the crackle of firewood, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can even benefit from steaming hot water as well.
But before you begin bashing down the walls of a blocked up fireplace there are some vital things to consider if you are to finish up with an efficient and safe fireplace. Any work which is done on your hearth, flue lining, fireplace and chimney breast must follow the United Kingdom's building regs, Part J for combustible appliances. If your dwelling in Woodford is a listed building or is within a conservation area, planning permission could also be needed before any work can proceed.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If any construction work is necessary in your fireplace installation project, both structural and safety issues could arise that will need resolving by a professional tradesman, although a skilled DIY fanatic might be able to take a shot at a straightforward remodel of an old or existing fireplace. You may find that the chimney breast, hearth and lintel are in good shape, when you've revealed your old fireplace, and that what lies beneath needs nothing more than a clean by a chimney sweep. More likely you will discover crumbling brickwork that requires structural reinforcement and a blocked flue.
An incorrectly installed fireplace can cause significant respiratory health problems and fire risk and should only be fitted by a professional fireplace installer in Woodford with the experience and knowledge to install it effectively. A key part of the Building Regulations (Part J) for fireplaces is that enough oxygen is available in a room for a fire to burn properly and efficiently. A fire doesn't burn properly if there is not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury can occur when there is a build-up of carbon monoxide.
To get past this problem a professional fireplace installation engineer will evaluate the circumstances and fit vents in the room, or under the floor, to ensure an adequate amount of air flow for the fire to combust safely and properly. Flue vents may also have to be installed in unused chimney flues which can cause staining and damp patches on to a chimney breast, due to trapped moist air.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
When opening up a fireplace for a refurbishment project, you will be amazed at the magnitude of the muck and soot that has piled up inside your old chimney. It's recommended that you remove your your furniture, rugs and carpets before any fireplace refurbishment work and chimney sweeping starts, as even with coverings for your possessions, the chance of impairment from soot and muck is still likely. If you're installing a fireplace as part of an overall home restoration project then it should be one of the first tasks to be done after you have brought the room back to bare walls and floors. This will help to prevent damage to other stages of your renovation project (i.e. fresh plaster or painted walls), by soot and other chimney dust that's released.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You will get a far better understanding of the renovation work that needs doing, as soon as you have uncovered the old fireplace. You'll also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean any of the hearth that remains. Bringing in a chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney is one of the initial items on the agenda. A professional chimney sweep will first of all clean the flue and whilst doing this can check the structural condition of the chimney and offer guidance on whether a new flue liner is required.
Construction work might be required to beef up the existing chimney and chimney breast, and a new flue lining may also have to be installed. All this work will need to abide by the current Building Regulations which are of course there for you and your loved one's safety. This type of work needs to be tackled by a skilled tradesperson who is acquainted with the Building Regulations and decent working practices.
After this stage of the work has been accomplished, the refurbishment or updating of the existing hearth can be dealt with. To stay in line with the present regulations, any hearth should be raised at least 12.5mm above the normal floor level, although you may discover that yours is set into a floor void, as they quite often were in the "good old days". You could think about asking your Woodford fireplace builder about a bespoke, custom-built hearth to match your home's design and style, or if you have a standard sized fireplace, there is a wide array of pre-made, ready to install options in slate, granite and marble.
DESIGNS AND STYLES OF FIREPLACE
If you check out a fireplace outlet you'll find that you are spoilt for choice with the array of different choices available to you. You should generally follow the advice of the installation team when it comes to which fireplaces will be suited to your existing chimney and flue, as some definitely won't be.
The look that you're trying to create, your existing decor and perhaps even, your property's age, will to some degree influence whether you opt for an open fireplace, a wood burner or a multi-fuel stove. A cast iron wood-burner stove for instance, will look splendid when positioned in an inglenook fireplace, which redirects any heat that's generated back into the room and draws attention to its charm and beauty.
It's still possible to put in a wood burner stove, even if there is no chimney in your Woodford home. As long as you've got an outside wall through which a stainless steel flue from the top or back of the stove can be channeled, you don't need to have a chimney structure to enjoy that "real" fire experience.
MULTI-FUEL, OPEN, ELECTRIC, WOOD OR GAS FIREPLACE?
You simply can't beat a roaring fire on a dark winter's evening, to create a charm and ambience in your Woodford property, but what are the alternatives?
Open Fireplaces - The classic fireplace that can make use of different fuels such as coal, briquettes, wood and other burnable products. Being very different from the old style smoky fireplace, a modern, expertly installed open fire can provide a cosy and warm environment in any Woodford dwelling.
Wood Burning Stoves - These have grown to be extremely popular in a lot of households in Woodford, and can have modern or classic styling to match your home's decor. An added benefit of these stoves is that they can provide piping hot water for domestic use around the home, or supply heating to another area of the home via a radiator, when coupled with a back boiler.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you'll probably deduce from the name, these stoves can be fed a selection of fuels, including smokeless coal, gas, oil or wood, and not just that, they can also become a great focal point for your home in Woodford. Some designs, like the AGA range, can also be used for cooking, providing hot water and heating your whole property.
Gas Fireplaces - More efficient (thermally) than wood burners, gas fireplaces are available in a wide variety of styles to suit your house in Woodford. A Gas Safe registered technician must install and maintain any gas fire in your home.
Electric Fireplaces - Straightforward installation and a varied choice of styles make electric fires the obvious choice for Woodford homes that don't have a chimney. Modern electric fires can provide real look flames and even the crackling sound of wood to imitate an open fire when set into into an old fashioned fireplace.
Fireplace installers are available in Woodford itself, in the following postcodes: , E18 2QS, E18 2GL, E17 4DS, E17 4DT, E17 4DF, E4 9PP, E18 2PQ, IG4 5PZ, and E18 2NN, and in close by locations like Fairlop, Friday Hill, Grange Hill, Fullwell Cross, Whipps Cross, Aldborough Hatch, Gants Hill, Little Heath, Clayhall, Highams Park, Redbridge, South Woodford. It's very likely that any fireplace fitters in the Woodford district will have the postcode IG8 and the phone code 020. This could be one thing that you can check if you wish to ensure you hire a local fireplace fitter. Woodford householders have lots of choices when they are searching for fireplace services. Click the "QUOTE" banner to get info on fireplaces and fireplace installation in your area.
Chimney Sweeping Woodford
Getting the chimney swept is one thing that home owners often put off or forget, but it is important to get this done regularly if you have a log burning stove or an open fire in your Woodford home. It's advised that you clean and sweep the chimney at least once yearly.
It's invariably better to bring in a qualified Woodford chimney sweep if you want to get this job done correctly. There are additional advantages to calling in a professional, because if there are any safety issues or problems with your chimney, the chimney sweep is trained to spot them.
Routine sweeping prevents a build-up of soot and ash, a common cause of chimney fires. As well as stopping fires, you will also want to avoid the chance of poisoning by carbon monoxide fumes. When a chimney gets blocked this toxic substance can flow back into your house with awful consequences.
Make sure that your chosen Woodford chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by ample public liability insurance. GO HERE to get a chimney sweeps quote in Woodford. You can also get chimney sweeping done in neabry locations.
Stone Fireplaces
If you are hoping to achieve a truly spectacular look with your fireplace, what about bringing the outdoors inside with a fireplace created from natural stone? Maybe your house has already got some external natural stone features, a stone boundary wall or facade for example. This might be a way to complement those natural features on the inside.
You can create a stone fireplace by using either a full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding, and the one that you opt for could be determined by your taste and how much money you are able to spend. You'll also need to choose what type of stone you prefer to use for your fireplace, pick from: granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate or quartz.
Your finished fireplace's appearance will be affected by the sort of stone used, the methodology used by the stonemason or tradesperson who builds it and the style of building. Do a little research before your fireplace installer begins, and show them some images of just what you've got in mind.
Stone is not always a suitable material for a modern property, since it has a striking appearance and can rather dominate the appearance of a space, but obviously that's down to the choice of each individual householder - perhaps dramatic and spectacular is what you have in mind!
Flues
A chimney lining or flue lining is a crucial addition to your chimney system, allowing it to perform far more effectively and improving the overall safety of your chimney. Running the entire length of the inside of your chimney, flue liners are conduits manufactured from a variety of materials including such things as ceramics, clay or metal. They channel fumes outside a building. An older chimney in Woodford may in fact not be fitted with a flue lining at all, or will need relining determined by it's age and condition.
The flue inside your chimney can easily be impaired and eaten away and impaired by the harmful gases and fumes that develop whilst a fire is burning in your grate. Whilst it's being cleaned, get the chimney sweep or fireplace specialist to inspect your flue lining for any damage or chances of it deteriorating in the near future. If it is damaged, those hazardous gases might possibly seep into your home instead of being properly vented outdoors. There's furthermore the risk of fires inside the property since an impaired flue lining can permit extreme heat to penetrate the chimney structure.
Brick Fireplaces Woodford
Fireplaces that are made out of brick have been a common feature in homes for many centuries, and they're still a much loved interior design element today. A brick fireplace can add character, warmth, and a bit of rustic charm to any space. The following are some things to consider if you're thinking about adding a brick fireplace to your home in Woodford.
First, decide on the style of brick fireplace you prefer. You can go for a traditional style with a mantel and hearth, or a modern pattern with sleek, clean lines and a minimalist design. You can use a brick fireplace as a statement piece, so consider the size and location of your fireplace. A big fireplace can provide a stunning centerpiece in a room, where a smaller fireplace can provide a snug and cosy nook.
In terms of brick selection, you have lots of options. Bricks come in an assortment of textures and colours, thus you can choose the perfect brick to complement your home's style. You could even think about mixing and matching brick styles to create a unique and different look.
In addition to the visual considerations, you'll also want to think about the practical aspects of a brick fireplace. Adequate venting is important for safety, and you might want to look into adding glass doors or a fireplace insert for enhanced efficiency. You will also want to ensure that the hearth is completely level and that the bricks are properly installed to avoid any potential hazards.
A brick fireplace can be an attractive and functional addition to your dwelling in Woodford. With a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can construct a fireplace that doesn't simply provide warmth but also enriches your home with character and charm.
Chimney Repair
Maintaining the efficiency, functionality and safety of both commercial and home chimney systems in Woodford is an essential aspect of chimney repair. The deterioration of chimneys over the years is caused by a combination of weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and the byproducts of combustion. A number of issues that require timely and expert attention can be caused by these factors.
Chimney repair is frequently necessary due to the development of cracks in the chimney structure. Such cracks can compromise the structural stability of the chimney, increasing the risk of moisture ingress and further damage. Dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, can also escape from cracks in the chimney and into the living areas, posing serious health hazards to occupants. (13096)
Woodford Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Woodford fireplace installer can provide a host of services, and along with what has previously been covered they should be able to do hearth fireplaces Woodford, electric fireplaces Woodford, electric fireplace installation, double-sided stove installation, cast fireplace installation in Woodford, fireplace suites, traditional electric fires, fireplace packages, modern fireplace, the installation of disigner fireplaces, chimney strengthening, wood burning fireplaces in Woodford, fireplace surrounds, marble fireplace surrounds, made-to-measure fireplaces, electric fire suites, gas fireplaces, reclaimed fireplace installation, reclaimed fireplaces Woodford, carbon monoxide detector installation, fireplace repairs, cast fireplaces, two-sided fireplaces, designer fireplaces, fireplace cleaning, fake fireplaces in Woodford, chimney modifications, Regency fireplaces Woodford, open fireplaces in Woodford, flue lining, wood burning stoves, fireplace replacement, fireplace fitting, gas fireplace installations Woodford, marble fireplaces in Woodford, to mention a few. Woodford companies will be happy to provide a complete list of their fireplace services when asked. You can easily CLICK HERE and complete the quote form provided, if there are some other Woodford fireplace requirements that you require but cannot see here.
Fireplace Installers Near Woodford
Also find: Redbridge fireplace installers, Fairlop fireplace installers, Little Heath fireplace installers, Gants Hill fireplace installers, Grange Hill fireplace installers, Clayhall fireplace installers, Fullwell Cross fireplace installers, Whipps Cross fireplace installers, Friday Hill fireplace installers, Aldborough Hatch fireplace installers, South Woodford fireplace installers, Highams Park fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and able to serve folks living in practically all of these towns and localities. These seasoned tradespeople have the experience and know-how necessary to adeptly install fireplaces in your property. The warmth, comfort and ambiance of a fireplace in their homes are made possible for residents through the support of these dedicated specialists. By going here, local residents can get fireplace installation estimates. Today is the ideal time to kick off your fireplace installation.
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