Fireplace Fitter Cardiff Wales (CF1): Re-opening up an old fireplace or installing a new one is a splendid way to add charm to any room of your house in Cardiff. If you decide to integrate a back boiler with your new fireplace, you can not only enjoy the ambience and warmth of an open fire on those cold winters' evenings, you'll also be provided with a plentiful supply of boiling hot water.
There are a few crucial considerations you must bear in mind to achieve an efficient and safe fireplace, before you begin knocking down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace. To start with, Part J of the Building Regulations will need to be adhered to with regards to the construction and installation of any flue linings, chimney breasts, hearths and fireplaces which are an integral part of a heat producing appliance in your house in Cardiff. You'll also have to check whether planning permission is necessary from the local council before any work can begin, if you reside in a listed building or a designated conservation area in Cardiff.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
You may be capable of doing some of the renovation work on a bricked-up fireplace if you have the skills needed, however there is always a problem in finding structural and safety issues which need to be resolved by a professional. It might be the case that when you pull back the covering from an old fireplace to uncover a hidden treasure that needs nothing more than a quick clear out and a check from a chimney sweep to get a fire roaring once again. It is a lot more likely however, that you will reveal a blocked flue and a swathe of old, crumbling brickwork that needs to be to be reinforced structurally to make it safe.
If your home in Cardiff has a fireplace installed and it isn't put in correctly, there isn't only a fire risk, but also of respiratory health problems. So, using a professional fireplace installer is widely recommended in most cases. Airflow has to be satisfactory in any room that a fireplace is to be installed; and it's a requirement in the Building Regulations (Part J) that this is the case. Insufficient oxygen means that the fire will not burn well, and carbon monoxide could accumulate, which can cause death.
To enable the fire to receive sufficient oxygen to combust safely and effectively all the time, it may be necessary for a competent fireplace installation engineer to install airflow vents in floor and walls. Flue vents may also have to be installed in unused or blocked chimney flues which can sometimes cause damp spots and stains to to a chimney breast, because of trapped condensing air.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
Large amounts of soot and dirt will enter a room when you're having an unused fireplace opened up. It is sensible to remove your your furniture, rugs and carpets before any fireplace restoration work and chimney cleaning starts, because even with coverings for your furniture, the risk of impairment from dirt and soot is still possible. If you are engaging in a full restoration of a room or house, the fireplace should be opened up and worked on before any plastering or decorating is tackled. The reason behind this is to prevent any discolouring damage to any work that has recently been done.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
With the fireplace revealed, it's time to find out what can be renovated or replaced and give the chimney and hearth a thorough clean. This will be the perfect time to call a local Cardiff chimney sweep to find out if they're able to come and take a look at your fireplace and chimney. Apart from sweeping and cleaning your flue and chimney, they'll also consider the condition of the flue liner and chimney and tell you about any section of the chimney structure and flue that needs replacing.
Following a chimney sweep's assessment it may be required to strengthen the chimney breast and/or install a new flue lining as set out in Part J of the Building Regulations. This is unlikely to be the sort of work that you can do yourself, therefore you'll want to employ a competent builder who has experience in good construction practices and an understanding of the Building Regulations.
If you need to modify the size of opening of your original fireplace to something smaller and more suitable for your new design, a lintel support should be installed. The installation, repair and updating of the hearth can proceed once the supporting lintel is in position. Many old fireplace hearths were sunken into the floor. If that is the scenario with your hearth it will need to be raised slightly above the normal floor level if it's going to to observe the building regs as they stand. You could ask your Cardiff fireplace builder about a bespoke, custom-made hearth to complement your home's design and style, or if you have a standard sized fireplace, there is an enormous selection of ready to fit options in concrete, marble and granite.
DESIGNS AND STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Due to the wide selection of different fireplace styles, picking the right one might not be that straightforward. You can check out what's currently available by going on the internet or by visiting your nearest fireplace outlet. Every fireplace might not be appropriate for your chimney and flue and it is sensible to accept any advice and guidance from your fireplace installers with regards to your specific circumstances.
Some rooms and houses will be more suited to open fireplaces than a multi-fuel or wood burning stove and vice versa. As an example, an inglenook fireplace can be an ideal backdrop for a traditional cast iron wood-burner stove, which highlights its character and reflects the heat into the room.
Even if your Cardiff property doesn't have a chimney you've still got the option of a fireplace feature through the installation of a wood burning or multi fuel stove. Provided that you have an outside wall through which a stainless steel flue from the top or back of the stove can be routed, you don't need to have a pre-existing chimney in place to enjoy that "real" fire experience.
WOOD, OPEN, GAS, ELECTRIC OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If this sort of fireplace cannot be installed within your Cardiff home, what other choices are there?
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to heat a space is superior to wood burner or multi-fuel stoves, and there many styles to suit all types of home in Cardiff. Have to be professionally installed and maintained by a Gas Safe registered tradesperson.
Open Fireplaces - Provides a stunning focal point for a room and can utilise a variety of solid fuels. Being a far cry from the smoky fireplaces of days gone by, a modern, professionally fitted open fire can provide a warm, cosy environment in any Cardiff dwelling.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Can be used with various different fuels, (gas, coal, wood, oil) to generate a great focal point in your property in Cardiff. The AGA range is well known as being able to provide heat for the entire home, a supply of hot water and an oven and hob all in one useful appliance.
Electric Fireplaces - A popular choice for householders in Cardiff, these fires can be put in by just about any competent individual, in a safe and easy manner. Modern electric fires can provide "real" looking flame effects and even the sound of crackling wood to replicate a real open fire when set into into an old fashioned fireplace.
Wood Burning Stoves - A multitude of different styles to match any kind of home in Cardiff, and, if required, can even be a freestanding feature. If combined with a back boiler these are able to provide hot water for radiators or for use in your house.
It is not just in Cardiff itself where you're able to access fireplace fitters - neighbouring areas like: Rumney, Dinas Pawys, Llanishen, Llandaff, Cowbridge, Sully, Danescourt, Splott, St Mellons, Culverhouse Cross, Machen, Wenvoe, Roath, Gabalfa are also covered. Two hints which imply that a fireplace service works in Cardiff area is if they have the telephone code 029 and the postcode CF1.
Chimney Sweep Cardiff
If your house in Cardiff has a wood burner or an open fire, it is essential that you get your chimney swept on a regular basis. To be totally safe, it is advisable to sweep your chimney twice yearly, particularly if you're burning wood or bituminous coal.
The preferred course of action to get this done is to contact a qualified Cardiff chimney sweep, who will complete the work correctly and without any mess. In addition to cleaning your chimney, the chimney sweep will be able to spot any problems with your chimney, so that these can be resolved quickly.
Neglecting to sweep your chimney in Cardiff can result in an accumulation of soot and ash which can cause chimney fires. Toxic carbon monoxide fumes can also be drawn back into your house if you allow your chimney to become badly maintained.
Make sure your chosen Cardiff chimney sweep is experienced and is also covered by adequate public liability insurance. To find a price for chimney sweeping in Cardiff GO HERE.
Chimney Cowl Installation Cardiff
The hood-shaped cover that fits over the chimney to increase the draft and stop smoke from backing up is called a chimney cowl. It's designed to prevent the wind blowing smoke down the chimney, and is generally made of galvanised iron. You should install a cowl on your chimney in Cardiff if you wish to enjoy the benefits of a fireplace.
A chimney cowl can also help protect your property and keep you safe. There are different types of chimney cowls available on the market, each one has been developed to address different scenarios. Before you purchase one, consider a few factors to ensure you get one that will help protect your home. When you know what you need, you can then select a chimney cowl based on your budget and needs.
You can also find chimney cowls made from everyday products, like a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Chicken mesh can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make fantastic chimney cowls. These products can easily be purchased on the internet or at a 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 enables 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 homeowners due to its energy-saving attributes.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. It is available in a wide range of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upwards from the stove.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to stop birds from nesting in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They're comparatively cheap and simple to install. You should make certain you have easy access to the space above the chimney to fit one effectively. It can also prevent dirt and debris from accumulating inside your chimney. Ask your local fireplace installer in Cardiff if they can fit a suitable chimney cowl for you.
Practical Ideas On How To Preserve Your Open Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Bills
The classic open fireplace may have lost a little bit of of its allure due to worries about the environment but it's still favoured by many folks in Cardiff. There is nothing like feeling the genuine warmth of an open fireplace on a cold winter's evening. There are many perks and benefits to having a fireplace although there are also a few drawbacks that may need to be dealt with. With the cost of energy soaring annually, your fireplace has to give out heat in a very cost-effective way. Whilst having a fire alight in a fireplace keeps the people around it warm, it can actually suck warm air from other parts of the room, causing your heat source to work harder. The chimney damper is meant to stop cold air from coming in to your home when you haven't got a fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, dampers have a very inefficient seal, so cool air can get in, and warmer air can get out.
Many homeowners that currently have a fireplace in their property in Cardiff don't realize how the fireplace can have an effect on their utility bill. Instead of heating a residence naturally, a fireplace can in fact add 100s of pounds to the cost of your heating. But it is not all bad news because there are ways to make your fireplace far more cost-efficient. There tend to be four simple steps that you can take to change your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you are searching for. You will see that these tips will help to make your fireplace produce quality heat and your heating bill a lot lower.
The first tip is to swap your fireplace damper with a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is fitted at the top end of your chimney which also acts like a storm door. It stops the inside air from escaping, and the outside air from going in, and works in cold or hot weather. It's not that hard to install and may also be easily purchased on the internet. One more thing you could choose to do is fit a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. A fire-back consists of cast iron and it is meant to protect the back wall from fire damage, whilst making your fireplace look elegant. The fire-back will take the heat from a fire, and sends it back into the room, improving the overall efficiency of the fireplace.
Another option is to obtain a fireplace fan/heater, which draws air into the room and warms it up. These devices do not release any smoke and can be very successful in keeping your home warm. The final thing that you can do is to fix glass doors, which may be the most expensive option. If you do a bit of homework, you can find glass doors at a good price and install them yourself. Such doors create a buffer between the fireplace and living space, not only making the area less for the fire to heat, but also providing protection.
The suggestions given here aren't all that hard to do and you can buy everything you need online. Make the most of your fireplace and watch your energy costs tumble.
Fireplace Inserts
Among householders in Cardiff looking to enhance their conventional fireplaces, fireplace inserts are a highly favoured choice. By redirecting more heat into the room and minimizing heat loss, these inserts are designed to enhance fireplace efficiency. These inserts provide a more practical and safer alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces, making it more convenient to enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fire.
There is a wide assortment of fireplace inserts to choose from, in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from gas to electric and wood-burning models. Easy to use and needing little maintenance, gas fireplace inserts are a great option, while electric inserts offer flexibility and convenience with their adjustable settings and remote control. Wood-burning inserts are the best choice for property owners who desire the genuine experience of a crackling fire and the aroma of burning wood.
Alongside their convenience and efficiency, fireplace inserts are also environmentally friendly. They reduce the amount of air pollution caused by traditional fireplaces by producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently.
Safe and correct installation of a fireplace insert can only be ensured with a professional installation. Fireplace inserts offer numerous benefits, making them a worthwhile investment for householders seeking to enhance the comfort, convenience, and value of their property. Various methods of venting may be required for different types of fireplace inserts, which is an important element to consider.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Cardiff
For that really dramatic look why not consider bringing the outside in with a stone fireplace? A stone facade or boundary wall might already be a natural feature of your building's external areas. This might be a lovely way to complement those exterior features on the inside of your home.
Subject to your taste and spending budget, it is possible to build a stone fireplace using either full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding. Also, marble, limestone, slate, sandstone, quartz or granite, are just some of the different sorts of stone that can be used to build a fireplace.
The appearance of your new fireplace will be affected by the kind of stone which is used, the style of building and the individuality of the stonemason or tradesperson who builds it. Choose a design and style that you like, and show the fireplace company some images before they start the project.
A lot of modern day dwellings aren't really suited to the look of a stone fireplace, mainly because stone can be so striking, and dominate the appearance of a space. However, each individual property owner has their own preferences and taste, hence it's for them to choose.
Fireplace Installers Near Cardiff
Also find: Danescourt fireplace installers, St Mellons fireplace installers, Splott fireplace installers, Culverhouse Cross fireplace installers, Rumney fireplace installers, Sully fireplace installers, Machen fireplace installers, Wenvoe fireplace installers, Llanishen fireplace installers, Roath fireplace installers, Dinas Pawys fireplace installers, Llandaff fireplace installers, Cowbridge fireplace installers, Gabalfa fireplace installers and more. It is possible to get fireplaces installed in practically all of these areas. These skilled tradespeople have the experience and knowledge necessary to adeptly install fireplaces in your home. Residents can enjoy the warmth, atmosphere and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living areas with the help of these dedicated experts. By clicking here, local residents can obtain fireplace installation quotations.
Cardiff Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Cardiff fireplace installer can provide a broad range of tasks, and in addition to what's already been covered they can do period fireplaces, brick fireplaces Cardiff, marble fireplace surrounds, chimney sweeping, flue lining installation in Cardiff, the installation of Victorian fireplaces Cardiff, the installation of modern fireplaces, fireplace installation Cardiff, Regency fireplaces Cardiff, chimney modifications in Cardiff, fake fireplaces in Cardiff, Victorian fireplaces, fireplace suites, Victorian fireplaces Cardiff, modern fireplace installation, fireplace refurbishment, electric fire suites, gas fireplaces, three-sided fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Cardiff, made-to-measure fireplaces, electric fireplace installation Cardiff, limestone fireplace Cardiff, cast fireplace installation in Cardiff, fire grate conversions, modern gas fires, double-sided stove installation, reclaimed fireplaces Cardiff, fireplace cleaning, electric fireplaces Cardiff, fireplace design, the installation of chimney cowls, chimney lining Cardiff, tiled fireplace installations, fireplaces, to mention a few.
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