Fireplace Fitter Inverness Scotland (IV1): Installing a brand new fireplace or reinstating an existing one is a fantastic way to add a touch of character to any property in Inverness. Nippy evenings in winter can become a joy as you relax beside your new fireplace listening to the crackle of firewood, and if your fire is used in combination with a back boiler you can even benefit from cheap hot water as well.
But before you begin bashing down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace there are some essential considerations you must bear in mind if you are to wind up with an efficient and safe fireplace. For starters, Part J of the UK's Building Regulations will have to be followed in regards to the construction and installation of any fireplaces, flue linings, hearths and chimney breasts which are part of a combustible appliance in your premises in Inverness.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you have the ability that are necessary, and are a competent and enthusiastic DIYer you might be capable of doing some of the work in renovating an old fireplace, but professional help might be needed if structural problems arise during the process. It might be that in order to get a fire burning in your fireplace once more you need little more than a good clean of the hearth and a visit from a chimney sweep. It is far more likely however, that you will uncover a flue that is blocked and an expanse of old brickwork that will need to be reinforced structurally to make it safe.
It is generally best to take comfort from the know-how and experience of a specialist fireplace fitter in Inverness, on account of the severe health and fire risks that can be caused by a poorly installed or refurbished fireplace. According to the Building Regulations, a room with a fireplace must have adequate airflow and oxygen to allow the fire to burn satisfactorily. A fire doesn't burn effectively in a room where there is not enough oxygen, and death or serious injury can occur where there's a build-up of carbon monoxide fumes.
A specialist fireplace installation crew will assess the circumstances and get over this problem and ensure a sufficient airflow for the fire to combust safely and properly, by installing vents around the room, or under the floors. Blocked off and unused chimney flues may also have to have air vents fitted since they can often trap moist air inside them causing damp to develop inside the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
It's surprising how much dirt and soot can build up inside an old chimney and fireplace and you won't know what's there until you open it up. It is advisable to remove any carpets, furniture and rugs from a room where you are going to expose an old fireplace, to avoid them from being affected by soot, muck and dust that might be whipped up during the fireplace installation and chimney cleaning work. Opening up a disused fireplace ought to be one of the initial tasks to be worked on, if it's a part of a more extensive home renovation project. By opening up a fireplace first you'll prevent any soot from the chimney causing damage to other phases of your restoration project, such as fresh plaster or paint on walls.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
Now that you can see the opening of your fireplace it is time to clean and sweep the hearth and chimney and see what is fit for refurbishment. One of the very first things on your agenda should be to phone a proper chimney sweep who operates in and around Inverness. Not only will they make certain that your flue and chimney are clean, but they can also investigate the state of the chimney and flue liner and provide advice about whether you need to upgrade any part of the chimney and flu, such as the flue lining.
Construction work might be needed to strengthen the existing chimney and breast, and a new flue liner may also need to be put in. All this work will have to follow the all important Building Regulations which are there for you and your loved one's safety. This is unlikely to be the kind of work that you can do yourself, so you will have to employ a competent builder or fireplace fitter with experience in good construction techniques and a knowledge of the relevant Building Regulations.
In buildings that are older you may find the existing fireplace is wider than your requirements, in which case a concrete or steel lintel will be needed to adapt the opening. And after this process, replacing or upgrading the hearth will be the next step in your fireplace installation project in Inverness. You might discover that your existing hearth has been sunken into a void in the floor, but to abide by current legislation it must be raised slightly above normal floor level. If your fireplace is not a standard size you may have to choose a bespoke, custom-built hearth, but there are also a wide variety of pre-made hearths in granite, concrete or marble.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
If you go to a fireplace dealership you'll find that you are spoilt for choice with a wide array of different options available to you. It is entirely possible that owing to your existing flue, chimney and airflow to the room, that certain fireplace designs might not be suitable, therefore it pays to follow the recommendations from the fireplace installer in this respect.
In order to decide the fireplace style that is most appropriate for your specific circumstances, you'll have to look at the age of your property in Inverness, and the style you are trying to create in your room or space. For example, a wood burner looks splendid set back in an inglenook fireplace, highlighting the character of the stove and deflecting any heat that is generated back into the room effectively.
Even if you don't have a pre-existing chimney breast in your Inverness property, it is still possible to install a wood burner stove. It is possible to take a flue straight from the rear or top of the wood burner and out through an outside wall, therefore an existing chimney is not necessary.
OPEN, ELECTRIC, WOOD, GAS OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
The ambience and charm of an open fireplace can't be surpassed, but what alternatives are out there if this form of fireplace is not possible within your Inverness property?
Gas Fireplaces - There are a wide range of styles to complement any property in Inverness, and they provide instantaneous heat which is more heat efficient than a wood burning stove. Have to be professionally fitted and maintained by Gas Safe registered (previously CORGI registered) tradesman.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Multi-fuel stoves provide you with options to use coal, oil, gas and wood to deliver a multipurpose heater for any house in Inverness. If you go for a product from the AGA range, you can get hot water, do cooking, and when plumbed into your radiator system, heat the whole house.
Open Fireplaces - An open fireplace can be used with various different solid fuels, and establishes an excellent focal point for any of your rooms. An open fire is lovely to see and modern fireplaces are no more the draughty, inefficient and smoky objects that they were in the past.
Electric Fireplaces - These are perfect for almost any room and type of home in Inverness, and can be quickly and safely installed by anybody who is reasonably competent. Modern electric fires can provide "real" look flames and even the sound of crackling wood to mimic a real fire when set into into a conventional fireplace.
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burning stoves have grown to be extremely popular in many properties in Inverness, and can have modern or classic styling to complement your decoration. An added benefit of these stoves is that they can provide steaming hot water for domestic use, or supply heating to another area by way of a radiator, when used in conjunction with a back boiler.
Fireplace installation companies are accessible in Smithton, Culloden, Avoch, Raigmore, Clachnaharry, Muir of Ord, Culduthel, Inshes, Newton of Petty, Castleton, North Kessock, Cradlehall, Balloch, Merkinch, Inshes Wood, Fortrose, in these nearby postcodes: IV1 1RE, IV1 1DR, IV1 1NF, IV1 1NA, IV1 1PL, IV1 9BW, IV1 9DW, IV1 1QU, IV1 1TF, and IV1 1DP, plus in Inverness itself. Inverness fireplace installers should have the phone code 01463 and the postcode IV1. This is of course one thing to check if you prefer to hire a locally based fireplace fitter. To find info on fireplace installation near you click the "QUOTE" form or banner.
Fireplace Inserts Inverness
Fireplace inserts are a popular choice for homeowners in Inverness looking to upgrade their traditional fireplaces. To enhance fireplace efficiency, these inserts have been devised to direct more heat into the room and reduce 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.
There are numerous designs and sizes of fireplace inserts, including gas, electric and wood-burning models. Gas fireplace inserts are simple to use and require little upkeep, making them an excellent choice, while electric inserts offer convenience and flexibility with their remote control and variable settings. Opting for wood-burning inserts is a perfect choice for property owners who desire an authentic experience of a crackling fire and the scent of burning wood.
Fireplace inserts are good for the environment, in addition to their efficiency and convenience. They reduce the amount of air pollution caused by conventional fireplaces by producing fewer emissions and burning fuel more efficiently.
Correct and safe installation of a fireplace insert can only be ensured with a professional installation. Property owners seeking to enhance the comfort, convenience, and value of their property will find fireplace inserts to be an excellent investment due to their numerous benefits. A professional consultation is essential for property owners in Inverness to determine the most suitable venting option for their specific fireplace insert, as well as for proper installation and safety measures.
Chimney Cowl Installation Inverness
To increase draft and stop smoke from backing up in your chimney you can fit a chimney cowl, which is a hood-shaped cover that fits over your chimney pot. It's generally made from galvanised iron and designed to prevent the wind blowing smoke down the chimney. To enjoy the many benefits of a fireplace, it's advised that you install a cowl on your chimney.
A chimney cowl can also help protect your property and keep you safe. There are different sorts of chimney cowls available to purchase, each is designed to address different scenarios. Before purchasing one, think about a few aspects to ensure you get one that will help safeguard your property. When you know exactly what you need, you can then pick a chimney cowl based on your needs and budget.
Chimney cowls are also available that are made from run-of-the-mill products, such as a stainless steel colander or steel bucket. Chicken wire can also be used to make a fairly effective cowl. Clay flower pots also make decent chimney cowls. These covers can be readily purchased at a local hardware store or on the web.
Chimney cowls are an easy way to prevent birds from building nests in your chimney in Inverness. They are reasonably priced and easy to put in. You should make sure that you have easy access to the area above the chimney stack to fit one effectively. It can also stop dirt and debris from building up inside the chimney.
Hints To Take Care Of Your Open Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Costs
With all of the current environmental issues, the traditional fireplace has lost a little of its allure, but it still is a favourite feature for many property owners in Inverness. The natural comfort of an open fireplace invokes very special memories for those who have them. Having an open fireplace has its benefits but there are a handful of drawbacks that could have an impact on its performance. As energy costs rise, you need to make certain that your fireplace is giving off heat efficiently. When you have a fire roaring in the fireplace, it can literally take away warm air out from the room, making your heat source work harder. If there's no fire, a damper is supposed to control the airflow. However, dampers are not very efficient seals, so a lot of the warm air escapes and permits cold air to enter the room.
Many homeowners that possess a fireplace in their property in Inverness do not realise how the fireplace can have an effect on their utility bill. Rather than keeping the cost of heating down, it could actually do the complete reverse if one is not careful. However, there are several procedures that you can follow that will be able to turn your budget smashing fireplace into something a lot more efficient. There are at least four basic things that you can do to improve your fireplace. These is going to make your fireplace very affordable and more efficient.
The first tip is to change your fireplace damper with a more efficient top sealing damper. This form of damper is positioned towards the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from entering. The top sealing damper keeps the air in the house from escaping and operates incredibly well in warm and cold weather. This isn't going to take lots of time to fit and you can get one online. A second thing which can be done would be to place a fire-back at the rear of your fireplace. A fire-back consists of cast iron and it is meant to protect the wall behind from fire damage, whilst making your fireplace look more elegant. The fire-back also absorbs heat coming from the fire and returns 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 do not discharge any smoke and can be extremely efficient in keeping your house warm and cosy. The last thing you're able to do is to fit glass doors, which might be a bit on the expensive side. If you do your homework, you can find glass doors at a good price and mount them yourself. These doors help to stop the heat from leaking out and also it keeps children and pets from being burnt.
All of these suggestions are straightforward to do, and the required products can be found on the internet. Get the best from your fireplace and watch your energy bill fall.
Stone Fireplaces Inverness
As fireplaces go, some people want to achieve a really spectacular look, and what better way to do that, than by installing a natural stone fireplace. It might well be that your property's exterior has already got some natural features, such as boundary walls or a stone facade. You could construct something on the inside that matches the outside.
It's possible to build a stone fireplace with either full-depth stone or stone cladding, subject to your taste and budget. There are also various different stone types which you can use to build a fireplace, including: granite, sandstone, marble, limestone, slate or quartz.
The precise appearance of your finished fireplace will be affected by the building method (mortar jointed or dry stone), the type of stone that's used and the methodology used by the craftsman or stonemason who builds it. If you've got a good idea of exactly what you want, get some photographs and show them to your fireplace builder before they begin.
Stone is not always a suitable material for a contemporary home, as it has a striking appearance and can rather dominate the look of a space, but of course that's down to the taste of each individual householder - maybe dramatic and spectacular is what you are looking for!
Chimney Sweeping Inverness
The regular sweeping of your chimney is important if you have a wood burning stove or an open fire in your home in Inverness. To keep your chimney in safe working condition, it needs to be swept at least once every twelve months.
You could sweep your own chimney, if you've got the appropriate equipment, but this is a filthy job and is best left to a professional Inverness chimney sweep if you want it to be done cleanly and correctly. Not only does this mean that you chimney is kept nice and clean, the chimney sweep will be in a position to spot any safety issues with you chimney.
The build-up of soot and creosote that results from failure to sweep a chimney in Inverness, can easily lead to a chimney fire. An equally dangerous situation that can arise as a result of a poorly maintained chimney is carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your home.
The importance of employing a dependable chimney sweep in Inverness, should now be apparent. You can CLICK HERE for the latest chimney sweep prices in Inverness.
Inverness Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace installer can perform a whole medley of tasks including Victorian fireplaces Inverness, fireplace fitting, double-sided stove installations, cast fireplaces, traditional fireplaces Inverness, 3-sided fireplaces in Inverness, elm fireplaces Inverness, Regency fireplaces Inverness, fire grate conversions in Inverness, built-in gas fires, freestanding stoves, electric fireplace installations, outdoor fireplaces Inverness, contemporary fireplaces Inverness, fake fireplaces in Inverness, marble fireplace installations, electric fire baskets Inverness, the installation of modern fireplaces, electric suites, tiled fireplaces Inverness, Victorian fireplace installations, fireplaces in Inverness, fireplace cleaning, inset stove installations, cheap fireplaces, fireplace services, flue lining installation, fireplace refurbishment, oak beam fireplaces, the installation of Victorian fireplaces in Inverness, 2-sided fireplaces, designer fireplaces, fireplace replacement Inverness, fireplaceprice quotes in Inverness, fireplace removal, and others. Inverness professionals, when contacted, will will be glad to tell you about the whole range of fireplace services which can be accessed. If there's something fireplace related, which you need but can't see listed here, you could always go to this QUOTE FORM and fill out your details.
Fireplace Installers Near Inverness
Also find: Clachnaharry fireplace installers, Castleton fireplace installers, Avoch fireplace installers, Newton of Petty fireplace installers, Culduthel fireplace installers, Culloden fireplace installers, Merkinch fireplace installers, Smithton fireplace installers, Muir of Ord fireplace installers, North Kessock fireplace installers, Cradlehall fireplace installers, Fortrose fireplace installers, Raigmore fireplace installers, Balloch fireplace installers, Inshes fireplace installers, Inshes Wood fireplace installers and more. These and other locations are catered for by fireplace fitters and related tradesmen. To successfully install fireplaces in your home, these versatile tradesmen have the necessary know-how and experience. The help of these dedicated specialists allows residents to enjoy the warmth, comfort, and inviting atmosphere of a fireplace in their living spaces. If you're a local home or business owner looking to obtain competitive and accurate fireplace installation quotes tailored to your specific needs, you simply have to click here. Today is the ideal time to begin your fireplace installation.
More Inverness Tradespeople: When your Inverness home needs remodeling or improvements, a number of different craftsmen could be needed to successfully complete the project, and although your current search is for fireplace specialists in Inverness, Scotland, you could also need the skills of a bricklayer in Inverness, a stonemason in Inverness, a cleaner in Inverness, a roofing contractor in Inverness, a chimney sweep in Inverness, a plumber in Inverness, a building contractor in Inverness, screeding in Inverness, a tiler in Inverness, a cleaner in Inverness, a painter and decorator in Inverness, a plasterer in Inverness, a handyperson in Inverness, waste removal in Inverness, power washing in Inverness, an electrician in Inverness, SKIP HIRE in Inverness, a carpenter in Inverness, and quite possibly others.
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