Fireplace Fitter Southport Merseyside (PR8): Re-opening up an old fireplace or having a new one installed is a splendid way to add some charm to any room of your dwelling in Southport. Nippy winters' evenings can become very enjoyable as you sit back beside your fireplace surrounded by the crackle of a burning fire, and if your fire is combined with a back boiler you can even enjoy steaming hot water as well.
Before you go chipping away at a bricked-up chimney there are a few things you will need to consider to ensure you can install your new fireplace in an efficient and safe way. To start with, Part J of the UK Building Regulations will need to be adhered to with regards to the construction and installation of any flue linings, fireplaces, hearths and chimney breasts that are part of a heat producing appliance in your home in Southport. Planning permission may also be needed before work begins if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
A straightforward remodeling of a current fireplace can probably be achieved by a skilled do-it-yourselfer, however if any construction work is needed there's the possibility of encountering structural issues which will have to be dealt with professionally. When your blocked up fireplace is revealed you might find a stable chimney breast, lintel and hearth which requires little more than a clean by a chimney sweep to get it all working once again. More likely you will discover old brickwork that requires structural modifications and a stopped up flue.
If a fireplace is installed improperly there is not just a risk of fire to your property, but there can be associated health hazards, which is why it is advisable to hire a specialist Southport installation company for a fireplace. Ensuring that sufficient oxygen is available in a room for a fire to burn properly is a key aspect of the Building Regulations for fireplaces. An accumulation of toxic carbon monoxide can be the result in a room where there's inadequate airflow, and even death is possible where a fire doesn't burn efficiently.
To ensure an adequate amount of air flow for the fire to burn effectively and safely, a competent fireplace installation crew will assess the circumstances and fit vents in locations around the room, or beneath the floors, thus resolving this problem. Moist, condensed air can frequently get trapped within unused chimney flues which might also require improved ventilation, to prevent issues with damp and staining on the chimney breast.
BEFORE WORK STARTS
Opening up an old fireplace can create huge amounts of soot and muck. So that the rugs, carpets and furniture within an area don't get adversely affected by the dirt and soot that is released during the fireplace installation work, it's always a good idea to have them removed in advance. If you are carrying out a complete restoration of a house or room, the fireplace ought to be opened up before any decoration or plastering works are tackled. This will limit damage to other parts of your remodelling project (i.e. fresh plaster or painted walls), by soot and other chimney dust that's discharged.
STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
Once you've revealed your old fireplace you will have a much better idea of the work that needs to be done, and also be able to sweep the chimney and clean up any sections of hearth that is still in position. The first thing on your checklist should be to bring in a competent Southport chimney sweep. While doing sweeping and cleaning, they'll be able to assess the structural stability of your flue and chimney, and advise what is required to get everything working safely.
Construction work may be necessary to reinforce the existing chimney breast and chimney, and a new flue lining might also need to be installed. All of this work will have to adhere to the current UK Building Regulations which are there for your own safety. A competent tradesman with experience of the Building Regs and decent working practices will need to carry out this type of work.
In an older building a concrete or steel lintel might be required to modify the size of the opening, if you discover that the uncovered fireplace is too big. And after that process, upgrading the hearth will be the next phase of your fireplace installation project in Southport. In days past the hearth was normally set into a void in the floor, however current Building Regulations demand that it is raised above floor level. Off-the-shelf solutions from marble, stone or concrete are available on the market to accomplish this, or your fireplace installer in Southport should be able to offer a bespoke, made to measure hearth to complement your room style.
FIREPLACE STYLE
A trip to a fireplace showroom or a browse online will illustrate the alternatives that are available for the different fireplace styles and designs. The recommendations and advice from your fireplace installers, which will be in accordance with your particular requirements, will help you to pick a fireplace that is both perfect for your chimney and flue, and suited to your decor.
A multi-fuel or wood burning stove might be an appropriate choice some rooms and dwellings in Southport, whilst an open fireplace will be more suitable for others. A cast iron wood-burner stove for instance, will look fabulous when placed in an inglenook fireplace, which deflects the heat back into the room and draws attention to its elegance and charm.
If your Southport home does not have a chimney you've still got the option of a fireplace feature through the installation of a multi-fuel or wood burning stove. Given that a flue can be routed through an external wall and doesn't require an existing chimney, it is still possible to put in this form of fireplace.
WOOD, ELECTRIC, GAS, MULTI-FUEL OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
The charm and look of a "real" fire cannot be matched, however what alternatives are available if this style of fireplace isn't possible within your Southport property?
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the tiniest room in Southport can benefit from the fitting of a wood burner, which are available in a range of styles, and, if necessary, can even be installed freestanding. When used together with a back boiler, these types of stoves can supply added heating capabilities by transferring the heated water to colder areas of your house via radiators.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - To create a focal point in your property in Southport, these can be run on a selection of different fuels, such as wood, gas, oil or smokeless coal. These can be used not merely for heating a single room, but some styles like the AGA range, can supply hot water, provide a useful cooking area and can be used for heating the complete house if plumbed into a network of radiators.
Open Fireplaces - Being able to burn virtually any solid fuel in the marketplace, the open fireplace can produce a roaring fire as a good focal point for any room or living space. Luckily, contemporary fireplaces are not the draughty, inefficient and smoky features that they once were, and an open fire creates a cosy and warm atmosphere for the enjoyment of its occupants.
Gas Fireplaces - Come in an assortment of designs to suit your home and are typically more efficient (thermally) than open fireplaces. A Gas Safe certified contractor must maintain and install any gas fire in your property.
Electric Fireplaces - An obvious choice for many householders in Southport, these fires can be put in by pretty much any competent individual, in a safe and easy manner. Even if your house has a conventional fireplace, an electric fire which looks almost like a "real" fire can be fitted.
Fireplace fitters can be found in the Southport area, together with: Mere Brow, Scarisbrick, Holmeswood, Churchtown, Holmes, Rufford, Birkdale, Sollom, Halsall, Tarlscough, Ainsdale on Sea, Snape Green, Carr Cross, Smithy Lane Ends, plus these postcode areas: PR8 1HN, PR8 1DB, PR8 1DT, PR8 1EW, PR8 1BN, PR8 1JT, PR8 1RU, PR8 2BJ, PR8 1LU, and PR8 1RE. Fireplace installers from Southport will normally have the telephone code 01704 and the postcode PR8. Southport residents have access to these and other similar services anytime they need to. You can click on the "QUOTE" form or banner to get more specifics on any aspect of fireplace installation in the surrounding areas.
Practical Ideas On How To Retain Your Fireplace And Reduce Your Heating Bills
With all the current ecological problems, the open fireplace has lost a little of its former charm, but it's still a favourite feature for many people in Southport. There's nothing quite like feeling the genuine warmth of an open fireplace on a freezing winter evening. The open fireplace provides numerous benefits for your property, but there are also a couple of significant negative aspects that need to be addressed. As power costs climb, you need to make sure that your fireplace is giving off heat in an efficient way. When you've got a fire roaring in the fireplace, it can literally take away warm air away from the room, making your heater work harder. Anytime there is no fire, a damper ought to regulate the airflow. Often times though, fireplace dampers are renowned for being inefficient in keeping warm air in the house and cold air out.
Many householders in Southport who have a fireplace do not realise how it can influence heating costs. Instead of managing the heating of a residence naturally, a fireplace can essentially add 100s of pounds to your heating expenses. But it is not all bad news as there are ways to make your fireplace far more economical. There are at least four basic things that you could certainly do to improve your fireplace. You will appreciate that these suggestions will help to make your fireplace produce quality heat and your current heating bill a lot smaller.
The initial thing to do is to replace the damper with a top sealing damper. This kind of damper is installed at the top of the chimney, and acts like a storm door. It does a superb job of keeping warm air in the home during wintertime and cool air from escaping in the warmer months. The seal is straightforward to set up, and can be purchased on the web. Next, you ought to have a fire-back at the back section of your hearth. This is a cast iron plate that is intended to add to the room decor, while saving the back wall from being damaged due to the fires. The fire-back absorbs the heat from a fire, and radiates the heat back inside the room, increasing the overall performance of the fireplace.
Another cost saver is a fireplace heater, which heats the area by pulling the air into a heat chamber and returning the air back into the room. These clever devices don't produce any smoke and are be extremely successful in keeping your home warm and cosy. The final thing that can be done is to install glass doors, which may be the most expensive option. If you do a bit of homework, you can find a good price on glass doors and install them yourself. These glass doors help to prevent the heat from leaking out and additionally it keeps children and pets from getting burned.
These suggestions are not terribly hard to accomplish and you should be able to buy all of the items you need from the internet. Keep your existing fireplace and decrease heating expenses by increasing it's efficiency.
Brick Fireplaces
Brick fireplaces have been a classic feature in homes for centuries, and rightly so. They provide character, warmth and a touch of rustic charm that cannot be replicated by any other feature. If you are thinking about adding a brick fireplace to your home in Southport, here are some things to bear in mind.
First and foremost, you'll need to choose the design of fireplace you want. Classic brick fireplaces commonly feature a simple design with a mantel and hearth. However, you can also go for a more modern design with clean lines and a sleek finish.
Brick fireplaces can be built using different kinds of brick. You can pick from a range of brick colours and textures to match the design of your home. It's also possible to add extra elements such as tile, wood or stone to complement the brick.
Lastly, keep in mind the functional considerations. A brick fireplace can be an effective way to heat your dwelling, therefore you'll want to make certain it is properly vented and that it is being used in a secure and safe way.
To summarise, a brick fireplace can add charm and warmth to any room. With good planning and consideration, you can create a functional and attractive brick fireplace that will enhance your home's design and provide a cosy environment.
Stone Fireplaces Southport
If you want to really make a splash with your fireplace, there's no better way than to build one using natural stone. This is a fantastic way to bring a bit of the outdoors, indoors! There could already be some natural stone features on the exterior of your house, a stone boundary wall or facade, for example? You could construct something on the inside that matches the outside.
It's possible to build a natural stone fireplace with either full-depth stone or a thinner stone cladding, depending on your taste and budget. Also, limestone, quartz, granite, sandstone, slate or marble, are amongst the different types of stone that can be used to construct a fireplace.
Just how your fireplace looks when it's complete will depend on the kind of stone that's used, the methodology used by the stonemason or craftsman who builds it and the method of building (dry stone or mortar built). Pick a design that you like, and show the fireplace builder some pictures before they begin the job.
Stone isn't always a suitable material for a contemporary property, as it has a striking appearance and can rather dominate the appearance of a space, but obviously that's down to the choice of each individual householder - perhaps dramatic and spectacular is what you are looking for!
Southport Fireplace Related Tasks
Maybe you arrived here hunting for basic fireplace installation, yet your local Southport fireplace installer can accomplish a large range of additional services, and these could include gas fireplace installations, fake fireplaces in Southport, fireplacequotes, Victorian fireplace installation Southport, elm fireplaces Southport, fireplace design Southport, fireplace repairs in Southport, wood burning stove installations, inglenook fireplace installations, limestone fireplace installation, fireplaces, Regency fireplaces Southport, fireplace restoration, marble fireplaces, fireplace packages, modern fireplace, tiled fireplace installation in Southport, designer fireplaces, fireplace surrounds, Victorian fireplace installations, fireplace suites Southport, carbon monoxide detector installation, fire grate conversions, fireplace services, open fireplaces in Southport, inset stove installations in Southport, electric fireplaces, chimney strengthening, 2-sided fireplaces, chimney lining, gas stoves, wood burning fireplace installations, Victorian fireplaces, cast iron fireplaces Southport, stone fireplaces, and others I can't think of just now. If you've got fireplace requirements in Southport, that you do not see here, you should go HERE and fill in our simple quote form.
More Help and Guidance
To check out an interesting article about fireplace decoration ideas click here. To ask or reply to questions related to fireplace installation check out the Buildhub Forum, topics include things like widening a fireplace, pellet boilers and stoves, chimney designs, wood burning stoves, trims for stoves and building regulations. Pay a visit to Wikipedia to find more info about fireplaces. Get the essentials on installing a fireplace hearth and mantel by watching You Tube here. To get the low down on the most recent fireplace trends on social media websites, check this out.
Leaving a Review
So as to obtain work and succeed in business, local services and companies need to have great reviews online, because these are what people in Southport count on nowadays to uncover businesses they can trust. It is helpful for them if you can leave a review when they've done an excellent job or provided a great service, and it's handy for others as well. Your first hand knowledge of the business will be beneficial not just to the company, but also to any possible employer. Truth be told, reviews were almost certainly useful for you when you were first searching for somebody to install a fireplace. Even if a specific company website appeared to be professional, without any decent feedback and reviews you might well have looked someplace else for your fireplace installation.
However how can you really place reliance on reviews on a business's website? Have they been composed by a company employee attempting to promote their services, or were they composed by genuine people?
Instead of relying on these, you can head over to the reviews on Google My Business listings, where you'll get more genuine and honest reviews on services and companies in Southport. For establishing a business's reputation, this is THE go-to review website that is trusted throughout the world, and the search engine ranking positions of a business website can also be impacted by the results. The leading Google My Business rival is Bing Places for Business, which is the second largest review site for local companies and services in Southport. You will be able to help to raise the profile of a company that worked successfully on your project by posting a glowing review on one or both of these sites, and simultaneously create an overview of the standards and reliability which they exhibited.
Just as effective is leaving testimonials on Twitter and Facebook relating to the company you'd like to endorse. These social media giants will form a major part of any small company's marketing and promotional advertising. Their marketing message can be reinforced by your favourable reviews and give a starting place for friends and relations who may be searching for services of a similar nature.
Even in these modern, high-tech times, an 'old school' hand-drafted letter of thanks is more than acceptable. Such letters can be framed for display in reception areas, gathered together to create a portfolio of reviews which is valuable in face to face meetings with potential customers, or scanned and uploaded to the reviews page of the company's website or Facebook account. However you create a review it is an incredible feeling to think that you may have helped a small local business get another foothold in the competitive marketplace.
Fireplace Installers Near Southport
Also find: Scarisbrick fireplace installers, Snape Green fireplace installers, Ainsdale on Sea fireplace installers, Churchtown fireplace installers, Carr Cross fireplace installers, Birkdale fireplace installers, Mere Brow fireplace installers, Sollom fireplace installers, Halsall fireplace installers, Rufford fireplace installers, Holmes fireplace installers, Smithy Lane Ends fireplace installers, Tarlscough fireplace installers, Holmeswood fireplace installers and more. The majority of these localities are catered for by people who install fireplaces. These seasoned tradesmen's experience and know-how make them well-suited for the correct installation of fireplaces in your home. The warmth, comfort and atmosphere that a fireplace brings to their living areas can be enjoyed by residents with the help and assistance of these dedicated experts. To obtain fireplace installation estimates, local property owners can simply click here.
Fireplace Services Southport
- Fireplace Installers
- Cast Iron Fireplaces
- Electric Fireplace Installation
- Fireplace Surrounds
- Fireplace Mantels
- Victorian Fireplaces
- Open Fireplaces
- Natural Stone Fireplaces
- Fireplace Renovation
- Wood Burning Stoves
- Fireplace Installation Services
- Fireplace Installation Quotes
- Brick Fireplaces
- Fireplace Repairs
More Southport Tradespeople: When your Southport property needs improvements or remodeling, various different craftsmen could be required to complete the work, and although your present search is for fireplace installers in Southport, Merseyside, you might also need the skills of metalworkers in Southport, a bricklayer in Southport, a building contractor in Southport, gutter cleaning in Southport, a plumber in Southport, a roofer in Southport, floor screeding in Southport, a carpenter in Southport, a chimney sweep in Southport, an electrician in Southport, a plasterer in Southport, a painter and decorator in Southport, an odd job man in Southport, a damp proofer in Southport, waste removal in Southport, stone cleaning in Southport, a stonemason in Southport, SKIP HIRE in Southport, and possibly others.
If you would like to get local Southport information look here
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Fireplace installation in PR8 area, phone code 01704.
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