Fireplace Fitter Kirkcaldy Scotland (KY1): If you are weary of high energy costs and would like to find an alternative way to heat your home in Kirkcaldy, why don't you open up an unused fireplace and install an economical multi-fuel, wood burner or open fire? If you opt to combine your fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the warmth and ambience of an open fire or stove during the nippy winter evenings, you will also be provided with lots of steaming hot water.
In order to create an attractive, efficient and safe fireplace in your house in Kirkcaldy, there are some important things to consider before you commence any work. All work must abide by Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, which addresses the installation and construction of flue linings, fireplaces, hearths and chimney breasts of any combustible appliance. If your dwelling in Kirkcaldy is a listed building or is situated in a designated conservation area, planning permission may also be necessary before work can start.
PROFESSIONAL OR DIY FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you have the skills that are necessary, and are decent at DIY you may be able to do some of the remodeling work on an old or existing fireplace, but the help of a tradesperson might be needed if structural problems arise during the process. When you uncover the old fireplace, you might be fortunate and find that in order to get a fire roaring once again, it needs little more than a decent chimney sweep and a quick clean out of the hearth. What is more typical however is a patch of crumbling, old brickwork covering a stopped up flue, and needs some form of structural reinforcement before it can be used safely.
If a fireplace is installed in your house in Kirkcaldy and it is not correctly put in, there is not only a severe fire risk, but also of respiratory health problems. Therefore, using a specialist fireplace installer is widely recommended. Airflow has to be adequate in any room which has a fireplace; and it is a requirement in the Building Regulations that this is so. If the airflow is not good enough then it's quite possible that a fire will not burn efficiently and cause a build-up of carbon monoxide, which can be lethal.
It might be necessary to fit airflow vents in floors and walls to enable the fire to get ample oxygen to burn safely and effectively at all times. Condensed air can frequently get trapped within blocked or unused chimney flues which could also need to have air vents installed, to prevent issues with damp on the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Chimneys are notorious for the huge volume of dust and soot that can build-up inside them, therefore when you open up an unused fireplace for restoration you can assume that it will be a rather messy operation. Where feasible it's sensible to remove furniture and woven floor coverings from the area before the start of any work, although a fireplace installer will bring dust sheets for your home furnishings and provide a bit of protection. If it is just part of a more substantial home refurbishment project, the opening up of an unused fireplace should be one of the first things that you tackle, because of the mess involved. This should limit damage to other parts of your restoration project (i.e. newly painted walls or fresh plasterwork), by soot and dirt that is expelled.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
It will be time to sweep and clean the hearth and chimney and identify what can be repaired, once the fireplace has been opened up. This will be the perfect time to contact a professional Kirkcaldy chimney sweep to see if it's convenient to come and look at your chimney and fireplace. During the process of cleaning, they will be perfectly positioned to determine the structural stability of your chimney and flue liner, and suggest what's necessary to knock it back into shape.
After an assessment by a competent chimney sweep, and observing the UK Building Regulations, work to strengthen the chimney breast and/or install a new flue lining may be needed. Experience in good construction practices and an extensive knowledge of the Building Regs will be essential for anybody who undertakes this kind of work, so you really want a skilled builder or fireplace installer and should never try to do this on your own.
In an older building a new concrete lintel might be needed to modify the opening, if you discover that the exposed fireplace is too big. When you have successfully supported the fireplace with your lintel it is now time to update or repair the hearth. Once upon a time the hearth would be sunken into the floor, however the current Building Regulations in the UK require it to be raised at least 12.5mm above normal floor level. You can find tailor-made options to fit virtually any design and size of fireplace, or you can select from a variety of common size and shape hearths to fit in with your decor.
FIREPLACE DESIGNS AND STYLES
Due to the wide variety of different fireplace designs and styles, choosing the one that is best for your home may not be that clear-cut. You can see what is currently on the market by visiting your nearest fireplace showroom or by going on the internet. The recommendations and advice from your fireplace installers, which will be in accordance with your particular requirements, will enable you to pick a fireplace which is both perfect for your existing flue and chimney, as well as for your decor.
An open fireplace option will be perfect for some rooms and properties in Kirkcaldy, while a wood burning or multi-fuel stove will be a better choice for others. A classic iron wood-burner stove for instance, will look amazing when set into an inglenook fireplace, which reflects any heat that is generated back into the room and emphasises its elegance and charm.
For houses in Kirkcaldy that do not have a chimney, a wood burner stove is a good solution. You don't need an existing chimney to benefit from a genuine fire, as long as you have an outside wall which can have a flue channelled through it.
GAS, OPEN, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR WOOD FIREPLACE?
Who does not enjoy the glow and warmth of a natural fireplace on a cold winters' evening, however if your circumstances do not permit this, what other options are on offer?
Wood Burning Stoves - Available in many different designs which can be free standing when necessary, these versatile stoves can be used in rooms of any size. An additional benefit of these stoves is that they can provide piping hot water for personal use, or provide heating in another area by means of a radiator, when used in tandem with a back boiler.
Gas Fireplaces - More heat efficient than multi-fuel or wood burning stoves, gas fires come in an array of styles to suit your house in Kirkcaldy. Gas fires can only be fitted and maintained by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Running on a selection of different fuels such as oil, wood, smokeless coal or gas, a multi-fuel stove can be an interesting focal point in your living space. Some styles, like the AGA range, are also suitable for cooking, providing hot water and heating your whole house.
Open Fireplaces - A roaring fire is an attractive focal point for any room in your home and it has the capability to burn almost any solid fuel that is available. Being far from the old style smoky fireplace, a modern, professionally installed open fire provides a warm, cosy atmosphere in any Kirkcaldy property.
Electric Fireplaces - Can be fitted quickly and safely by any competent individual and there are varieties and styles that are suitable for almost any room and property in Kirkcaldy. When inset into a regular fireplace, modern electric fires can replicate a genuine fire, with convincing looking flames and even the sound of crackling wood.
Fireplace installation providers can be obtained in Auchtertool, West Wemyss, Kinglassie, Aberdour, Cardenden, Lochore, Kinghorn, Coaltown of Balgonie, Dysart, Windygates, Thornton, Markinch, in the following postcodes: KY1 1RN, KY1 1PH, KY1 1RQ, KY1 1LN, KY1 1NN, KY1 1SQ, KY1 1NT, KY1 1ET, KY1 1TF, and KY1 1PZ, and also in Kirkcaldy itself. Fireplace companies from Kirkcaldy will usually have the postcode KY1 and the telephone dialling code 01592. Click the "quote" banner or form to get details about fireplaces in your area.
Chimney Sweeping Kirkcaldy
Getting the chimney swept is something that householders often put off or forget, but it is crucial to get this done regularly if you have a wood burner or an open fire in your Kirkcaldy home. Chimney cleaning and sweeping should generally be done at least once every year.
You should always bring in a qualified Kirkcaldy chimney sweep, as this is usually a dirty job. As well as cleaning your chimney, the chimney sweep will be able to identify any problems that exist with your chimney, so that these can be dealt with promptly.
The build-up of soot and ash that results from failure to sweep a chimney in Kirkcaldy, could easily result in a chimney fire. A blocked or poorly maintained chimney can also cause toxic carbon monoxide gas to be drawn back into your home, a dangerous situation that you want to avoid at all costs.
Make sure you hire an experienced chimney sweep in Kirkcaldy, and check that they are covered by public liability insurance in the event of damages or accidents. To get a price for chimney sweeping in Kirkcaldy GO HERE.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick fireplaces have for centuries been a staple in home design. They provide character, warmth and charm to any room. While traditional brick fireplaces were primarily used for the purpose of heating, they've been reinvented as a statement piece in contemporary homes. The following are a few things to think about if you're considering a brick fireplace for your property in Kirkcaldy.
For starters, choose the type of brick fireplace you want. You can go with a traditional design with a mantel and hearth, or a modern pattern with sleek, clean lines and a minimalist design. A brick fireplace can be a statement piece, so think carefully about the size and location of your fireplace. A larger fireplace can provide an impressive centerpiece in a room, whilst a smaller fireplace can provide a comfy nook.
Brick fireplaces can be built with a variety of different types of brick, each with its own unique texture and colour. You'll want to choose a brick that complements the design of your home and fits with the overall look that you're trying to achieve.
In addition to the aesthetic considerations, you will also want to look at the practical aspects of a brick fireplace. Adequate venting is vital for safety, and you may also want to look at adding glass doors or a fireplace insert for increased efficiency. You will also need to make certain that the bricks are properly installed and the hearth is completely level to avoid any potential hazards.
A brick fireplace can be a functional and beautiful feature in your house in Kirkcaldy. With a bit of attention to detail and planning, you can create a fireplace that doesn't just provide warmth but also adds character and charm to your home.
Flue Linings
A flue liner is a crucial part of the chimney system on your house, enabling it to perform far more effectively than it would without one, and improving it's overall safety. Fitted to the inside of chimneys to transport fumes outside, flue liners are ducts fabricated from metal, clay or ceramic material. Chimneys on older properties in Kirkcaldy may not have flue linings at all, or will need to be relined based on their condition and age.
Whilst a fire is burning in your grate, some toxic gases and fumes are created, and the flue within your chimney can be harmed and worn away by these fumes. Be certain that your fireplace installer inspects the flue for damage and potential problems. A flue that's been compromised may enable those toxic gases to penetrate your home, rather than expelling them safely outside. When a flue lining is impaired it can also expose the chimney structure to extreme heat, which can increase the likelihood of a house fire occurring.
Fireplace Installers Near Kirkcaldy
Also find: Dysart fireplace installers, West Wemyss fireplace installers, Kinglassie fireplace installers, Aberdour fireplace installers, Windygates fireplace installers, Lochore fireplace installers, Auchtertool fireplace installers, Thornton fireplace installers, Coaltown of Balgonie fireplace installers, Kinghorn fireplace installers, Markinch fireplace installers, Cardenden fireplace installers and more. People who fit fireplaces can be found in practically all of these towns and villages. With the requisite experience and knowledge, these versatile tradesmen are adept at successfully installing fireplaces in your home. These devoted specialists assist residents in achieving the warmth, comfort and atmosphere a fireplace contributes to homes. By clicking here, local property owners can obtain fireplace installation quotations. Need a new fireplace? Get a quote today!
More Kirkcaldy Tradespeople: When your Kirkcaldy home needs improvements or refurbishing, a number of different craftsmen may be required to successfully complete the project, and even though your current search is for fireplace fitters in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, you may also need the skills of a bricklayer in Kirkcaldy, SKIP HIRE in Kirkcaldy, a stonemason in Kirkcaldy, an electrician in Kirkcaldy, brick cleaning in Kirkcaldy, a carpenter/joiner in Kirkcaldy, a builder in Kirkcaldy, a chimney sweep in Kirkcaldy, a painter and decorator in Kirkcaldy, floor screeding in Kirkcaldy, a plumber in Kirkcaldy, a tiling specialist in Kirkcaldy, a handyperson in Kirkcaldy, waste removal in Kirkcaldy, a roofing contractor in Kirkcaldy, roof cleaning in Kirkcaldy, metalworkers in Kirkcaldy, a plasterer in Kirkcaldy, and quite possibly others.
Kirkcaldy Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace fitter can perform an extensive range of tasks including elm fireplaces Kirkcaldy, fireplace repairs, fireplace packages in Kirkcaldy, brick fireplaces, marble fireplaces in Kirkcaldy, carbon monoxide detector installation, Victorian fireplace installation Kirkcaldy, hearth fireplaces, inglenook fireplace installations, reclaimed fireplaces Kirkcaldy, fake fireplace installation, chimney cowl installation, fireplace replacement Kirkcaldy, fireplace cleaning Kirkcaldy, traditional fireplaces Kirkcaldy, reclaimed fireplace installations, flue lining, wood burning stoves, contemporary fireplaces Kirkcaldy, gas fireplace installation, fireplace inserts, corner fireplaces, fireplacequotes, chimney repairs in Kirkcaldy, open fireplaces in Kirkcaldy, stone fireplaces, Regency fireplaces Kirkcaldy, fireplace services, chimney modifications, chimney lining in Kirkcaldy, fire grate conversions, electric fireplaces Kirkcaldy, built-in gas fires Kirkcaldy, fireplace surrounds, tiled fireplaces Kirkcaldy, and more. Kirkcaldy companies offering these types of fireplace services, will provide a full-blown list when requested. If you have fireplace requirements in Kirkcaldy, that you cannot find here here, you could go HERE and fill in our simple quote form.
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