Fireplace Fitter Birchington-on-Sea Kent (CT7): Installing a new fireplace or opening up a disused fireplace in your Birchington-on-Sea home is an effective way to add a homely feel and some charm to any room. Cold winter evenings can become a joy as you sit back beside your fireplace surrounded by the crackle of firewood, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can even benefit from plentiful hot water too.
There are a few vital considerations you must think of before you begin any work, if you are going to establish an efficient, attractive and safe fireplace in your house. All work carried out must abide by Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, which addresses the installation and construction of fireplaces, chimney breasts, hearths and flue linings of any combustible appliance. If your home is a listed building you'll also have to find out if planning permission is required from the local authorities before any work begins.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A basic remodel of an existing fireplace can be completed by a keen DIY person, however if any construction work is required there is the chance of running into structural issues that will have to be resolved professionally. If you're fortunate when you open up a stopped up fireplace you may find a decent chimney breast, lintel and hearth that involves nothing other than the advice and services of a chimney sweep to get it ready for a fire once more. It is much more likely that you will discover crumbling brickwork that needs structural modifications and a stopped up flue.
It's generally best to benefit from the know-how and experience of a certified fireplace installer in Birchington-on-Sea, on account of the severe fire and health risk problems that can be caused by a poorly installed or refurbished fireplace. As mentioned in the Building Regulations (Part J) for fireplaces, there must be enough airflow in a room where there's a fireplace, because in order for it to burn efficiently, the right volume of oxygen is required. A fire doesn't burn efficiently if there is not enough oxygen, and death could occur where carbon monoxide gas is produced.
It could be necessary to install airflow vents in walls and floors to enable the fire to receive enough oxygen to burn efficiently and safely at all times. Blocked off and unused chimney flues might also have to have air vents fitted since they can trap moist air and cause damp to occur inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Having a fireplace opened up can create a lot of of muck and soot. It is good practice to remove any furniture, rugs and carpets from a room where you're planning to open up an old fireplace, to prevent them being damaged by muck, soot and dust that may be stirred up during the fireplace installation work. If your fireplace is being fitted as part of an overall renovation then it ought to be one of the initial things to be worked on once you've brought the room back to its bare walls and floors. By opening up a fireplace first you will stop any soot from the chimney causing damage to other parts of your restoration project, such as paint on walls or fresh plaster.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
With your fireplace revealed, it's time to see what is in a fit state to be renovated and to give the chimney and hearth a thorough cleaning. You should now contact your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done this, to come and clean the old chimney and fireplace. A chimney sweep will first clean the flue and whilst doing so will inspect the structural condition of the chimney and offer guidance on whether you need a new flue lining.
It might be vital to fit a new flue liner to comply with the UK Building Regulations, and construction work might also be required to strengthen the existing chimney and breast. These are tasks that require an experienced tradesman with knowledge of the applicable building regs and quality construction skills.
If you need to change the width of opening of your exposed fireplace to something more suitable for your design, a supporting lintel will have to be installed. When this is complete the next phase for your Birchington-on-Sea fireplace installation will be to upgrade the hearth. In earlier times the hearth was generally sunken into a void in the floor, but the latest building regulations demand that it is raised above floor level. If your fireplace is not a standard size you might have to purchase a bespoke, custom-built hearth, but there are a wide variety of ready-made hearths in slate, concrete or marble.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Choosing your ideal fireplace can be challenging when faced with the many styles and designs that are available from a fireplace showroom or online store. Not all fireplaces may be appropriate for your chimney and flue therefore it's wise to accept any help and advice from your installation team with regards to your particular circumstances.
You home's age, and the style you're trying to create for your room, will all help you determine the design and type of fireplace that's most suitable. For example, a wood burning stove looks fantastic set back in an inglenook fireplace, which highlights the charm and character of the stove and also deflects the heat back into the room to good effect.
If your Birchington-on-Sea property doesn't have a chimney you still have options for a fireplace feature by putting in a wood burning or multi fuel stove. As long as you have an outside wall through which a flue from the top or back of the stove can be routed, you do not need an existing chimney structure in place to benefit from that "real" fire experience.
OPEN, WOOD, GAS, ELECTRIC OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
Who does not enjoy the flickering of an open fireplace on a cold evening, however if your situation doesn't permit this, what other options are available?
Open Fireplaces - The traditional fireplace that can be used with various fuels such as smokeless coal, briquettes, wood and other combustive materials. A skillfully fitted open fire will be nothing like the smoky old fireplace that was boarded up by former owners, and its warm charm is a welcome addition to any property in Birchington-on-Sea.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of styles to suit all types of home and their efficiency to warm a room is better than open fireplaces or wood burning stoves. Must be professionally fitted and maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the tiniest room in Birchington-on-Sea can benefit from the fitting of a wood burner, which come in a variety of designs, and can even be fitted as a freestanding feature. If coupled with a back boiler they can provide piping hot water for radiators or for use around the house.
Electric Fireplaces - Basic installation and a diverse choice of designs make electric fireplaces a popular choice for Birchington-on-Sea houses that don't have a chimney breast. Even if your home has a conventional fireplace, an electric fire which looks almost like a "real" fire can be fitted.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Provides you with options to use oil, wood, coal and gas to furnish you with a multi-purpose heater for any property in Birchington-on-Sea. The AGA range for example is renowned as being able to provide heating for an entire home, a constant supply of hot water and a hob and oven for cooking all in one useful appliance.
You should be able to locate fireplace fitters in Birchington-on-Sea, and adjacent areas such as: Monkton, Gore Street, Brooksend, Garlinge, Acol, Manston, Boyden Gate, Flete, Marshside, Woodchurch, Reculver, Minster, St Nicholas at Wade. Postcode areas like CT7 9HW, CT7 9DF, CT7 9JA, CT7 9HL, CT7 9EG, CT7 9EQ, CT7 9LG, CT7 9JE, CT7 9AY, and CT7 0BU are also covered. It's very likely that any fireplace services from the Birchington-on-Sea district is going to have the postcode CT7 and the telephone code 01843. This is just one of the things to confirm if you would like to ensure that you hire a local fireplace installer. If you wish to obtain the installation of fireplaces info for your region, click the "QUOTE" banner or form.
Chimney Sweep Birchington-on-Sea
It's easy to put off a routine household task like sweeping the chimney, but if you have a log burning stove or an open fire, it really is imperative that this is done regularly. Chimney sweeping and cleaning should generally be done at least once per year.
It is always better to call in a specialist Birchington-on-Sea chimney sweep if you want to get this job done correctly. Calling in a chimney sweep doesn't only keep your chimney clean but also highlights any safety issues that there may be with your chimney.
A chimney fire could easily be brought on by a build-up of ash, soot and wood tar if this isn't removed by sweeping. Apart from fires there are other hazardous situations that can be caused by a badly maintained chimney, one example is that of carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your house.
Check that your chosen chimney sweep in Birchington-on-Sea is properly covered by public liability insurance, and is qualified in this field. To get a chimney swept in Birchington-on-Sea, CLICK HERE for a quote.
The Best Way To Retain Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Bills
With all the current worries about the environment, the fireplace has lost a little of its glamour, however it's still a favourite feature for many people in Birchington-on-Sea. Sitting in front of the comfort of a fireplace, revives many treasured memories for lots of folks. Having a fireplace has its benefits but there are a couple of downsides that could affect its usefulness. As energy costs rise, you'll want to make sure that your fireplace is giving off heat efficiently. When a fire is burning, it may possibly provide warmth for those standing right in front of it, but it can actually pull warm air out of a room, making your heat source work even more. When there is no fire, a damper ought to manage the airflow. However, dampers have a very inadequate seal, so cold air can get in, and warm air passes out.
Many householders in Birchington-on-Sea who have fireplaces do not understand how it can affect the cost of heating. Instead of conserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding hundreds of pounds of energy expense. However it's not all gloom and doom seeing that there are techniques for making your fireplace much more cost-effective. There tend to be 4 simple things that you will be able to do to change your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you are looking for. These will certainly make your present fireplace much more efficient, and reduce your energy bills.
The very first thing that has to be done is to replace the damper with a top sealing damper. This type of damper is mounted at the top end of the chimney, and acts like a storm door. It does a good job of preserving warm air in the property during winter months and cool air from getting out in the summer months. Its not that tricky to put in and may also be easily bought online. Another thing you could choose to do is position a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate which is intended to add to the room design, while shielding the back wall from damage due to the fires. The fire-back basically heats up from the open fire and sends the heat back into a room, hence improving the overall efficiency of the fireplace.
Another means to cut down on fuel bills is to use a fireplace fan/heater, which heats the space by drawing the air into a heat chamber and recycling the air back into the room. These heating devices are sealed systems, hence no smoke is discharged, and they can really make a difference in the temperature of your property. The final thing that can be done is to fit glass doors, which may be a bit on the expensive side. Searching around, you ought to be able to find a great deal, and with clear instructions, you could put them in yourself. Glass doors can keep the air in your house from escaping up the flue and also help to protect your children and pets from fires.
All these tips are simple to do, and the required products can be easily sourced on the internet. Look after your fireplace and watch your energy costs drop.
Flue Linings
A chimney or flue liner is an important addition to the chimney structure on your property, enabling it to perform a lot more effectively and improving the safety of your chimney. Fitted to the inside of chimneys to transport fumes outside, flue liners are conduits made from ceramic material, metal or clay. An older chimney in Birchington-on-Sea may in fact not be fitted with a flue liner at all, or will need relining determined by it's age and condition.
The hazardous fumes and gases which are generated when you burn a fire can cause damage to your chimney's flue. Be certain that your fireplace installer inspects the flue for damage and possible problems. You need to stop those harmful gases from leaking into your living area, which is what can transpire when a flue is damaged. Excessive heat could also be allowed to penetrate into the chimney's structure, generating the potential for fires.
Chimney Repair
Both commercial and residential chimney systems in Birchington-on-Sea should be regularly repaired to maintain their efficiency, safety and functionality. Deterioration can occur in chimneys over time due to their exposure to weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and the by-products of combustion. These factors can lead to a range of issues that require expert and timely attention.
One of the most common problems that necessitate chimney repair is the development of cracks in the chimney structure. Moisture seepage can be increased by such cracks, which can lead to further damage and affect the structural stability of the chimney. Cracks in the chimney can also allow dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, to escape into the living spaces, posing serious health hazards to any occupants of the building.
Another problem is that creosote and debris can build up in the chimney flue. This accumulation not only reduces the chimney's efficiency but also increases the likelihood of chimney fires. Regular chimney cleaning as part of the repair procedure is essential for reducing fire hazards and ensuring proper airflow, as it removes debris, soot and creosote.
Chimney leaks are among the problems that can be resolved via the chimney repair process. The chimney lining can suffer from rusting, deterioration, and damage as a consequence of water penetrating the chimney structure through leaks. This can result in decreased efficiency and further structural problems. Appropriate repairs involve identifying the source of the leak, sealing any openings, and applying waterproofing solutions to prevent future leaks. (51227 - Chimney Repairs Birchington-on-Sea)
Birchington-on-Sea Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a wide array of tasks that can be conducted by your local Birchington-on-Sea fireplace installer including inset stove installation, fake fireplace installations, flue liners, electric fireplace installation, double-sided stove installations in Birchington-on-Sea, cast iron fireplaces, chimney lining Birchington-on-Sea, oak beam fireplaces, bespoke fireplaces in Birchington-on-Sea, Victorian fireplace installation, marble fireplaces Birchington-on-Sea, chimney repairs, inglenook fireplace installations in Birchington-on-Sea, wood burning fireplace installation, electric fire baskets, wood burning fireplaces, fireplace hearths, wood burning stove installation, fireplacequotes in Birchington-on-Sea, the installation of chimney cowls, fireplaces in Birchington-on-Sea, cheap fireplace installation Birchington-on-Sea, fireplace restoration, fireplace installation Birchington-on-Sea, fire grate conversions, limestone fireplace installations Birchington-on-Sea, multifuel stove installations in Birchington-on-Sea, marble fireplace installation, and lots more. Listed are just a selection of the tasks that are accomplished by those installing fireplaces. Birchington-on-Sea professionals will be delighted to keep you abreast of their whole range of fireplace related services.
Fireplace Installers Near Birchington-on-Sea
Also find: Garlinge fireplace installers, Reculver fireplace installers, St Nicholas at Wade fireplace installers, Gore Street fireplace installers, Brooksend fireplace installers, Manston fireplace installers, Minster fireplace installers, Flete fireplace installers, Marshside fireplace installers, Boyden Gate fireplace installers, Acol fireplace installers, Monkton fireplace installers, Woodchurch fireplace installers and more. There are people who install fireplaces in almost all of these villages and towns. The adept installation of a fireplace in your property is well within the skillset of these professional tradesmen, given their knowledge and experience. With these dedicated specialists at their service, residents can bask in the comforting and warm ambiance a fireplace brings to their living areas. Local homeowners can get fireplace installation price quotes by clicking here.
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Fireplace installation in CT7 area, 01843.
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