Fireplace Fitter Bexleyheath Greater London (DA6): A marvelous way to add some character to any Bexleyheath property is by the installation of a new fireplace, or the restoration of an existing one. Adding a wood burning stove or open fire for those cold winter evenings can even prove more economical than a conventional central heating system, providing that you've got a regular source of fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can provide you with a plentiful supply of piping hot water at the same time.
If you're to wind up with a safe and efficient fireplace, there are some essential considerations you must keep in mind, before you begin smashing down the walls of a blocked up fireplace. All work carried out must adhere to Part J of the UK Building Regulations, which covers the construction and installation of fireplaces, hearths, chimney breasts and flue linings of any heating appliance. Planning permission may also have to be sought before work commences if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you've got the ability needed, and are a keen DIYer you may be able to do some of the work in remodeling an existing fireplace, but the help of a tradesperson might be required if structural or safety problems arise during the process. It might be that so as to get a fire burning in your fireplace once again you'll need little more than a quick clean up of the hearth and a visit from a chimney sweep. However, what you will likely discover is a pile of crumbling bricks that hides issues such as a blocked chimney or a lintel that needs replacing.
Due to the acute health and fire risk issues that can be caused by an improperly fitted or renovated fireplace, it is preferable to avail yourself of the knowledge and experience of an experienced fireplace installer in Bexleyheath. Making sure that sufficient oxygen is available in a room for the fire to burn properly and efficiently is a key element of the Building Regulations for fireplaces. A fire won't burn well in a room where there is not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury could occur when carbon monoxide builds-up.
It could be necessary to fit airflow vents in walls and floors to allow the fire to receive sufficient oxygen to burn safely and effectively at all times. To enhance airflow within blocked chimney flues, your fireplace installation company might also have to fit flue vents to stop condensed air getting trapped and producing staining and damp patches.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Chimney breasts are notorious for the quantity of muck and soot that can accumulate inside them, thus when you open up an unused fireplace for refurbishing you can expect it to be a fairly messy operation. Even with dust sheets for your home furnishings, the chance of damage from soot and grime is still likely and it's advisable to remove your furniture, rugs and carpets before any fireplace renovation work and chimney cleaning commences. If you're installing a fireplace as part of an overall home restoration project then it should be one of the initial things to be completed after you have brought the room back to its bare walls and floors. If other work has recently been accomplished, this may get ruined by dirt and chimney soot.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
You'll have a far better idea about the restoration work that's required, when you've opened up and exposed the old fireplace. You will also be in a position to sweep the chimney and clean up any of the hearth that has survived. Bringing in a chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney will be one of the initial things on your checklist. After sweeping, they'll offer professional advice about what kind of state your chimney structure and flue is in, and tell you whether there are elements that need replacing.
It might be necessary to put in a new flue lining to conform to the current UK Building Regulations, and construction work might also be required to beef up the existing chimney and breast. This is unlikely to be the kind of work that you can do yourself, so you'll have to employ a skilled builder who is experienced in good construction techniques and is acquainted with the Building Regs.
If the size of the original fireplace is bigger than your needs, a supporting concrete lintel will have to be put in. As soon as your new lintel is safely in place you may now proceed with the updating, installation and repair of the fireplace hearth. If the existing hearth is set into the floor you'll need to raise it to comply with the current Building Regulations for the UK. There are tailor-made options to fit any size and design of fireplace, or you can pick from a variety of popular size and shape hearths to match your decor.
STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Visiting a nearby fireplace outlet or browsing on the internet will swiftly make you realise that there is a wonderful selection of different designs, sizes and shapes of fireplace for your home. So you can pick a fireplace that goes with your decor, and is also suited to your existing flue and chimney, it is recommended that you ask for the guidance and advice of the salespeople and the installation team.
An open fireplace might be perfect for some rooms and dwellings in Bexleyheath, while a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner will be a better choice for others. If you are fortunate enough to have a house with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is the ideal setting for a traditional cast iron wood-burner stove. This won't only deflect the heat back into the room effectively, but will also put the focus on the character and charm of the stove.
A wood burner is also an effective choice if your Bexleyheath home hasn't got a chimney breast. Given that a flue can be taken through an external wall and doesn't require a chimney breast, it is still possible to put in this style of fireplace.
GAS, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN, WOOD OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?
You cannot really beat a roaring fire on a cold winter's evening, to create a unique charm and ambience in your Bexleyheath home, but what other options exist?
Gas Fireplaces - There are an assortment of designs to suit any house in Bexleyheath, and they provide instant heat which is more efficient (thermally) than a wood burner. Gas fires must only be maintained and fitted by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered technician, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Burning a selection of fuels such as coal, wood, gas or oil, a multi-fuel stove can be made into a stunning focal point in your living space. These products can be utilised not merely for heating a room, but some types such as the AGA collection, can provide useful cooking areas, supply hot water and can be employed for heating the entire property if they're plumbed into an existing radiator system.
Electric Fireplaces - Electric fireplaces can be fitted quickly and safely by any competent individual and there are styles and varieties that are suitable for just about any room and type of house in Bexleyheath. Modern electric fires can provide "real" looking flame effects and and sometimes even the crackling sound of wood to replicate a real open fire when set into into a conventional fireplace.
Open Fireplaces - This is the timeless fireplace, establishing an interesting focal point for your room or space, and can be used to burn different fuels, such as wood, coalite nuts, briquettes and coal. An expertly installed open fire is far from the smoky old fireplace that was blocked up by past owners, and its warm charm is a delightful addition to any home in Bexleyheath.
Wood Burning Stoves - Coming in a broad selection of styles which can be a freestanding feature if required, these stoves can be employed in even the smallest of rooms. If fitted with a back boiler they are able to provide hot water to heat radiators or for use around the home.
Fireplace installation work can be undertaken in Bexleyheath and also in nearby places like: Crayford, Leyton Cross, Northumberland Heath, Welling, Belvedere, North Cray, Chislehurst, Slade Green, Barnehurst, Albany Park, Blackfen, Coldblow, and in these postcodes DA5 1HG, DA16 1JG, DA1 4SR, DA6 7LE, DA5 1BZ, DA1 4DY, DA6 7HU, DA5 1JJ, DA5 1EA, and DA6 7AW. Bexleyheath fireplace fitters should have the postcode DA6 and the telephone code 020/01322. Bexleyheath homeowners have access to these fireplace services anytime they need them.
Chimney Sweep Bexleyheath
If you have an open fire or a wood burner in your house in Bexleyheath, the routine sweeping of your chimney is imperative. It's advised that you clean and sweep your chimney at least once every twelve months.
You can sweep your own chimney, if you have the right tools, but this is an unpleasant job and is best left to a professional Bexleyheath chimney sweep if you want it done cleanly and correctly. A competent chimney sweep won't only clean your chimney but additionally be on the lookout for any safety issues.
Regular sweeping prevents a build-up of ash, soot and wood tar, a common cause of chimney fires. Poisonous carbon monoxide fumes can also be drawn back into your property if you allow your chimney to become badly maintained.
Ensure your chosen Bexleyheath chimney sweep is experienced and is also covered by adequate public liability insurance. To check on the current chimney sweeping prices in Bexleyheath CLICK HERE.
Chimney Cowl Installation Bexleyheath
The hood-shaped cover that can be installed over your chimney pot to increase the draft and stop smoke from backing up is referred to as a chimney cowl. It is generally crafted from galvanized iron and its purpose is to stop the wind blowing smoke down the chimney. This should be an integral element of any fireplace in Bexleyheath. To fully enjoy the benefits of a fireplace, it's recommended that you add a cowl to your chimney.
A chimney cowl can also help to shield your house and keep you safe. There are numerous kinds of chimney cowl available, each has been developed to address different situations. Before purchasing one, think about a few factors to make certain you get one that will help safeguard your house. When you know what you need, you can then choose a chimney cowl to suit your needs and budget.
You can also find chimney cowls made from run-of-the-mill objects, like a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Chicken wire can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These covers can be purchased on the web or at your local hardware store.
One of the most common sorts of chimney cowl is known as the H-style. This pattern is the most effective at controlling the draught and allows your fireplace to perform more efficiently. It's made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It was originally designed for marine applications, but has become popular among homeowners because of its energy-saving functionality.
Another kind 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 upwards from the fireplace or stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: bonnet chimney cowls, static chimney cowls, birdguards, rotating chimney cowls, aspirotor chimney cowls and anti-downdraught chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are a great way to prevent birds from building nests in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They're relatively cheap and easy to install. You should make sure that you have easy access to the area above the chimney stack in order to fit one effectively. It can also stop dirt and debris from accumulating inside your chimney.
Flue Linings
Allowing your chimney to function a great deal more efficiently, a chimney or flue liner is a vital part of your chimney structure. Carrying fumes to the outside of your home, a flue liner runs the whole length of the chimney, and can be made out of a range of materials including stainless steel, clay or ceramics. Older chimneys in Bexleyheath may not have linings at all, or will need to be re-lined depending on their age and condition.
Your chimney flue lining can, in time, be affected by the harmful gases and fumes that are created by burning a fire. A great time to check for damages is whilst your chimney is being swept and cleaned - so you should ask your chimney sweep to do this for you. A broken flue can enable those hazardous gases to penetrate your home. Extreme heat can also be allowed to penetrate into the structure of the chimney, generating the possibility of fires.
Bexleyheath Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a wide range of tasks that can be conducted by your local Bexleyheath fireplace installer including fireplace hearths, marble fireplace installation, 2-sided fireplaces in Bexleyheath, stone fireplace installation, oak beam fireplaces, gas fireplace installations, fireplaces in Bexleyheath, freestanding stoves, fireplace replacement in Bexleyheath, marble fireplaces in Bexleyheath, fireplace cleaning, limestone fireplace installation, cheap fireplace installation, elm fireplaces, fireplace repairs, fire grate conversions, marble fireplace surrounds, 3-sided fireplaces, wood fireplace mantels, electric fireplaces, fireplace packages, wood burning fireplace installation, fireplace removal, corner fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installation, fireplace refurbishment, electric fire baskets, flue lining, reclaimed fireplaces, fireplace surrounds, and more. Listed are just some of the duties that are handled by a locally based fireplace fitter.
More Help and Guidance
These days there are plenty of exceptional guides about fireplace installation online, so if you are interested in finding out about fireplace mantels head here. To learn the right way to install a wood burning stove you could study YouTube videos like this. A forum is a great place to learn information on fireplace installation, so why not take a look at the Buildhub Forum, discussion topics include things like chimney design, stove vents, log burners, widening fireplaces, building regulations and pellet boilers and stoves. To find out about fireplaces on social media, check this out. If you would like to discover more details on fireplaces, you'll uncover details on the different types of fireplace, how fireplaces affect the environment, fireplace accessories, the history of the fireplace, fireplace heating efficiency and the health effects of fireplaces, by visiting Wikipedia.
Searching For Fireplace Installation On the Web
Just "Googling it" seems to be the way in which the majority of folks in Bexleyheath hunt for all sorts of tradesmen or services in this day and age. Bing, Yahoo, Google or Ask will provide instantaneous results which will to some degree be associated with your search phrase. However, the page 1 listings shown on the major search engines are not always the best ones for you personally. In this precise case you'll be entering something like "fireplace installation near me", "fireplace installation in Bexleyheath", "fireplace installation Bexleyheath" or "Bexleyheath fireplace installation" to track down a suitable individual.
The page one results that you will get however, will mostly be PPC (Pay Per Click) advertisements, internet directories like Hotfrog, Three Best Rated, Yelp or Yell, or listings from multi-million pound companies such as My Hammer, Rated People, Bidvine, Checkatrade, Quotatis or TrustaTrader. The genuine sites of fireplace installers in Bexleyheath (when they have one), is likely to be languishing on the 2nd or 3rd pages of the listing results. Therefore you will have to navigate further. Nothing is wrong with trying out trader vetting sites such as Local Heroes or Rated People, because many fireplace fitters in Bexleyheath don't yet have their own individual internet sites.
Fireplace Installers Near Bexleyheath
Also find: Slade Green fireplace installers, North Cray fireplace installers, Coldblow fireplace installers, Chislehurst fireplace installers, Albany Park fireplace installers, Blackfen fireplace installers, Crayford fireplace installers, Belvedere fireplace installers, Leyton Cross fireplace installers, Northumberland Heath fireplace installers, Welling fireplace installers, Barnehurst fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and able to serve folks living in pretty much all of these towns and villages. In your property, these skilled tradesmen can put their expertise and knowledge to use for successfully installing fireplaces. Thanks to the support from these dedicated specialists, residents can relish the cosy atmosphere and warmth a fireplace provides in their living environments. Local householders can get fireplace installation price quotes by simply clicking here.
More Bexleyheath Tradespeople: Bexleyheath home improvements normally require the skills of various different craftsmen, and although you are currently focused on finding fireplace specialists in Bexleyheath, a plasterer in Bexleyheath, a painter and decorator in Bexleyheath, a carpenter in Bexleyheath, a heating engineer in Bexleyheath, a blacksmith in Bexleyheath, a bricklayer in Bexleyheath, a chimney sweep in Bexleyheath, brick cleaning in Bexleyheath, waste removal in Bexleyheath, a tiler in Bexleyheath, a handyman in Bexleyheath, an electrician in Bexleyheath, a floor specialist in Bexleyheath, a stonemason in Bexleyheath, SKIP HIRE in Bexleyheath, a general builder in Bexleyheath, roof cleaning in Bexleyheath, a roofing contractor in Bexleyheath, may also be required at some stage during your project.
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Fireplace installation in DA6 area, (dialling code 020/01322).
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