Fireplace Fitter Harlow Essex (CM20): Putting in a brand new fireplace or opening up an old disused fireplace in your Harlow property is a wonderful way to add charm and a homely feel to any room. Not only can you enjoy the warmth and comfort of an open fire or stove during the cool winter's evenings, but if you add a back boiler to your new fireplace, you'll also be supplied with plentiful hot water.
But before you start knocking down the walls of a blocked up fireplace there are some important things to consider to achieve a safe and efficient fireplace. All work carried out must comply with Part J of the Building Regulations, which addresses the installation and construction of chimney breasts, fireplaces, hearths and flue linings of any heat producing appliance. If you reside in a designated conservation area or a listed building you should check with the local council to see if planning permission is necessary for installing a fireplace in your house.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
When restoring an old bricked-up fireplace, there's a pretty good chance of encountering structural issues, thus even if you're pretty good at DIY you may find this kind of work difficult. When you reveal the old fireplace, you may be fortunate and find that in order to get a roaring fire once more, it needs nothing more than a good clean out of the hearth and a sweep of the chimney. More likely you'll come across a stopped up flue and crumbling brickwork that needs structural modifications.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not only a fire risk to your home, but there can also be associated respiratory health hazards, which is why it's best to employ a competent Harlow installation company for fireplaces. For a fire to burn properly in a room with a fireplace, there must be ample airflow to ensure an adequate amount of oxygen. Carbon monoxide gas (which is deadly) can build-up in a poorly ventilated space where a fire that is burning inefficiently is installed.
To enable the fire to get enough oxygen to burn effectively and safely at all times, it might be necessary for an experienced fireplace installation company to install walls and floors with airflow vents. They might have to fit vents into unused chimney flues which can sometimes trap condensing air and result in staining and damp spots on your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
A large amount of dirt and soot can be released from a bricked up fireplace when reopening it for restoration. It's sensible to remove your your carpets and furniture before any fireplace refurbishment work begins, as even with dust sheets for your possessions, the chance of damage from soot and dust is still quite likely. If it's only a part of a more extensive home restoration project, the opening up of a fireplace should be one of the first tasks that you tackle, due to the mess involved. This will help to avoid any damage by soot and other chimney dirt to any completed work.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
Once you have opened up your fireplace you'll have a better idea of the work that needs to be done, and also be able to rigorously sweep the chimney and clean up any hearth that may have been left in place. Contacting a chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney is one of the very first things on the agenda. A decent chimney sweep will first clean the flue and while doing this will be able to check the structural condition of the chimney and offer you advice on whether you need a new flue liner.
Following an assessment by a competent Harlow chimney sweep, and observing Part J of the Building Regulations, work to install a new liner and/or strengthen the chimney structure might be required. Experience in good working practices and a knowledge of the Building Regs will be essential for anyone who attempts this type of renovation work, so you really want a qualified builder and should never attempt to do it yourself.
If the size of the existing fireplace is bigger than your requirements, a steel or concrete lintel will have to be put in. As soon as your lintel is in position and secure you may now proceed with the upgrade, installation and repair of the hearth. To be in accordance with the current Building Regulations in the UK, any hearth must be laid slightly above the level of the floor, although you may discover that yours is sunken into the floor, as they often were in the past. To achieve this, there are ready-made options made from stone, slate or marble, or you might prefer a bespoke, custom-built hearth to match the design and style of your room, which your Harlow fireplace builder will be happy to help you with.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS AND STYLES
Due to the vast array of different fireplace styles, picking the best one might not be that clear-cut. You can find out what's currently on the market by visiting your nearest fireplace showroom or by going online. It usually pays to follow the recommendations of the sales team with regards to which fireplaces will be suited to your flue, chimney and ventilation situation, because some will not be.
The all round style that you are seeking to create, your existing decor and in some cases, the age of your home in Harlow, will to some degree affect whether you decide on a wood burner, a multi-fuel stove or an open fireplace. For example, a cast iron wood burning stove looks amazing set back in an inglenook fireplace, which highlights the character of the stove and also reflects the heat into the room to good effect.
Even if you haven't got an existing chimney breast in your Harlow home, it's still entirely possible to put in a wood burner stove. As a flue can be channeled through an exterior wall and has no requirement for an existing chimney, it is still feasible to install this type of fireplace.
ELECTRIC, GAS, OPEN, WOOD OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If this type of fireplace is not suitable for your Harlow home, what other alternatives are available?
Open Fireplaces - A crackling fire is a focus for any room and it has the ability to burn almost any solid fuel that is available. Modern fireplaces are no longer the smoky, draughty and inefficient features that they were in the past, and an open fire creates a warm, toasty environment for the enjoyment of its occupants.
Gas Fireplaces - Gas fires are a lot better than multi-fuel stoves or wood burners in relation to their thermal efficiency, and you will find an array of designs and sizes to suit any property in Harlow. Any gas fire put into your Harlow home must be installed by an approved Gas Safe tradesperson.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As you will probably deduce from the name, these kinds of stoves can be fed a selection of different fuels, including coal, oil, wood or gas, and not only that, they can also become a unique focal point for your home in Harlow. One of the most well known brands of multi-fuel stoves is AGA, and these products can provide not only cheap heating for an entire house, but also hot water and cooking facilities.
Wood Burning Stoves - Available in a vast selection of styles which can be a freestanding feature where needed, these versatile stoves can can benefit rooms both large and small. An added benefit of these is that they can provide piping hot water for personal use, or supply heating to another room by means of a radiator, when combined with a back boiler.
Electric Fireplaces - A wide variety of electric fires to suit any house in Harlow, can be easily fitted by any reasonable competent individual. Contemporary electric fires can deliver authentic looking flames and even the crackling sound of wood to replicate an open fire when set into into a traditional fireplace.
Fireplace installation work can be done in Harlow and also in: Roydon, Newhall, Bush Fair, Brays Grove, Nazeing, Matching Tye, Halls Green, Church Langley, Tye Green, Gilston, Temple Fields, Old Harlow, as well as in these postcodes CM17 0DB, CM17 0EZ, CM17 0DE, CM17 0JG, CM17 0BH, CM17 0EL, CM17 0DJ, CM17 9AX, CM17 0DA, and CM17 0BY. If a fireplace installer has the telephone dialling code 01279 and the postcode CM20, it is most likely that they operate in the Harlow area. This information is useful if you wish to check that you're considering a locally based fireplace company.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Harlow
Ensuring household safety requires the crucial step of installing carbon monoxide detectors near fireplaces. While fireplaces offer a source of heat, their improper ventilation can lead to the production of carbon monoxide. Placing a detector in the same room as the fireplace can alert occupants to the presence of this odourless, colourless gas, which can be deadly.
While the installation of carbon monoxide detectors is straightforward, it is essential to do it properly. To avoid false alarms, detectors should be mounted on the wall or ceiling, ideally at least fifteen feet from the fireplace, following the manufacturer's instructions. Regular testing and annual battery replacements are vital for ensuring your detector functions properly.
Professional installation of carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring proper positioning and operation, can offer peace of mind. Taking this precaution allows property owners to protect their families and improve the safety of their living spaces, significantly reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For ongoing protection, it is essential to maintain both the fireplace and the detector regularly. (Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Harlow)
Flue Linings
A safety feature that enables your chimney to function more efficiently, a chimney or flue liner is a crucial element of your chimney set-up that shouldn't be omitted. Manufactured from ceramic material, metal or clay, flue liners are conduits which are fitted to the inside of chimneys to carry toxic fumes to the outside. In accordance with their condition and age, older chimneys in Harlow may need to be relined, or may not have a flue lining at all.
The flue within your chimney can be impaired and eaten away and damaged by the toxic gases and fumes that form while a fire is burning. Be certain that your fireplace installer inspects the flue lining for possible issues and damage. The dangerous gases which are generated by a fire, can potentially seep into your living area if a flue is compromised. Defective flue linings can also trigger house fires - so make certain that you get them inspected!
Chimney Cowl Installation Harlow
A hood-shaped cover for your chimney, a chimney cowl adds draft and helps to stop backflow in your chimney system. Sitting neatly over your chimney pot, and normally produced from galvanised iron, it helps to stop the wind blowing smoke back down your chimney. It's a key element for any chimney in Harlow. A chimney cowl can be bought in a builder's merchants or on the internet. Whether you decide to make a pre-existing one work more efficiently, or acquire a new one, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working to the best of its ability.
There are several sorts of chimney cowl on the market. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They connect to the flue liner by means of 3 straps, which secure the cowl in position. Another style of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. It is bigger than the chimney pot, which ensures that it stays in position.
You can also find chimney cowls made from run-of-the-mill products, 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 products can be readily purchased at a local hardware store or on the web.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to prevent birds building nests in your chimney and blocking the whole thing up. They're relatively cheap and simple to install. You should make certain that you have clear access to the space above the chimney stack in order to fit one effectively. It can also stop dirt and debris from accumulating inside the chimney.
Chimney Repair Harlow
Both commercial and home chimney systems in Harlow should be regularly repaired to maintain their safety, efficiency and functionality. Chimneys can be damaged with the passage of time by the byproducts of combustion, temperature fluctuations, and the effects of the weather. These factors can cause a number of issues that require the attention of an experienced specialist at the earliest opportunity.
One of the common problems that require chimney repair is the development of cracks in the chimney structure. The risk of moisture seepage and even more damage can be increased by these cracks, which affect the structural integrity of the chimney. Occupants can also be exposed to serious health hazards when harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, escape from cracks in the chimney and into the living spaces.
Another issue is that creosote and debris can build up in the chimney flue. Creosote accumulation in chimneys can make them less efficient and more likely to catch fire. Routine chimney cleaning is an important part of the repair process, as it helps to remove soot, creosote and debris, which reduces fire hazards and ensures adequate airflow.
Addressing chimney leaks is possible within the scope of the chimney repair process. Leaking can lead to water entering the chimney structure, causing rusting, deterioration, and damage to the chimney liner. This could result in additional structural issues and reduced efficiency. Identifying the source of the leak, sealing gaps, and applying waterproofing treatments are essential steps in appropriate repairs to prevent future leaks.
With regards to chimney maintenance, resist the urge for a DIY fix. These can be risky and leave serious hidden issues unresolved. Peace of mind comes with professional chimney repair services. They guarantee effective work that meets the highest trade standards. With certified chimney technicians, expert assessment of damage leads to customised repair recommendations, ultimately delivering solutions that optimise both safety and performance within your home's chimney system.
To keep your chimney functioning effectively for many years to come, schedule regular inspections and deal with any issues in a timely manner. Early intervention keeps them from worsening and becoming an expensive headache. Ignoring or neglecting essential chimney repairs can create a domino effect: compromised performance, further damage and heightened safety risks.
In conclusion, an all-inclusive chimney maintenance plan should involve repairs for problems like leaks, creosote build-up, cracks, and overall structural integrity, all of which are important for a well-functioning chimney. In prioritising chimney health, professional chimney repair services take centre stage. They guarantee a safe, efficient chimney system that adheres to all industry regulations and standards. The recipe for a fantastic chimney system? Routine inspections, timely repairs, and professional assistance. This winning formula guarantees effective heating, a safe environment, and a comfortable living space. (93852 - Chimney Repairs Harlow)
Harlow Fireplace Related Tasks
Such things as fireplace installation, fireplace cleaning, tiled fireplace installation in Harlow, marble fireplace installation, fireplace removal, chimney sweeping, brick fireplaces, electric fire suites in Harlow, fireplace packages in Harlow, designer fireplaces, gas fireplace installation, marble fireplace surrounds, fireplace fitting, fireplace hearths, made-to-measure fireplaces in Harlow, fireplace replacement, fake fireplaces, marble fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installation in Harlow, carbon monoxide detector installation, fireplace quotations, wood burning fireplaces in Harlow, fireplace suites, gas stoves, the installation of tiled fireplaces in Harlow, fireplace services in Harlow, freestanding stoves, period fireplaces, inset stove installation, fireplace repairs are just a taste of the tasks and services that your local Harlow fireplace installer can provide. These are just an example of the duties that are handled by a local fireplace installer. You can easily CLICK HERE and complete our simple quote form, if there are some other Harlow fireplace requirements that you require but cannot find here.
More Harlow Tradespeople: Not surprisingly, whenever you happen to be doing home improvements in Harlow, you will likely be in need of all sorts of different tradespeople and as well as fireplace fitters in Harlow, you might also need a carpet fitter in Harlow, brick cleaning in Harlow, a carpenter and joiner in Harlow, a cleaner in Harlow, a damp proofer in Harlow, a painter/decorator in Harlow, waste removal in Harlow, a plasterer in Harlow, a stonemason in Harlow, a chimney sweep in Harlow, a general builder in Harlow, a roofer in Harlow, a heating engineer in Harlow, and various other different Harlow tradesmen.
Fireplace Installers Near Harlow
Also find: Church Langley fireplace installers, Matching Tye fireplace installers, Temple Fields fireplace installers, Bush Fair fireplace installers, Halls Green fireplace installers, Brays Grove fireplace installers, Nazeing fireplace installers, Newhall fireplace installers, Gilston fireplace installers, Tye Green fireplace installers, Old Harlow fireplace installers, Roydon fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and able to serve those living in practically all of these locations. Possessing the necessary experience and know-how, these seasoned tradespeople can adeptly install fireplaces in your property. The atmosphere, comfort and warmth that a fireplace brings to their living areas can be enjoyed by residents with the assistance of these dedicated specialists. Local home and property owners can get fireplace installation quotes by clicking here.
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