Fireplace Fitter Portchester Hampshire (PO16): Opening up an old fireplace or fitting a new one is an excellent way to add some character to any room in your dwelling in Portchester. Adding an open fire or multi-fuel stove for those cold winters' evenings can even prove to be cheaper than a conventional central heating system, so long as you've got a good source of timber or fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can provide you with plenty of hot water in the process.
There are a few things that you will need to do to make certain you can safely install your new fireplace, before you go prising away at a blocked up chimney breast. All work carried out must comply with Part J of the UK's Building Regulations, which addresses the installation and construction of fireplaces, hearths, chimney breasts and flue linings of any heat producing appliance. Planning permission may also have to be sought before work begins if your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building.
DIY OR PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION?
A basic restoration of a pre-existing fireplace can generally be completed by a skilled DIYer, but if any building work is needed there's a possibility of running into structural issues that need to be handled professionally. It might be the case that when you pull back the covering from an old fireplace to discover a hidden gem that needs little more than a good clear out and a call to a chimney sweep to get a roaring fire going. However, a flue that is blocked and crumbling, old brickwork that needs to be structurally reinforced is what you will most likely find.
Using a professional fireplace installer in Portchester is generally advised, since a fireplace which is improperly installed can cause serious fire risk and respiratory health problems. A major part of the Building Regulations for fireplaces is that sufficient oxygen is available for the fire to burn safely and efficiently. Carbon monoxide fumes (which are dangerous can accumulate in a poorly ventilated area where a fire that is burning inefficiently is installed.
It could be necessary to fit airflow vents in walls and floors to allow the fireplace to get sufficient oxygen to burn safely and properly at all times. They may also have to fit air vents in unused chimney flues which can sometimes trap condensing air and cause staining and damp spots on your chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
It's astonishing just how much grime and soot can build up inside an old chimney and fireplace and you won't know what's there until you open it up. To ensure that your belongings do not get damaged by the dust, muck and soot that is emitted during work by a fireplace installer, removing any carpets, rugs and furniture beforehand is recommended. Re-opening a disused fireplace should be one of the first things that you tackle, when it's merely a part of a more substantial home renovation project. This prevents any discolouration damage to any renovated work you may have already finished.
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURAL WORK
Once the fireplace has been successfully opened up and revealed, you will have a much clearer picture of the kind of refurbishment work that's necessary. You can also then proceed to sweep the chimney and clean any repairable elements of the hearth and back panel. One of the first items on your agenda should be to bring in a professional chimney sweep who operates in and around Portchester. During the process of cleaning and sweeping, they'll be able to assess the structural integrity of your flue and chimney, and recommend what is necessary to knock it back into shape.
Construction may be needed to strengthen the existing chimney and breast, and it may also be necessary to fit a new flue lining. All of this repair work will have to comply with the current Building Regulations which are there for your own and your loved one's safety. A reputable fireplace installer and builder in Portchester will be required to accomplish this task, and will need the knowledge and skills in construction to follow all regulations.
In an older building a new concrete lintel may be necessary to adapt the opening, if it is found that the revealed fireplace is too large. Once you have supported your fireplace with a lintel it is now time to upgrade or renovate the hearth. To be in accordance with the latest regulations, the hearth of a fireplace should be laid above floor level, although you might discover that your hearth is set into a floor void, as they typically were in past times. You could ask your fireplace builder in Portchester about a bespoke, custom-made hearth that will fit in with your property's style and design, or if your fireplace is of a standard size, there is a huge selection of pre-made, ready to install options in marble, concrete and stone.
FIREPLACE STYLES
Deciding on your choice of fireplace can be difficult amongst the many designs, sizes and shapes that are available from a fireplace showroom or online shop. The advice and suggestions from your fireplace installers, which will be specific to your requirements, will enable you to choose a fireplace that's both appropriate for your existing flue and chimney, and suited to your home's decor.
Certain properties and rooms will be more suited to an open fireplace than a multi-fuel stove or a wood burner and vice versa. If you have an attractive inglenook fireplace, a cast iron wood burning stove can look spectacular in this surrounding, which also has the benefit of reflecting the heat back into the room from the stone or brick walls that surround the stove.
If your Portchester home doesn't have a chimney you still have options for a fireplace feature by installing a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. Your fireplace specialist can take a flue straight from the top or back of the stove and out through an outside wall, therefore a chimney breast isn't required.
GAS, ELECTRIC, OPEN, WOOD OR MULTI-FUEL FIREPLACE?
If this sort of fireplace can't be installed within your Portchester property, what other alternatives are out there?
Electric Fireplaces - A wide selection of electric fireplaces to suit pretty much any house in Portchester, can easily be fitted by any competent person. They can be inset into traditional fireplaces, and with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires it can sometimes be hard to distinguish them from the genuine article.
Open Fireplaces - Provides a unique focal point for any room and can use a range of solid fuels. A skillfully installed open fire is far from the smoky old fireplace that was perhaps blocked up by past owners, and its glowing charm is a delightful addition to any property in Portchester.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Can be used with a variety of fuels, including gas, coal, wood or oil, to create a great focal point in your home in Portchester. The AGA range is well known as being able to provide heating for an entire house, a supply of hot water and a hob and oven for cooking all in one useful appliance.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to heat a room is better than multi-fuel stoves or wood burners, and there countless styles to complement all types of property in Portchester. A Gas Safe certified engineer must maintain and install any gas fireplace in your home, (CORGI was replaced by Gas Safe in 2009).
Wood Burning Stoves - Wood burners have become "the in thing" in many properties in Portchester, and can have modern or classic design to match your decor. An integrated back boiler is an added benefit and could provide piping hot water for personal use, or to provide heating in other rooms via radiators.
Fireplace installers can be accessed in the Portchester area, together with: Widley, Wymering, Port Solent, Fratton, Hardway, Funtley, Cosham, Catisfield, Hilsea, Farlington, plus these postcode areas: PO16 8HW, PO16 0LY, PO16 8PD, PO16 8DZ, PO16 8HT, PO16 8NX, PO16 8BG, PO16 8GD, PO16 8PJ, and PO16 8PR. It is likely that any fireplace fitters from the Portchester area will have the postcode PO16 and the phone code 023/01329. Portchester homeowners can benefit from these and countless other fireplace services. To acquire info on any aspect of fireplace installation near you simply click the "quote" banner or form.
Flue Linings
Installed to boost the safety and efficiency of your chimney system, a flue or chimney liner is important and should never be omitted in any circumstances. Installed inside chimneys to carry toxic fumes outside, flue liners are conduits made of ceramic material, metal or clay. Chimneys on older buildings in Portchester might not have flue liners at all, or will need to be relined subject to their condition and age.
Your chimney flue lining can, over time, be compromised by the dangerous gases and fumes which are generated by the burning of a fire. Your flue needs to be regularly examined for possible issues and damage whenever it's being cleaned. A compromised flue can enable those dangerous gases to leak into your house. There can be an increased chance of house fires when flu linings are defective, as blistering heat is able to reach the actual structure of the chimney, often with serious results.
How To Preserve Your Open Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Bills
The classic fireplace has lost some of its allure because of environmental concerns but it is still loved by many in Portchester. Sitting near the comfort of a fireplace, brings back many treasured memories for lots of people. Having a fireplace has its benefits but there are also a couple of issues which could affect its usefulness. As power costs go up, you need to make sure that your fireplace is producing heat in a safe and efficient way. When you have a fire going in the fireplace, it can literally take away warm air out from the room, making your heat source work harder. The fireplace damper is supposed to stop cold air from coming in to your home when you haven't got a fire going in the fireplace. Regrettably, dampers often have an inefficient seal, so cold air gets in, and warm air passes out.
What most homeowners in Portchester tend not to understand about their fireplace is that it does not do precisely what they assume it is doing. Instead of keeping the cost of heating down, it may actually do the precise opposite if one isn't careful. However, there are several procedures that you can follow that can turn your budget busting fireplace into something much more efficient. There tend to be 4 simple steps that you can take to change your fireplace into the cost-effective heat sourse you're searching for. These will make your fireplace very affordable and very efficient.
The first suggestion is to change your existing fireplace damper with a top sealing damper. This type of damper is located towards the top of your chimney and helps to stop rain from entering. It will keep the internal air from coming out, and the outside air from coming into the house, and functions in hot weather or cold. The seal is simple to set up, and can be purchased on the web. A second thing that can be done should be to position a fire-back at the rear of your fireplace. This is a cast iron plate which is designed to enhance the room interior decoration, while protecting the back wall from damage by the fire. The fire-back reflects the heat from a fire, and sends it back inside the room, increasing the efficiency of the fireplace.
Another thing that is going to help is a fireplace heater, which heats the air that is being circulated through an internal chamber, and blows it back towards the room. These heating units are enclosed systems, therefore no smoke is emitted, and they can really make a huge difference to the temperature of your home. Finally, you may install glass doors which could be the most expensive. If you do your homework, you should be able to get a great deal on glass doors and they're not too challenging to install yourself. These glass doors form a screen between your living space and the chimney, not only stopping the warm air in the room from escaping, but also providing protection to the inhabitants.
All of these suggestions are simple to implement, and the products can be easily found on the internet. Preserve your existing fireplace and cut heating costs by making it more efficient.
Chimney Cowl Installation Portchester
To maximize draft and prevent smoke from backing up in your chimney you can install a chimney cowl, which is a hood-shaped cover that fits over your chimney pot. It is designed to prevent the wind blowing smoke down the chimney, and is normally manufactured from galvanized iron. It is a fundamental part of any fireplace. To enjoy the benefits of a fireplace fully, it's recommended that you install a cowl on your chimney.
A chimney cowl can also help protect your home and keep you safe. There are several types of chimney cowls available to buy, each one has been developed to address different issues. Before buying one, consider a few factors to make certain you get one that will help protect your house. As soon as you know what you need, you can then pick a chimney cowl to suit your needs and budget.
One of the most common sorts of chimney cowl is the H-style. This design is one of the best for controlling the draught and enables your fireplace to function more efficiently. It's made out of a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It originally served marine applications, but has become popular among householders because of its energy-saving attributes.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. It is available in a number of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: birdguards, aspirotor chimney cowls, static chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls, spinning chimney cowls and anti-downdraught chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are a simple way to stop birds nesting in your chimney in Portchester. They are inexpensive and simple to install. You should ensure that you have clear access to the space above the chimney to fit one. It can also prevent debris from building up inside your chimney.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick fireplaces have been a standard feature in homes for centuries, and rightly so. They provide character, warmth and a touch of rustic charm that can't be reproduced by any other feature. If you're thinking about adding a brick fireplace to your property or home in Portchester, here are some things to bear in mind.
First, choose the style of brick fireplace you want. You can go with a classic design with a mantel and hearth, or a modern pattern with a minimalist design and sleek, clean lines. You can use a brick fireplace as a statement piece, so consider the size and location of your fireplace. A big fireplace can provide an impressive centerpiece in a room, whereas a smaller fireplace can provide a snug and cosy nook.
Brick fireplaces can be built with an assortment of different kinds of brick, each with its own unique colour and texture. You'll want to opt for a brick that looks good with the design of your home and matches the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve.
Finally, keep in mind the practical considerations. A brick fireplace can be a way to heat your house, so you'll want to make sure that it is adequately vented and that you're using it safely.
Overall, a brick fireplace can be a splendid addition to your dwelling in Portchester, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional warmth. With a little consideration and planning, you can create eye-catching and functional brick fireplace that will be a centerpiece of your home for years to come.
Chimney Repair Portchester
Chimney repair is a fundamental aspect of maintaining the functionality, safety and efficiency of both domestic and commercial chimney systems in Portchester. Over the years, chimneys can be subjected to wear and tear due to exposure to weather elements, temperature fluctuations, and the byproducts of combustion. A range of issues that require expert and timely attention can be caused by these factors.
Chimney repair is frequently necessary due to the development of cracks in the chimney structure. Moisture infiltration can be increased by these cracks, which can lead to further damage and compromise the structural stability of the chimney. Additionally, cracks can allow the escape of dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, into the living spaces, posing serious health hazards to occupants.
Another problem to be conscious of is debris and creosote build-up in the chimney flue. Creosote accumulation in chimneys can make them less efficient and more likely to catch fire. To reduce fire hazards and ensure proper airflow, creosote, debris and soot should be removed during frequent chimney cleaning as part of the repair process. (71372 - Chimney Repairs Portchester)
Leaving a Review
Reviews are the driving force for any Portchester business, and a decent online review can mean the difference between a potential client appointing a fireplace company, or going with someone else. It is helpful for them if you could leave them a positive review when they've done a good job or offered a great service, and of course it's useful for others as well. This has significant benefits for both the company itself and for prospective clients who might be considering hiring them. If you cast your mind back to the strategies you used to uncover someone to do your work, you'll appreciate how checking out reviews helped (or could have helped) you. You might have looked elsewhere if a specific company did not have some good reviews, even if their company website appeared impressive.
But, when so called customer reviews are plainly shown on a business's website, can you really trust that they are authentic? Did actual clients who were satisfied with the service create these glowing reviews, or were they composed by an over-enthusiastic employee attempting to gain more work?
An effective way to discover sincere and genuine reviews of any particular service or fireplace company in Portchester is to head over to Google My Business reviews, which are far more likely to be reliable. There is no doubt that this is THE first place to go for determining the reputation of any company, and it is also important for the business because it can have an impact on its rankings in the search engines. The major Google My Business competitor is Bing Places for Business, which is the 2nd biggest review site for local businesses in Portchester. Helping to raise the profile of the company that worked successfully on your fireplace project, leaving a good review here can furthermore generate a rundown of their reliability and working standards.
Some people would rather leave feedback for a company on Facebook and Twitter, which are just as effective. Many small companies in Portchester will depend heavily on these social media platforms for their marketing and promotional advertising. Adding your own review will go some way to reinforcing their message, and can help others who are looking for similar services.
A hand-written thank you letter is perfectly acceptable if you would rather go 'traditional'. Letters like this are still handy, even in an internet crazy world, and can be photographed in for use on company websites. The incentive for you is the fantastic feeling that you'll get, knowing that you've in some small way helped a local business gain credibility in a highly competitive marketplace and hopefully drum up more custom.
Portchester Fireplace Related Tasks
There is a wide range of work that can be undertaken by your local Portchester fireplace fitter including Victorian fireplaces Portchester, 2-sided fireplaces Portchester, hearth fireplaces, fireplaceprice quotes, the installation of tiled fireplaces, marble fireplaces, wood burning fireplace installations, tiled fireplaces Portchester, brick fireplaces, inglenook fireplace installation, chimney lining, designer fireplaces, electric fireplace installation, cast iron fireplace installations in Portchester, brick fireplace installation, fireplace cleaning, classic fireplaces, fireplace replacement, chimney sweeping, Victorian fireplaces, timber mantels, fireplace design Portchester, the installation of modern fireplaces, Victorian fireplace installations in Portchester, flue liner installation, corner fireplaces Portchester, open fireplaces, fireplaces in Portchester, fireplace suites, fireplace surrounds, chimney modifications, fireplace fitting, fireplace inserts, cast fireplaces, inset stoves, and lots more. Portchester professionals who are operating in the area will keep you abreast of the entire range of fireplace services which are readily available.
Fireplace Installers Near Portchester
Also find: Fratton fireplace installers, Widley fireplace installers, Wymering fireplace installers, Catisfield fireplace installers, Hardway fireplace installers, Cosham fireplace installers, Port Solent fireplace installers, Farlington fireplace installers, Funtley fireplace installers, Hilsea fireplace installers and more. There are people who install fireplaces in just about all of these locations. In your home, these versatile tradesmen can put their expertise and know-how to use for adeptly installing fireplaces. Residents, with the help of these committed professionals, can experience the atmosphere, warmth and comfort a fireplace adds to their living spaces. Local homeowners can get fireplace installation price quotes by simply clicking here.
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Fireplace installation in PO16 area, (dialling code 023/01329).
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