Fireplace Fitter Sandwich Kent (CT13): Fitting a new fireplace or re-opening a disused fireplace in your Sandwich home is a splendid way to add charm and a homely feel to any room. If you opt to combine a new fireplace with a back boiler, not only can you enjoy the ambience and warmth of an open fire or stove during the chilly winters' evenings, you will also be provided with lots of boiling hot water.
If you're to end up with a safe and efficient fireplace, there are a few crucial considerations you must keep in mind, before you start smashing down the walls of a bricked-up fireplace. For starters, Part J of the UK Building Regulations will need to be adhered to in relation to the installation and construction of any fireplaces, chimney breasts, hearths and flue linings that are part of a heat producing appliance in your dwelling in Sandwich. Additionally, you will want to check with the local authorities whether planning permission is needed before any work can commence, if you own or live in a listed building in Sandwich.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
You might be capable of doing some of the work in remodeling an existing fireplace if you've got the ability needed, but structural and safety issues are often discovered which need to be resolved professionally. You may be fortunate when exposing your old fireplace and find out you need little more than a thorough clean out of the hearth and a sweep of the chimney to get a roaring fire once more. What's more typical however is a patch of crumbling brickwork that conceals a blocked flue, and also requires some form of structural modification before it can be used safely.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not just a risk of fire to your property, but there can be health hazards, which is why it's best to employ a specialist Sandwich installation team for fireplaces. So that a fire can burn efficiently in a space where a fireplace is installed, there should be enough airflow to guarantee an adequate amount of oxygen. Deadly carbon monoxide fumes can soon build up from a fire burning inefficiently in an inadequately ventilated room.
It may be necessary to fit airflow vents in walls and floors to enable the fire to receive ample oxygen to burn safely and efficiently all the time. Unused and blocked up chimney flues might also have to have air vents installed as they can often trap moist air within them and cause damp to develop inside the chimney.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
A huge amount of soot and other grime can be released from a blocked up chimney upon opening it up for restoration. It's advisable to remove any furniture, carpets and rugs from an area where you're planning to uncover an old fireplace, to avoid them from being damaged by grime, soot and dust that will be whipped up during the fireplace installation and chimney cleaning work. If you're engaging in a complete renovation of a house or room, the fireplace ought to be opened up before any plastering or decorating is dealt with. This prevents any discolouration damage to any refurbished work you have already finished.
STRUCTURAL & CONSTRUCTION WORK
With your fireplace now open, it's time to find out what is in a fit state to be restored and give the hearth and chimney a comprehensive clean. This will be the perfect time to get hold of a professional Sandwich chimney sweep to see whether they can come and check your chimney and fireplace. They will be willing to provide professional advice on the chimney and flue after sweeping, as to the state of the structure of the chimney and whether it would be advisable to swap the existing liner.
Following an evaluation by a professional chimney sweep, and observing the UK Building Regulations, work to strengthen the chimney breast and/or install a new flue liner may be necessary. This is unlikely to be the kind of work that can be accomplished by a DIYer, therefore you'll have to hire a competent builder or fireplace installer who has experience in good construction techniques and is acquainted with the relevant Building Regulations.
In buildings that are older you may discover the revealed fireplace is too large for your needs, in which case a supporting concrete lintel will be required to modify the opening. Once you've supported the fireplace with your lintel it will then be necessary to upgrade or repair the hearth. To remain in line with the latest UK Building Regulations, the hearth of a fireplace should be set above floor level, although you might discover that your hearth is sunken into the floor, as they typically were in the old days. Ready-made options from marble, slate or granite are available to accomplish this, or your fireplace builder in Sandwich may be able to offer a bespoke, custom-made hearth to complement the design of your room.
STYLES AND DESIGNS OF FIREPLACE
Checking out a nearby fireplace showroom or browsing on the internet will soon make you realise that there is a whole host of different designs and styles of fireplace for you to pick from for your home. Not all fireplaces will be appropriate for your chimney and flue and it's sensible to accept any guidance and advice offered by your sales and installation team with regards to your particular situation.
Some properties and rooms will look better with an open fireplace than a wood burner or multi fuel stove and vice versa. As an example, the most perfect backdrop to a cast iron wood burning stove is an inglenook fireplace, which not only puts a focus on its charm and elegance but is also effective in deflecting the heat back into the room.
It's still viable to install a multi-fuel or wood burning stove, even if there's no chimney in your Sandwich property. So long as you have an outside wall through which a flue from the stove can be channeled, you don't need to have an existing chimney structure in place to be able to enjoy a real fire.
OPEN, MULTI-FUEL, WOOD, ELECTRIC OR GAS FIREPLACE?
Who does not enjoy the crackling of a natural fireplace on a cool winters' evening, however if your situation doesn't permit this, what alternatives are on offer?
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Sandwich can be improved by the installment of a wood burner, which are available in a variety of styles, and can even be installed free standing. These are able to provide hot water for radiators or for other use around the home, if coupled with a back boiler.
Electric Fireplaces - These are appropriate for almost any room and home in Sandwich, and can be quickly and safely installed by any reasonably competent individual. It can be hard to distinguish them from the genuine article with with "real feel" electric fires, and they can be set into traditional fireplaces when needed.
Gas Fireplaces - There are a variety of styles to suit any property in Sandwich, and they provide instantaneous heat which is more efficient thermally than a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. Any gas fire in your Sandwich home must be installed by a Gas Safe technician.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - As the name indicates they can be fired up with with different fuels, such as gas, wood, smokeless coal or oil, and become a focal point in any kitchen or living room in Sandwich. These stoves can be utilised not simply for heating a room, but some designs like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be employed for heating the whole house if plumbed into a radiator network.
Open Fireplaces - Provides an eye-catching focal point for any room and can utilise a variety of solid fuels. Today's fireplaces are no longer the draughty, smoky and inefficient features that they were in the past, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm environment for the occupants to enjoy.
Fireplace fitters are accessible in Sandwich itself, in the following postcodes: CT13 9DX, CT13, CT13 0RA, CT13 9FG, CT13 0RB, CT13 9HA, CT13 9GL, CT13 0BQ, CT13 9FA, and CT13 9HZ, and also in neighbouring places like Worth, Cliffs End, Sarre, Great Mongeham, Goodnestone, Shatterling, Minster, Eastry, Upstreet, Wingham, Monkton, Tilmanstone, Betteshanger. Fireplace fitters from Sandwich will usually have the postcode CT13 and the telephone dialling code 01304. Sandwich householders are spoiled for choice when hunting for fireplace contractors.
Chimney Cowls Sandwich
A hood-shaped cap for your chimney, a chimney cowl improves draft and helps prevent back-up in your chimney system. It sits on top of the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down, and is generally manufactured from galvanised iron. A chimney cowl can be found in a builder's merchants or on the internet. Whether you decide to acquire a new one or make your current one work better, a chimney cowl will keep your stove or fireplace working efficiently.
There are several types of chimney cowls available. There are pot hanging cowls that can be installed without removing the chimney pot. They connect to the flue liner via three straps, which secure the cowl in place. Another type of cowl is a weathering cap, which is attached to the end of the flue system. It is larger than the chimney pot, which ensures that it stays in place.
You can also find chimney cowls made from everyday objects, like a steel bucket or stainless steel colander. Chicken wire can also be used to make a cowl. Clay flower pots also make good chimney cowls. These covers can be purchased at a local hardware store or online.
One of the most common types of chimney cowls is the H-style. This style is the most effective at stabilizing the draft and allows your fireplace to function more efficiently. It is made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down drafts. It originally served marine applications but has become popular among homeowners due to its energy-saving functionality.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and reducing downdraught. It is available in a variety of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the stove.
Chimney cowls are a simple way to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney in Sandwich. They are inexpensive and easy to install. You should make sure you have easy access to the area above the chimney to install one. It can also prevent debris from accumulating inside the chimney.
Flue Linings
A safety feature that enables your chimney to perform more efficiently, a flue liner or chimney liner is a crucial element of your chimney structure that shouldn't be neglected. Running the entire length of the chimney, flue liners are conduits manufactured from a range of materials including clay, ceramics or stainless steel. They carry smoke and fumes outside a building. Older chimneys in Sandwich may not have flue liners at all, or will need to be re-lined determined by their condition and age.
The burning of fires creates dangerous gases which can eat away and ruin the flue within your chimney. Make certain your fireplace installer assesses the flue for possible issues and damage. A flue which has sustained damage could enable those dangerous gases to penetrate your living area, rather than venting them out into the atmosphere. There is an increased risk of house fires when flu linings are impaired, because blistering heat can reach the chimney structure, often with deadly consequences.
Hints To Maintain Your Fireplace And Lower Your Heating Costs
The age-old fireplace may have lost a certain amount of of its glamour because of worries about the environment but it is still loved by many in Sandwich. There is nothing like feeling the warmth of an open fireplace throughout a chilly winter's evening. There are many benefits to having an open fireplace however there are several negative aspects that could possibly need to be dealt with. As energy costs climb, you should make sure that your fireplace is giving off heat efficiently. When a fire is burning, it may possibly give warmth to those who are standing immediately in front of it, but it can in fact pull warm air out of your room, making your heater work even harder. The chimney damper is meant to keep cold air from coming in to your home when you haven't got a fire going in the fireplace. Often times though, fireplace dampers can often be inefficient in keeping warm air in the home and cold air out.
Many house owners that have fireplaces in their property in Sandwich don't realise how the fireplace can have an effect on their energy bill. Rather than conserving resources, and heating costs, it can often be adding 100s of pounds of energy expense. However, there are a number of procedures that you can follow that can turn your budget busting fireplace into something a touch more efficient. There are at least four simple points that you are able to do to improve your fireplace. Each of these should make your fireplace very economical and more efficient.
The initial thing that should be done is to replace the damper with a new top sealing damper. A top sealing damper is set up toward the top end of your chimney which in turn also behaves the same as a storm door. The top sealing damper helps to keep the air in the home from getting away and operates very well in both cold and hot weather conditions. This does not take a lot of time to fit and you can acquire one online. Another thing you can do is position a fire-back in the back of your fireplace. It's produced from cast iron and it is used to help the overall look of your fireplace whilst protecting the back wall from fire damage. The fire-back reflects the heat from a fire, and radiates the heat back into the room, improving the overall performance of the fireplace.
Another means to cut down on fuel bills is to use a fireplace heater/fan, which heats the room by pulling the air into a chamber and recycling the air back into the room. These heating devices are closed systems, so no smoke is emitted, and they really can make a huge difference to the temperature of your property. The last thing that you can do is to fit glass doors, which may be a bit on the expensive side. Searching around, you will be able to locate a good deal, and with instructions, you could put them in on your own. These glass doors form a buffer between the fireplace and living space, not only stopping the heat from escaping, but also affording some protection.
These suggestions aren't all that hard to accomplish and you can buy most of the items you need from the internet. Make the most of your fireplace and see your energy costs tumble.
Leave a Review for a Job Well Done
Good online reviews are the driving force for any business in Sandwich, and having these could make the difference between a prospective customer hiring a certain fireplace company or going with a competitor. If a local business has served you well, you ought to take the time to thank them by leaving a review of their performance. This has benefits for both the business itself and for prospective future clients who might be thinking of hiring them. You should consider how studying reviews helped you out when you were trying to find somebody to do your work. In the absence of those customer reviews, you may well have looked elsewhere, even if a particular company website looked extremely outstanding.
But, can you really have trust in the customer reviews which are prominently shown on a company website? Did genuine customers write these glowing reviews or did a member of the company, looking to push their services, make them up?
Instead of trusting these, you can check out the reviews on Google My Business listings, where you will get more honest and authentic reviews on companies in Sandwich. Trusted, because this also affects a business's ranking in search engines, this is THE go-to review website to establish a company's reputation. The key Google My Business rival is Bing Places for Business, which is the 2nd largest review area for local services in Sandwich. An overview of the reliability and working standards of a company that successfully worked on your fireplace installation project can be created by leaving an enthusiastic review here, and in the process you could help to raise their profile in Sandwich.
Other excellent spots to leave feedback for a company include Facebook and Twitter pages. These social media websites are a key part of any small company's marketing and media promotions. Their sales message can be strengthened by your feedback and you've given recommendations to friends and relations who are interested in similar services, this will give them a starting point for their hunt for the perfect company.
While a hand-drafted thank you letter is a little bit 'old school' these days, this is still perfectly appropriate. Letters like this can be compiled to build a review portfolio which is useful in face to face meetings with prospective clients, photographed and uploaded to the company website, or put in a frame for display in offices or reception areas. The incentive for you is the fantastic feeling that you will get, knowing you have in some way helped a local small business gain credibility in a highly competitive marketplace and with a little luck drum up more custom.
Sandwich Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local Sandwich fireplace installer can provide a wide array of tasks and services, and on top of what's previously been covered here they should be able to do gas fireplaces, the installation of modern fireplaces in Sandwich, traditional fireplaces Sandwich, fireplace removal, cast iron fireplace installations, chimney cowl installation, oak beam fireplaces, limestone fireplace installations, elm fireplaces Sandwich, electric fireplaces Sandwich, classic fireplaces Sandwich, fireplace hearths Sandwich, modern fireplace installation, fake fireplace installations Sandwich, wood burning fireplace installations, three-sided fireplaces, fake fireplaces Sandwich, made-to-measure fireplaces Sandwich, cheap fireplace installation in Sandwich, inset stove installation, marble fireplace installations in Sandwich, fireplace fitting Sandwich, fireplace refurbishment in Sandwich, two-sided fireplaces, hearth fireplaces Sandwich, open fireplaces Sandwich, fireplace suites Sandwich, marble fireplaces, Regency fireplaces Sandwich, fireplace packages, reclaimed fireplaces Sandwich, chimney repairs in Sandwich, fireplace surrounds Sandwich, gas fireplace installation in Sandwich, fireplace cleaning Sandwich, to mention a few.
Sandwich Skip Hire Services
When you're making plans for any home renovations or improvements in Sandwich, you will want to make allowances for any waste that is produced. Whether or not lots of waste is generated by your fireplace installations will be determined by the particular circumstances of your project, sometimes there will be a lot of waste, sometimes not so much. In many instances the tradesman you're employing will gladly remove the waste that's produced in the course of the work, but be warned - quite a few of them don't!
One of the easiest and most hassle-free ways to dispose of this waste is to hire a skip. To suit your exact needs, you can choose from a wide variety of skip sizes. Mini-skips hold around 2 yards of waste, midi-skips hold around 4 yards of waste, builders skips hold around 6 yards of waste and roll-on-roll-off skips hold around 20 yards of waste. Skip bags typically hold 1-1.5 yards of waste.
To get rates for the different skip sizes GO HERE.
Fireplace Installers Near Sandwich
Also find: Minster fireplace installers, Wingham fireplace installers, Shatterling fireplace installers, Goodnestone fireplace installers, Worth fireplace installers, Betteshanger fireplace installers, Great Mongeham fireplace installers, Monkton fireplace installers, Tilmanstone fireplace installers, Sarre fireplace installers, Cliffs End fireplace installers, Eastry fireplace installers, Upstreet fireplace installers and more. All of these towns and areas are served by people who install fireplaces. These versatile tradespeople possess the experience and knowledge necessary to successfully install fireplaces in your property. Residents can experience the atmosphere, comfort and warmth that a fireplace brings to their homes with the assistance and help of these dedicated specialists. To get fireplace installation quotations, local home and property owners can simply click here. Need a new fireplace? Get a quote today, and don't delay!
Fireplaces Sandwich
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Fireplace Installation SandwichTo find local Sandwich information click here
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Fireplace installation in CT13 area, (dialling code 01304).
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