Fireplace Fitter Folkestone Kent (CT18): A great way to add some charm to any Folkestone home is by the installation of a new fireplace, or the restoration of an existing one. You won't just delight in the warmth and comfort of an open fire during the freezing winter's days, but if you combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, you will also be supplied with abundant piping hot water.
There are some important considerations to make before you begin any work, in order to establish an efficient, attractive and safe fireplace in your property. Any heating appliance installed within the home must conform to Part J of the Building Regs, and this covers flue linings, chimney breasts, hearths and fireplaces. If you reside in a building that is listed, or a property that lies in a conservation, you will have to find out if planning permission is required for the installation of a fireplace.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you're a keen and competent DIY'er it may be quite possible to refurbish an existing bricked-up or closed-off fireplace, however the chances of encountering structural problems in the majority of cases is high. You may discover that the lintel, hearth and chimney breast are in fine shape, when you've pulled back the boarding surrounding the old fireplace, and the hidden treasure beneath needs nothing more than a clean by a chimney sweep. If you aren't so blessed, you'll discover a crumbling wall of bricks that's concealing a string of problems, like a broken old lintel or a blocked chimney.
A poorly fitted fireplace can cause serious fire risk and respiratory health problems and should only be put in by a specialist fireplace installer in Folkestone with the experience and knowledge to do the work effectively. As stated in the Building Regulations (Part J) for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where there's a fireplace, because in order to burn properly and efficiently, the right volume of oxygen is needed. A build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide gas can result in a room where there is inadequate airflow, and death or serious injury is possible where a fire is burning inefficiently.
It may be necessary to fit airflow vents in walls and floors to allow the fireplace to get enough oxygen to burn properly and safely all the time. Unused and blocked up chimney flues may also have to have air vents fitted because they can often trap moist air within them causing damp to occur inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Old chimneys are notorious for the amount of dirt and soot that can build-up inside them, so when you go through the process of opening up a disused fireplace for refurbishment you should anticipate that it will be a pretty messy enterprise. So that the furniture, carpets and rugs in an area do not get impacted by the soot and muck that is released during works by a fireplace installer, it's advisable to have them removed in advance. If you're installing a fireplace as part of an overall restoration project then it should be one of the first things to be worked on once you have got the room back to bare walls and floors. The explanation for this is to avoid any discolouring damage to work that's already been completed.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
You can sweep and clean the chimney and hearth and see what is fit for refurbishment, once the fireplace has been opened up. The first job on your agenda should be to bring in a decent Folkestone chimney sweep. While cleaning, they will be in a position to assess the structural condition of your chimney and flue, and advise what's necessary to get everything working properly.
All the current UK Building Regulations must be followed, if you need to reinforce the chimney structure or install a flue lining. A qualified tradesman who is familiar with the Building Regs and decent working practices will be needed to carry out this type of work.
In buildings that are older you may find the existing fireplace is too large for your needs, which will mean that a new concrete lintel will be necessary to adapt the opening. And after this, replacing or upgrading the fireplace hearth will be the next phase of your fireplace renovation project in Folkestone. If the existing hearth is set into the floor you will have to raise it to conform to the latest regulations. You could ask your Folkestone fireplace builder about a bespoke, custom-built hearth that will fit in with the design and style of your home, or if your fireplace is of a standard size, there is an enormous selection of ready-made options in concrete, marble and granite.
FIREPLACE STYLES AND DESIGNS
Browsing on the internet or visiting the nearest fireplace dealership will give you a sense of the huge selection of different designs and styles of fireplace for you to choose from. So you can choose a fireplace that goes with your home decor, and is also suitable for your existing flue and chimney, it is advised that you get the recommendations of the salespeople and the installers.
The age of your property, and the style you're trying to create for your room, should all help you determine the design and type of fireplace that is best for you. A wood-burner stove for instance, will look amazing when set into an inglenook fireplace, which reflects the heat back into the room and emphasises its charm and beauty.
Even if you do not have a pre-existing chimney breast in your Folkestone home, it is still entirely possible to put in a wood burner. It's possible to take a stainless steel flue directly from the top or rear of the wood burner and out through an outside wall, therefore a chimney breast is not needed.
OPEN, GAS, MULTI-FUEL, ELECTRIC OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
Who doesn't enjoy the warmth and glow of an open fireplace on a cool evening, but if your circumstances do not permit this, what alternatives are on offer?
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burning stoves have grown to be very popular in many properties in Folkestone, and can have classic or modern styling to match your home's decor. An additional benefit of these devices is that they can provide piping hot water for use around the home, or supply heating to another room via a radiator, when used in conjunction with a back boiler.
Electric Fireplaces - Electric fireplaces can be fitted safely and quickly by any reasonable competent individual and there are varieties and styles which are appropriate for almost any room and type of property in Folkestone. It can be hard to differentiate from the real thing with with "real feel" electric fires, and they can readily be inset into a regular fireplace when needed.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Provides you with options to use oil, coal, wood and gas to deliver a versatile stove for any home in Folkestone. Some styles, like the multi-fuel stoves from AGA, can also be used for generating hot water, cooking and heating your entire property.
Gas Fireplaces - There are an assortment of styles to complement any house in Folkestone, and as they provide instant heat, they are more thermally efficient than wood burner stoves in general. A Gas Safe certified engineer must install and maintain any gas fireplace in your home.
Open Fireplaces - The traditional fireplace which can make use of different fuels such as wood, briquettes, smokeless coal and other flammable materials. Today's fireplaces are no longer the inefficient, draughty and smoky features that they were in the past, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm environment for the enjoyment of its occupants.
You should have no issues finding fireplace fitters in Folkestone, and adjacent areas like: Capel le Ferne, Seabrook, Etchinghill, Lyminge, Alkham, Cheriton, Densole, West Hougham, Saltwood, Stanford, Elham, Lower Standen, Sandgate, Church Hougham, Palmarsh. Postcode areas like CT19 4LB, CT19 4BE, CT19 4AS, CT18 7GG, CT18 8AP, CT19 4AB, CT18 8AN, CT19 4HR, CT19 4DZ, and CT19 4JF are also covered. Locally based Folkestone fireplace services will likely have the phone code 01303 and the postcode CT18. You'll want to verify this if you prefer to use a local fireplace company. Folkestone property owners have plenty of choices when they're looking for fireplace services.
Flues
A chimney or flue liner is a crucial part of your chimney system, allowing it to perform a lot more effectively than it would without one, and improving it's overall safety. Flue liners are ducts fabricated from metal, clay or ceramic material that are fitted to the inside of chimneys to carry toxic fumes outside. Some chimneys in older structures in Folkestone might not even be fitted with a lining, or if the existing liner is damaged, may have to be relined.
Harmful gases and fumes are produced by burning fires and these gases could harm the flue of your fireplace. While it's being cleaned, get the chimney sweep or fireplace specialist to examine your flue lining for any damage or any risks of it failing in the future. If it is impaired, those dangerous gases may be able to seep into your living area instead of being properly expelled outdoors. Damaged flues can also cause house fires - so make certain that you have them looked at!
Fireplace Inserts
A favourite among property owners in Folkestone seeking to improve their conventional fireplaces, are fireplace inserts. These inserts have been specifically created to maximise the efficiency of a fireplace by increasing heat output into the room and reducing heat loss. For those who appreciate the ambience of a fire, these inserts provide a less complicated and safer option, free from the drawbacks of traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
Ranging from gas to electric and wood-burning models, there is a diverse selection of designs and sizes available for fireplace inserts. Gas fireplace inserts are simple to use and require little upkeep, making them a good choice, while electric inserts offer flexibility and convenience with their remote control and variable settings. Property owners who love the scent of burning wood and the genuine experience of a crackling fire should opt for wood-burning inserts.
Fireplace inserts not only provide efficiency and convenience but are also good for the environment. By producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently, they mitigate the air pollution caused by traditional fireplaces.
A professional installation is necessary for a correct and safe installation of a fireplace insert. Fireplace inserts are a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to enhance the convenience, comfort, and value of their property, offering numerous benefits. Different methods of venting may be required for different kinds of fireplace inserts, which is important to consider.
Chimney Sweeping Folkestone
If your house in Folkestone has a wood burner or an open fire, it is important that you get the chimney swept on a regular basis. Chimneys should be cleaned and swept at least once annually, if not more.
The preferred course of action to get this done is to contact a professional Folkestone chimney sweep, who will complete the work properly and without any mess. There are additional advantages to calling in a professional, because if there are any problems or safety issues with your chimney, the chimney sweep is trained to spot them.
A chimney fire could easily be caused by a build-up of ash, creosote and soot if this isn't removed by sweeping. A poorly maintained chimney can also cause carbon monoxide fumes to flow back into your house, a hazardous situation that you want to avoid.
Make sure your chosen Folkestone chimney sweep is qualified and is also covered by adequate public liability insurance. You can GO HERE for the latest chimney sweep prices in Folkestone. You can also obtain chimney sweeps in areas nearby.
Improve the Cost-Efficiency of Your Open Fireplace in Folkestone
With all of the current fears about the environment, the traditional fireplace has lost a little of its allure, however it still is a favourite feature for many people in Folkestone. Sitting in front of the comfort of an open fireplace, brings back many precious memories for lots of folks. There are numerous benefits to having an open fireplace however there are a few downsides that could possibly need to be dealt with. Because of power costs going up so swiftly nowadays, your open fireplace should be a reliable source of heat, and not an inefficient one. When a fire is burning, it may possibly warm up those who are standing around it, but it can actually pull warm air out of the room, making your heater work even harder. The chimney damper is meant to stop cold air from coming in to your home when you don't have a fire going in the fireplace. However, dampers have a very inadequate seal, so cold air gets in, and warm air can get out.
Plenty of people in Folkestone who have fireplaces don't realise how it can affect heating costs. Instead of keeping heating expenses down, it could actually do the precise reverse if one isn't careful. Nevertheless, there are some techniques that you can do that can turn your budget busting fireplace into something a bit more efficient. Just about all you need to do is only four simple things boost the performance of your fireplace. You will appreciate that these tips will help make your fireplace create quality heat and your current heating bill a lot smaller.
The first suggestion is to replace your fireplace damper with a more efficient top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is set up toward the top end of your chimney which in turn also behaves the same as a storm door. It does a good job of preserving warm air in the house during wintertime and cool air from escaping in the summer months. It is not very hard to fit and can be easily bought online. Another thing you will be able to do is fit a fire-back in the back part of your fireplace. It is made of cast iron and is used to help the appearance of your fireplace while shielding the back wall from heat damage. The fire-back also soaks up heat right from the fire and sends it back inside, making your fireplace more effective.
Another method is to obtain a fireplace heater/fan, which draws in air in a room and warms it up. These heaters don't produce any smoke and should be extremely successful in keeping your family home warm and cosy. Last but not least, you can fit glass doors which will likely be the most costly option. Browsing around, you should be able to find a bargain, and with instructions, you could possibly install them on your own. These doors help to prevent the heat from escaping and additionally it keeps pets and young ones from getting burned.
The advice we just provided isn't that tricky to put into action, and most of the items can be purchased online. Look after your fireplace and observe your energy bills tumble.
Friends & Family
A great idea, when you're trying to find a contractor or service for your project in Folkestone, is to get relatives and friends recommendations. In addition to weeding out third-rate fireplace contractors and companies that have a below par performance record, person to person references are generally the most effective way to choose someone who's suitable for your needs.
If you know that a friend or family member has used a specific fireplace installer, you can get some insights into their reliability and punctuality. They should also be able to inform you if anything went wrong, and how swiftly any mistakes were put right. They'll also be in a position to give you information about the quote process and how accurate the original estimate was when compared to the eventual price demanded by the contractor.
At the end of the day, your friends and relatives are folks that you know and can trust in relation to their advice. You might discover that they will be unwilling to talk about them, if they've had an unsatisfactory experience in dealing with a particular contractor or company. And, rather than 'maligning' a second-rate contractor, a lot of people may even endorse a different company, because generally speaking most folks will be more than happy to speak about a good contractor and less inclined to talk about an inferior one.
Folkestone Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace fitter can perform a large range of services and tasks including electric fireplace installation, fireplace removal, inset stove installations, stone fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces Folkestone, stone fireplace installations Folkestone, carbon monoxide detector installation in Folkestone, fireplace refurbishment, wood burning fireplace installations, cast iron fireplace installation, brick fireplaces, tiled fireplaces Folkestone, Victorian fireplaces Folkestone, outdoor fireplace installations Folkestone, fireplace replacement, Victorian fireplace installation, fireplace design, brick fireplace installation, reclaimed fireplaces Folkestone, wood mantels, chimney sweeping, fireplace hearths, fireplace surrounds, marble fireplaces, gas fireplaces, open fireplaces, fake fireplaces, fireplace packages, fireplace suites, the installation of chimney cowls, fake fireplace installations, chimney modifications, fireplaces, electric fireplaces, chimney strengthening, and others. This is simply an indication of the services that could be available from the local fireplace installer.
Skip Hire Folkestone
The amount of waste that is created when doing home improvements or renovations in Folkestone is one of the major drawbacks of these kinds of projects. Fireplace installation isn't like putting in a house extension, where enormous amounts of waste can be created, however there could still be a certain amount of waste to deal with. You may have to make your own arrangements for waste removal, since a lot of tradesmen don't include this in their quote.
The most popular way that homeowners in Folkestone dispose of such waste is to hire a skip from a nearby skip hire company. Skips come in different sizes depending on your requirements, and picking what kind of skip to order is vital. Skip sizes range from skip bags to mini-skips, midi-skips to builders skips, and for big domestic or commercial projects - roll-on roll-off skips.
If you think you may require a skip for your home improvement project GO HERE for a quote.
Fireplace Installation Help, Information and Social Media
The dedicated Wikipedia "fireplace" page is the place to head over to for info regarding the types of fireplaces, the health effects of fireplaces, the history of the fireplace, how fireplaces affect the environment, gas fireplaces and the heating efficiency of fireplaces. To discover fireplace images and related social media promotion, check this out. To learn a bit more about 70 fireplace ideas head here. Fireplace Installation guidance and advice is readily available from internet forums, therefore to take advantage of this fact you should pop along to one of the fireplace forums, subjects include things like understanding building regulations, chimney flues, wood burning stoves, widening a fireplace, pellet boilers and stoves and stove vents. Go here to see how to install a fireplace.
Fireplace Installers Near Folkestone
Also find: Palmarsh fireplace installers, Etchinghill fireplace installers, Alkham fireplace installers, Stanford fireplace installers, Elham fireplace installers, Cheriton fireplace installers, Seabrook fireplace installers, Sandgate fireplace installers, West Hougham fireplace installers, Church Hougham fireplace installers, Saltwood fireplace installers, Densole fireplace installers, Lower Standen fireplace installers, Lyminge fireplace installers, Capel le Ferne fireplace installers and more. These and other villages and towns are catered for by fireplace fitters and similar tradesmen. These tradesmen, with their expertise and knowledge, are well-equipped to perform successful fireplace installations in your home. With the assistance of these dedicated experts, residents can enjoy the comfort, warmth and atmosphere that a fireplace brings to their living areas. Local homeowners can obtain fireplace installation quotations by going here.
Fireplace Services Folkestone
- Fireplace Repair
- Electric Fireplaces
- Fireplace Surrounds
- Open Fireplace Restoration
- Fireplace Quotations
- Fireplace Mantels
- Cast Iron Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Installation Services
- Tiled Fireplaces
- Fireplace Installation
- Brick Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Renovation
- Marble Fireplaces
- Wood Burning Stoves
Fireplaces Folkestone
Fireplace Installers Near Me
Fireplace Installation FolkestoneFolkestone (CT18): Interesting Folkestone facts can be viewed here
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Fireplace installation in CT18 area, 01303.
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