Fireplace Fitter Houghton-le-Spring Tyne and Wear (DH4): If you're frustrated by rising energy prices and would like to find another way to heat your dwelling in Houghton-le-Spring, why don't you open up that unused fireplace and install a budget friendly wood burner, open or multi-fuel fire? Chilly evenings in winter can become enjoyable as you relax in front of your fireplace surrounded by the crackling of firewood, and if your fire is used in combination with a back boiler you can even benefit from steaming hot water to boot.
Before you begin bashing away at a bricked-up chimney there are some things you'll need to do to ensure you can install your new fireplace in a safe and efficient way. All work must follow Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, which covers the construction and installation of chimney breasts, flue linings, hearths and fireplaces of any heat producing appliance. Additionally, you'll want to check with the local council if planning permission is required before any work can begin, if you live in a listed building or a designated conservation area in Houghton-le-Spring.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
When renovating an existing blocked or bricked-up fireplace, there is a fair probability of running into structural problems, thus even if you are an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer you could find this type of work difficult. You could be lucky when you uncover the old fireplace and find out you need nothing more than a decent chimney sweep and a quick clean out of the hearth to get a fire roaring once more. However, a flue that is blocked and old brickwork that involves structural reinforcement is what you will more likely discover.
If a fireplace is installed in your property in Houghton-le-Spring and it's not put in correctly, there's not only a risk or fire, but also of respiratory health conditions. Therefore, using a professional fireplace fitter is generally recommended. As is laid down in the Building Regulations for fireplaces, the airflow in a room must be adequate where there is a fireplace, because in order for it to burn correctly, the right level of oxygen is needed. Lethal carbon monoxide fumes can develop from an inefficiently burning fire in a poorly ventilated room.
To guarantee a satisfactory airflow for the fire to burn efficiently and safely, a specialist fireplace installation technician will evaluate the circumstances and install vents in locations around the room, or underneath the floor, thus resolving this problem. To enhance air movement in unused chimney flues, the fireplace installation technician might also need to fit some flue vents to stop moist, condensed air getting trapped and producing damp areas and staining.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
When you are opening up an unused fireplace for a refurbishment project, you'll be astonished at the quantity of muck and soot that has piled up in your old chimney. It is good practice to remove any rugs, carpets and furniture from a room where you are going to expose an old fireplace, to prevent them being affected by soot, grime and dust that may be disturbed during the fireplace installation and chimney cleaning works. If you're fortunate enough to be carrying out a full restoration project then it should be one of the initial tasks to work on before you re-plaster or decorate the walls. The reason for this is to avoid any discolouring damage to remodelling work which has already been done.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
With your fireplace now open, it's time to determine what is in a fit state to be renovated and to give the hearth and chimney an intensive clean. Bringing in a chimney sweep to de-soot your chimney is one of the initial things on the checklist. Whilst doing cleaning, they'll be able to evaluate the structural integrity of your flue liner and chimney, and recommend what's required to get it back into shape.
Following an examination by a professional Houghton-le-Spring chimney sweep, and in compliance with Part J of the Building Regulations, work to strengthen the chimney and/or install a new liner could be needed. This is not likely to be the kind of work that you can do yourself, therefore you'll need to bring in a competent builder or fireplace installer with experience in good working practices and a knowledge of the relevant Building Regulations.
There are no guarantees that the dimensions of the uncovered fireplace will correspond with the layout that you have planned, in which case it may be necessary to lay a new concrete lintel. When this has been done the next phase of your Houghton-le-Spring fireplace installation will be to upgrade the existing hearth. In the old days the hearth was sunken into the floor, but current building regs demand that it is raised slightly above the level of the floor. You can find made to measure solutions to fit virtually any size and style of fireplace, or you can pick from a variety of popular sized hearths to fit in with your decor.
DESIGNS AND STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Visiting a nearby fireplace outlet or browsing on the web will give you an indication of the host of different styles of fireplace for your home. It usually pays to heed the advice of the fireplace company with regards to which fireplaces will be suitable for your flue, chimney and air flow situation, because some of them probably won't be.
Whether you go for a wood burner, a multi-fuel stove or an open fireplace will be determined by the overall style you are aiming to establish, your existing decor and in some situations, the age of your home in Houghton-le-Spring. For instance, an inglenook fireplace can be an ideal backdrop for a classic cast iron wood burning stove, which highlights its character and deflects the heat into the room.
If your Houghton-le-Spring property hasn't got a chimney you've still got the option of a feature fireplace by putting in a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner. This style of fireplace can be installed with its own flue which is channeled through an external wall and does not need a chimney, to be installed and work safely.
MULTI-FUEL, ELECTRIC, GAS, OPEN OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
If your situation does not allow for a natural fireplace to be installed, what are all the possible options?
Open Fireplaces - Provides an attractive focal point for your room and can utilise a variety of solid fuels. An open fire is wonderful to watch and modern fireplaces are no more the inefficient, draughty and smoky objects they once were.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to heat a room is superior to multi-fuel stoves or wood burners, and there many designs to complement all property types. Gas fireplaces can only be maintained and fitted by a qualified Gas Safe registered technician, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To introduce a unique centerpiece in your living space, these stoves can be used with a selection of different fuels, such as gas, oil, wood or coal. If plumbed into your central heating system, some of the multi-fuel stoves (such as those from AGA) can provide heating for your entire home, in addition to cooking facilities, hot water and even outside barbecue grills.
Wood Burning Stoves - Available in a wide array of designs and sizes which can be freestanding where needed, these popular stoves can be installed in rooms both large and small. If combined with a back boiler they are able to provide steaming hot water for radiators or for other use in your home.
Electric Fireplaces - Can be fitted quickly and safely by anybody who's reasonable competent and there are varieties which are suitable for just about any room and type of house in Houghton-le-Spring. Today's electric fires can be successfully installed in your house, even if you have a traditional fireplace, and many of them look almost like a "real" fire with crackling sound effects and dancing flames.
Fireplace installation work can be done in Houghton-le-Spring and also in: New Town, West Rainton, Old Burdon, Colliery Row, Ryhope, Middle Rainton, Fence Houses, Newbottle, Bournmoor, Grasswell, Slingley Hill, East Rainton, Great Eppleton, Philadelphia, Castle Dene, Leamside, together with these postcodes DH4 4RD, DH4 4EG, DH4 4SR, DH4 4QQ, DH4 4DR, DH4 4PX, DH4 4QB, DH4 4ES, DH4 4EU, and DH4 4DY. A couple of hints which suggest that a fireplace builder operates in Houghton-le-Spring area is if they've got the telephone dialling code 0191 and the postcode DH4. Houghton-le-Spring residents can benefit from these and countless other similar services. If you click on the "quote" banner, you'll be able to get information on fireplaces and fireplace installation in your area.
Chimney Cowls Houghton-le-Spring
A chimney cowl is a hood-shaped cover that can be installed over your chimney pot to improve the draft and prevent smoke from backing up. Often manufactured from galvanised iron, the chimney cowl has the purpose of preventing the wind from blowing smoke down the chimney and causing problems. This should be an integral element of any fireplace in Houghton-le-Spring. If you wish to fully enjoy the many benefits of a fireplace, you should fit a cowl to your chimney in Houghton-le-Spring.
A chimney cowl can also help to protect your home and keep you safe. There are different sorts of chimney cowls available on the market, each one has been developed to address different issues. Before you purchase one, think about a few factors to make certain you get one that will help safeguard your property. As soon as you know exactly what you need, you can then pick out a chimney cowl based on your budget and needs.
Chimney cowls are also available that are made from run-of-the-mill products, like a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Chicken wire can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make fantastic chimney cowls. These covers can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.
One of the most common kinds of chimney cowl is the H-style. This style is one of the best for controlling the draught and enables your fireplace to perform more efficiently. It's made out of a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It was originally developed for marine applications, but has become popular among property owners due to its energy-saving functionality.
Another kind is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. These are available in a range of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upwards from the fireplace.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to stop birds from building nests in your chimney and blocking the entire thing up. They are inexpensive and simple to put in. You should make sure that you have easy access to the space above the chimney stack in order to fit one effectively. It can also stop dirt and debris from building up inside the chimney.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Houghton-le-Spring
If you're attempting to achieve a really spectacular look with your fireplace, what about bringing the outside in with a fireplace created from natural stone? Maybe your property's exterior already has some natural features, such as boundary walls or a stone facade. Your fireplace inside, could complement those natural features outside.
Either full-depth stone or stone cladding can be used to create a natural stone fireplace. Your budget and taste might influence your choice. There are also numerous different kinds of stone which can be used for building a fireplace, including: limestone, granite, marble, quartz, sandstone or slate.
How your completed fireplace looks, will be affected by the methodology used by the stonemason or tradesperson who builds it, the kind of stone that's used and the building method. If you have an understanding of just what you want, get some images and discuss these with your fireplace builder before they start.
Stone isn't always suitable for a modern day home, since it has a striking appearance and could rather dominate the look of a space, but obviously this is down to the taste of each individual property owner - perhaps spectacular is what you have in mind!
Chimney Sweep Houghton-le-Spring
The routine sweeping of your chimney is essential if you have a stove or an open fire in your house in Houghton-le-Spring. Chimneys should be cleaned and swept at least once each year to keep them in a safe state.
The preferred approach to get this done is to contact a qualified Houghton-le-Spring chimney sweep, who'll complete the work properly and without any mess. While the chimney sweep is cleaning your chimney, he will also be keeping an eye out for any safety issues, so that they can then be dealt with.
A build-up of soot, ash and creosote can result in chimney fires if you fail to sweep your chimney. Carbon monoxide fumes can also flow back into your property if you allow your chimney to become badly maintained.
Check that your chosen chimney sweep in Houghton-le-Spring is adequately covered by public liability insurance, and is experienced in this field. To get chimney sweeps prices in Houghton-le-Spring CLICK HERE. chimney sweeps are also available in nearby villages and towns.
Brick Fireplaces Houghton-le-Spring
Brick fireplaces have been a classic feature in homes for centuries, and rightly so. They provide character and a sense of rustic charm that cannot be reproduced by any other feature. So, if you're considering adding a brick fireplace to your house in Houghton-le-Spring, here are a few things you should bear in mind.
First, decide on the style of brick fireplace you prefer. You can go for a classic design with a mantel and hearth, or a modern style with sleek, clean lines and a minimalist design. You can use a brick fireplace as a statement piece, so think carefully about the location and size of your fireplace. A big fireplace can provide an impressive focal point in a room, while a smaller fireplace can provide a snug and cosy nook.
Brick fireplaces can be built using different types of brick. You can choose from a range of brick colours and textures to match your property's design. It's also possible to add additional elements such as wood, stone or tile to enhance the brickwork.
Lastly, don't forget about the practical considerations. A brick fireplace can be an effective way to heat your dwelling, therefore you'll want to make sure that it is correctly vented and that it is being used in a secure and safe way.
A brick fireplace can be a beautiful and functional feature in your dwelling in Houghton-le-Spring. With a bit of attention to detail and planning, you can create a centrepiece that doesn't just provide warmth but also adds character and charm to your home.
Houghton-le-Spring Fireplace Related Tasks
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Fireplace Installers Near Houghton-le-Spring
Also find: Newbottle fireplace installers, Grasswell fireplace installers, Castle Dene fireplace installers, Philadelphia fireplace installers, New Town fireplace installers, Old Burdon fireplace installers, Bournmoor fireplace installers, Fence Houses fireplace installers, West Rainton fireplace installers, Leamside fireplace installers, Slingley Hill fireplace installers, Colliery Row fireplace installers, East Rainton fireplace installers, Great Eppleton fireplace installers, Middle Rainton fireplace installers, Ryhope fireplace installers and more. These and other areas are served by fireplace fitters and similar tradespeople. To successfully install fireplaces in your home, these skilled tradesmen possess the necessary knowledge and experience. These dedicated specialists can help residents experience the atmosphere, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living areas. By clicking here, fireplace installation quotes are readily accessible to local householders. Does your home need a fireplace? Why not get a quote today?
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