Fireplace Fitter Locks Heath Hampshire (SO31): Re-opening up an old fireplace or fitting a new one is a wonderful way to add a bit of character to any room in your property in Locks Heath. Adding a multi-fuel stove or open fire for those cold winters' days can even prove less expensive than a regular central heating system, as long as you have a ready source of fuel. If combined with a back boiler it can supply you with a plentiful supply of piping hot water at the same time.
Before any serious work gets under way, for example prising away at a blocked chimney or knocking down the walls of a boarded over fireplace, there are some crucial things you need to think about. The UK's Building Regulations, Part J for heating appliances for example, which deals with any work undertaken on chimney breasts, fireplaces, hearths and flue linings. If your home is a listed building you'll also have to find out if planning permission is required from the local council before any work begins.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
If you're a keen and competent DIY'er it might be possible to renovate a bricked-up fireplace, but the chance of encountering structural problems in most cases is regrettably high. When your boarded fireplace is uncovered you may find a sturdy hearth, lintel and chimney breast which requires little more than the services of a chimney sweep to get it working once more. However, a flue that is blocked and old brickwork that needs to be reinforced structurally is what you're most likely to find.
Due to the severe health and fire risk issues that can result from an improperly fitted or renovated fireplace, it is best to draw on the knowledge and experience of a competent fireplace installer in Locks Heath. There must always be a decent air flow into a room where there is a fireplace to guarantee adequate levels of oxygen for the fire to burn safely. An accumulation of deadly carbon monoxide can occur in a space where there is inadequate airflow, and death is a risk where a fire doesn't burn effectively.
To allow the fire to receive adequate oxygen to burn safely and effectively all the time, it might be necessary for an experienced fireplace installation engineer to install floors and walls with suitable airflow vents. To prevent condensed air becoming trapped in blocked off or unused chimney flues and causing damp spots and staining, vents may have to be fitted by the installation team to introduce more airflow.
BEFORE WORK BEGINS
When opening up an unused fireplace for refurbishing, you'll probably be astonished at the magnitude of the muck and soot that has built-up there. To ensure that your stuff does not get ruined by the dust, soot and muck that is expelled during the fireplace installation project, removing any rugs, carpets and furniture beforehand is strongly recommended. Re-opening an old fireplace ought to be one of the initial tasks to be worked on, when it is a part of a larger home renovation project. If other work has already been accomplished, this may be affected by dust and chimney soot.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
You'll get a much better idea about the restoration work that is required, when the opening up of the old fireplace is done. You will also be able to sweep the chimney and clean up any remaining hearth. You now ought to get in touch with your chimney sweep, if you haven't already done so, to come and clean the old fireplace and chimney. They'll be able to provide you with expert guidance on the flue and chimney after sweeping, regarding the condition of the chimney and if it would be advisable to upgrade the existing flue liner.
It may be necessary to install a new flue liner to observe the all important UK Building Regulations, and construction may also be required to strengthen the original chimney and breast. Experience in good working practices and a knowledge of the Building Regulations will be needed by anyone who undertakes this sort of construction work, so what you really want is a competent builder or fireplace fitter and shouldn't try to do it on your own.
It is entirely possible that a supporting concrete lintel will need to be installed, if the original fireplace is of a size that's wider than your requirements. As soon as this has been completed the next step of your Locks Heath fireplace installation will be to upgrade the old hearth. To stay in line with the current building regs, any hearth must be laid at least 12.5mm above floor level, although you may discover that your hearth is set into a floor void, as they normally were in the past. You could think about asking your fireplace builder in Locks Heath about a custom-made, bespoke hearth to complement your home's style and design, or if your fireplace is of a standard size, you can choose from a wide selection of ready to fit options in stone, marble and slate.
DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
If you pay a visit to a fireplace outlet you'll find that you are spoilt for choice with a wide array of different choices available to you. It's vital to get the expert advice of the salespeople, since all of the available fireplaces will not be suited to your specific chimney and flue.
A wood burning or multi-fuel stove may be appropriate for some rooms and homes in Locks Heath, while an open fireplace will be more suitable for others. If you're fortunate enough to have a house with an inglenook fireplace for example, this is an ideal position for an old-fashioned iron wood-burner stove. This won't only deflect any heat that is generated back into the room effectively, but will also draw attention to the charm and elegance of the stove itself.
You still have options for a feature fireplace by putting in a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner, even if your Locks Heath home does not have a chimney. As a stainless steel flue can be passed through an external wall and does not require a chimney structure, it's still quite possible to put in this type of fireplace.
ELECTRIC, WOOD, MULTI-FUEL, OPEN OR GAS FIREPLACE?
You can't really beat a roaring fire on a dark winter's evening, to create a unique ambience and charm in your Locks Heath home, but what are the alternatives?
Open Fireplaces - Having the capability to burn just about any solid fuel available on the market, the open fireplace can produce a roaring fire as a focal point for a room or living area. An open fire is lovely to see and modern fireplaces are no longer the inefficient, smoky and draughty things they once were.
Gas Fireplaces - Come in a multitude of styles to suit your property and are generally more efficient (thermally) than open fireplaces. Gas fires must only be maintained and installed by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer, (Gas Safe replaced CORGI registration in 2009).
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name suggests multi-fuel stoves can be used with various fuels, such as oil, wood, smokeless coal or gas, and become a unique focal point in any kitchen or lounge in Locks Heath. These stoves can be utilised not just for heating an individual room, but some styles like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used to heat the entire home if they're plumbed into an existing radiator network.
Wood Burning Stoves - These stoves can be freestanding when necessary, and there's a vast selection to suit any kind of dwelling in Locks Heath. A version with an integrated back boiler will deliver supplementary heating by connecting the hot water to radiators in cold rooms in your house.
Electric Fireplaces - Electric fireplaces can be fitted safely and quickly by any competent individual and there are styles that are appropriate for just about any room and type of home in Locks Heath. When inset into a conventional fireplace, modern electric fires can replicate a genuine fire, with authentic looking flame effects and occasionally even the sound of crackling wood.
It isn't just in Locks Heath where you're able to obtain fireplace installation services - neighbouring places like: Whiteley, Knowle, Sarisbury Green, Little Posbrook, Titchfield, Funtley, Curbridge, Sarisbury, Park Gate, Hundred Acres, Burridge can generally also be covered. It is most likely that any fireplace installers in the Locks Heath district is going to have the postcode SO31 and the dialling code 01489. You ought to verify this if you prefer to use a local fireplace company. If you simply click on the "quote" banner, you'll get info on fireplaces and fireplace installation in your area.
Natural Stone Fireplaces Locks Heath
As fireplaces go, some home owners wish to achieve a truly spectacular look, and how better to do that, than with a fireplace made from natural stone. A stone boundary wall or facade could already be a natural feature of your building's external areas. This could be a method for complementing those natural features on the inside.
Either stone cladding or full depth stone can be used to build a stone fireplace. Your taste and budget might affect your choice. There are also numerous different types of stone which you can use to build a fireplace, including: slate, quartz, granite, sandstone, limestone or marble.
The finished appearance your completed fireplace will be affected by the sort of stone that is used, the individuality of the stonemason or craftsman who builds it and the style of building. Do a little research before your fireplace builder begins, and show them some pictures of just what you have in mind.
A lot of modern properties are not really suited to the look of a natural stone fireplace, mainly because stone can be so striking, and dominate the appearance of a room. However, each individual homeowner has their own preferences and taste, therefore it is for them to choose.
Chimney Sweep Locks Heath
Getting the chimney swept is one thing that householders often forget or put off, but it's important to get this done frequently if you have an open fire or a wood burning stove in your Locks Heath home. To be totally safe, it's wise to clean and sweep your chimney twice yearly, especially if you are burning wood or bituminous coal.
You could perhaps sweep your own chimney, if you have the right tools, but this is a messy job and is best left to a qualified Locks Heath chimney sweep if you want it to be done correctly and cleanly. While the chimney sweep is cleaning your chimney, he'll also be on the lookout for any problems or safety issues, so that they can then be quickly resolved.
A build-up of ash, soot and creosote can lead to chimney fires if you neglect to sweep your chimney. An equally hazardous situation that can arise as a result of a badly maintained chimney is deadly carbon monoxide fumes flowing back into your house.
In the unlikely event that any accidents or damages occur while you are having your chimney swept, ensure your chosen Locks Heath chimney sweep has public liability cover. To find out how much it costs to get a chimney swept in Locks Heath GO HERE.
Flues
An essential element of the chimney structure on your home, a chimney liner or flu liner improves the safety of your chimney while enabling it to perform more effectively than it otherwise would. With the purpose of carrying toxic fumes safely to the outside of a building, flue liners are conduits made from clay, ceramic material or metal which are installed inside chimneys. If you live in an older home in Locks Heath, it could be that you have not got a lining in your chimney at all, or that the existing lining is defective and will have to be replaced.
As a fire is burning in your grate, some hazardous gases are created, and the flue within your chimney can be harmed and eaten away by these gases. You could either ask the chimney sweep to assess it for damage and potential issues as your chimney is being swept, or ask the fireplace builder to inspect it. A damaged flue can enable those dangerous gases to leak into your living space. Excessive heat can also be permitted to penetrate into the structure of the chimney, creating the possibility of fires.
Locks Heath Fireplace Related Tasks
There are a wide array of tasks that can be carried out by your local Locks Heath fireplace fitter including fireplace removal, marble fireplaces, fireplace fitting, Victorian fireplaces Locks Heath, brick fireplaces, fireplace replacement, fireplace services, open fireplaces, chimney strengthening, modern fireplace installation, fireplace cleaning, chimney modifications, elm fireplaces Locks Heath, marble fireplace surrounds, made-to-measure fireplaces, brick fireplace installation Locks Heath, tiled fireplaces Locks Heath, classic fireplaces Locks Heath, fireplace design, wood burning stove installation, flue liners, wood burning fireplace installations in Locks Heath, gas fireplaces, two-sided fireplaces in Locks Heath, multifuel stove installation, wood burning fireplaces, fireplace packages, fireplace refurbishment, double-sided stoves, electric fireplaces, chimney repairs in Locks Heath, fake fireplace installation, fireplace hearths Locks Heath, oak beam fireplaces, reclaimed fireplaces Locks Heath, and more. This is on no account a comprehensive list of what's available from the local fireplace fitter.
Information, Help and Social Media
A wealth of facts and information on fireplace installation is obtainable on a fireplace forum, so why don't you head over to a fireplace installation forum, discussion topics comprise trims for stoves, pellet stoves and boilers, widening fireplaces, log burners, building regulations and chimney designs. There is a lot of interesting info about fireplace installation on the web nowadays, and to discover more about elegant fireplace designs click here. Discover the fundamentals on installing a fireplace hearth and mantel by watching YouTube here. To determine how fireplace installers are marketing themselves on social media, check this out. The dedicated Wikipedia "fireplace" page is the place to head over to for info regarding fireplace accessories, the evolution of fireplaces, fireplace heating efficiency, the health effects of fireplaces, how fireplaces affect the environment and the different types of fireplace.
Leave a Review for a Job Well Done
For any Locks Heath business, reviews are their lifeblood, and the difference between a potential client hiring a specific fireplace company, or moving on to a competitor, can be whether they have flattering reviews online or not. If you've received a good standard of work, why don't you make an effort to thank them with a review of their performance on your project. Letting other know about your personal experience will be beneficial to any possible client and also to the business itself. When you were initially looking to find somebody to do your work, you should think about how your choice was swayed by positive reviews. Even if a specific company website appeared impressive, without any favourable reviews and feedback you may well have looked to a competitor for your fireplace installation.
But, when so called customer reviews are prominently shown on a company website, can you actually believe that they're authentic? Were genuine people responsible for these, or were they "made up" by an employee of the company trying to make them look better than they are?
An effective way to discover frank and authentic reviews of any fireplace company or service in Locks Heath is to head over to Google My Business reviews, which are far more likely to be trustworthy. There's no doubt that this is THE place to go to discover a business's reputation, and it is also important for the company since it can impact on its rankings in the search engines. Google My Business's key rival and the second biggest local company review site is Bing Places for Business, which is operated by Microsoft. Leaving a good review in either of these places will build a rundown of the company that worked on your project and help in boosting the profile of that company.
Some of you would rather post testimonials for a company on Facebook and Twitter pages, which are just as effective. The advertising strategy of any small business in Locks Heath will depend heavily on these social media websites. Their message can be reinforced by your favourable reviews and give a starting place for friends and relatives who are interested in similar services.
Although a hand-drafted thankyou letter is considered a bit 'old school' these days, this is still perfectly appropriate. Letters like this are still valuable, even in an online world, and can be scanned in for use on business websites. Irrespective of how your review is created, you'll feel good that you have done your bit to help out a small local business who gave you good service.
Locks Heath Skip Hire Services
When you are planning for any home improvements or renovations in Locks Heath, you'll have to make provision for any waste that is generated. Your particular fireplace installations might produce very little waste, and then again it might produce a lot. Depending on who you employ to do the work, some tradesmen will include waste removal in the job quotation and will be quite happy to get rid of it for you.
If you are like most homeowners in Locks Heath, you'll hire a skip to get rid of this waste. You ought to be able to get a skip that is suitable for you, given that they come in a wide variety of sizes. For smaller projects you can choose skip bags and mini-skips, for larger home refurbishments and landscaping work there are midi-skips and standard builders skips, and for industrial use or really huge projects, roll-on roll-off skips are the best alternative.
To get quotations for the different skip sizes CLICK HERE.
Browsing the Internet
There is little doubt that your first impulse when you are looking for a tradesman or service in Locks Heath is to head online and "Google it". The probabilities are that you're browsing this page at this point because you came upon it by typing a search phrase into Ask, Yahoo, Bing or Google and it appeared on page one. It is not always the case that the listings which are displayed on the opening page of the search engines are of use to you. Keying in "fireplace installation in Locks Heath", "fireplace installation Locks Heath", "Locks Heath fireplace installation" or "fireplace installation near me" will generally be the procedure to use when hunting for fireplace installers in Locks Heath.
Major lead Generation sites like TrustaTrader, Local Heroes, Rated People, Quotatis, Checkatrade or My Builder, and web directories such as ThreeBestRated, Hotfrog, Yelp or Yell will feature high up on the first page of listings, as will strictly pay per click (PPC) advertising (typically the top 4 results). Without any substantial budgets for search engine optimization in order to advance their web sites up the rankings, most fireplace installers are going to be out of sight on the 2nd or 3rd pages of the search results.
Fireplace Installers Near Locks Heath
Also find: Sarisbury Green fireplace installers, Knowle fireplace installers, Burridge fireplace installers, Curbridge fireplace installers, Hundred Acres fireplace installers, Little Posbrook fireplace installers, Titchfield fireplace installers, Funtley fireplace installers, Sarisbury fireplace installers, Park Gate fireplace installers, Whiteley fireplace installers and more. Fireplace installers are ready and willing to serve those living in almost all of these places. These skilled tradesmen's knowledge and experience make them well-suited for the correct installation of fireplaces in your property. These dedicated experts can assist residents in experiencing the warmth, ambiance and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living areas. Local residents can get fireplace installation quotes by simply going here.
If you're interested in local Locks Heath info click here
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Fireplace installation in SO31 area, phone code 01489.
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