Fireplace Fitter Thatcham Berkshire (RG18): A wonderful way to add a bit of character and a cozy feel to any house in Thatcham, is to open up an old fireplace to fit a multi-fuel, wood burner or open fireplace. The addition of a wood burning stove or open fire for those frosty winters' days can even prove to be cheaper than a regular central heating system, providing that you have a regular source of fuel. If used in combination with a back boiler it can supply you with a plentiful supply of hot water in the process.
Before you begin chipping away at a blocked up chimney there are a few things you'll need to consider to make sure you can install your new fireplace in an efficient and safe way. Any work which is completed on your chimney breast, hearth, fireplace and flue lining must adhere to the Building Regs, Part J for combustible appliances. If you live in a listed building or are in a designated conservation area you must check with local council to see if planning permission is necessary for a fireplace installation in your house.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE INSTALLATION OR DIY?
If you're a keen DIYer it might be quite possible to renovate a blocked up fireplace, however the chances of encountering structural problems in the majority of cases is high. It might be that in order to get a fire roaring once more you'll need nothing more than a quick clean of the hearth and a sweep of the chimney. If you're not so blessed, you'll discover a wall of crumbling, old bricks that is hiding a litany of problems, like a broken old lintel or a blocked chimney.
If a fireplace is installed in your home in Thatcham and it isn't correctly put in, there isn't just a serious risk of fire, but also of respiratory health conditions. Therefore, using a certified fireplace fitter is widely recommended in most cases. So that a fire can burn safely in a room with a fireplace, there should be plenty of airflow to ensure a good level of oxygen. Carbon monoxide fumes (which are lethal can accumulate in a poorly ventilated room where an inefficently burning fire is installed.
A competent fireplace installation crew will evaluate the situation and overcome this issue to guarantee a satisfactory amount of air flow for the fire to combust effectively and safely, by installing vents around the room, or under the floors. Flue vents might also have to be fitted into unused chimney flues which can sometimes cause damp spots and stains to to a chimney breast, due to moist air being trapped.
BEFORE WORK COMMENCES
It's surprising how much dust and soot can build up inside an old chimney and fireplace and you will not know exactly what's there until you open it up. To make sure that your stuff doesn't get damaged by the dust, grime and soot that is discharged during work by a fireplace installer, removing rugs, furniture and carpets beforehand is recommended. Due to the mess involved, if your fireplace installation is only part of a more extensive refurbishment project, it should be one of the initial tasks to be worked on after the room has been taken back to bare floors and walls in preparation. This prevents any discolouration damage to any restored work you have already finished.
CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL WORK
Once you have revealed your old fireplace you will have a greater idea of the work that is required, and also be able to sweep the chimney and clean up any sections of hearth that is still in position. You now ought to get hold of your chimney sweep, if you've not already done this, to come and clean the old fireplace and chimney. While cleaning and sweeping, they will be perfectly positioned to assess the structural stability of your chimney and flue liner, and advise what's needed to knock it back into shape.
If it is necessary to install a new flue liner or strengthen the chimney all current UK Building Regulations must be adhered to. These are projects that should be done by an experienced craftsman with a knowledge of the applicable building regs and reliable construction skills.
It's quite possible that a concrete lintel will need to be installed, if the size of the exposed fireplace is wider than your requirements. Once your new concrete lintel is safely in position you can now press on with the installation, updating and repair of the fireplace hearth. Once upon a time the hearth was sunken into the floor, however the latest building regs require it to be raised above normal floor level. You can pick from a range of favourite size and shape hearths to match your home decor, or there are tailor-made solutions to fit most sizes and styles of fireplace. You should your Thatcham fireplace builder about what's currently available.
STYLES OF FIREPLACE
Due to the huge selection of different fireplace styles and designs, choosing the best one will not always be easy. You can check out what's currently available by going on the internet or by visiting your nearest fireplace outlet. Not all fireplaces might be suitable for your existing flue and chimney and it is wise to accept any advice and help from your sales and installation team in relation to your particular circumstances.
An open fireplace may be suitable for some rooms and properties in Thatcham, while a multi-fuel or wood burning stove will be more appropriate for others. As an example, an inglenook fireplace can be an eye-catching backdrop to a traditional cast iron wood-burner stove, which highlights its charm and reflects the heat into the room.
You still have possibilities for a feature fireplace by by having a wood burner stove installed, even if your Thatcham home hasn't got an existing chimney. This form of fireplace can be installed with a flue that's channeled through an outside wall and doesn't need a chimney, to be installed safely.
GAS, WOOD, ELECTRIC, MULTI-FUEL OR OPEN FIREPLACE?
Who doesn't enjoy the glow and warmth of an open fireplace on a cold winters' evening, however if your circumstances do not allow for this, what alternatives are on offer?
Wood Burning Stoves - Even the smallest room in Thatcham can be improved by the fitting of a wood burner, which are available in a range of styles, and, if required, can even be fitted freestanding. When used in combination with a back boiler, these can supply extra heating functionality by connecting the hot water to colder areas of your property by means of a radiator.
Electric Fireplaces - Can be fitted quickly and safely by anybody who's reasonable competent and there are varieties and styles which are appropriate for almost any room and house in Thatcham. Can be set into conventional fireplaces, and with the "real" looking feel of some electric fires it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish them from the genuine article.
Gas Fireplaces - Their efficiency to heat a room is superior to wood burning stoves, and there many styles to suit all types of home in Thatcham. Any gas fireplace put into your Thatcham home must be installed and maintained by an approved Gas Safe heating engineer.
Open Fireplaces - The classic fireplace that can be used with different fuels such as briquettes, wood, coal and other burnable products. In earlier times an open fire might have been associated with being smoky, draughty and inefficient, but a skillfully installed fireplace is a joy to sit in front of and recline in the warm glow it provides.
Multi-Fuel Stoves - Running on a number of different fuels such as wood, oil, gas or smokeless coal, a multi-fuel stove can be an attractive focal point in your living space. The AGA range for example is well known as being able to provide heat for the whole home, a supply of hot water and a hob and oven for cooking all in a single unit.
Fireplace installation work can be done in Thatcham and also nearby in: Henwick, Beenham, Brimpton, Miles's Green, Bradfield Southend, Crookham Common, Colthrop, Upper Woolhampton, Curridge, Greenham, Midgham, Upper Bucklebury, Stanford Dingley, Ashmore Green, Bucklebury, The Slade, Benham Hill, Bishops Green, Marlston Hermitage, Heads Hill, Tutts Clump, and in these postcodes RG18 4AE, RG18 3XX, RG18 4DP, RG18 3EJ, RG18 3DX, RG18 4BT, RG18 4EP, RG18 3HR, RG18 3ZQ, and RG18 3DR. It is more than likely that any fireplace services from the Thatcham district will have the telephone dialling code 01635 and the postcode RG18. This information is helpful if you want to confirm that you are hiring a local fireplace builder. Thatcham home and business owners can use these fireplace services at any time they're in need of them. Click the "quote" form or banner to get specifics of the installation of fireplaces in your area.
Chimney Sweeping Thatcham
Having 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 Thatcham property. To be completely safe, it is advisable to clean and sweep your chimney twice yearly, particularly if you're burning coal or wood.
You can sweep your own chimney, if you have the right equipment, but this is a messy job and is best left to a specialist Thatcham chimney sweep if you want it to be done cleanly and correctly. An experienced chimney sweep won't only clean your chimney but in addition keep an eye out for any safety issues.
A build-up of soot, ash and creosote can lead to chimney fires if you neglect to sweep your chimney. Along with the risk of fires, you'll want to avoid at all costs any chances of poisonous carbon monoxide gas being drawn back into your house, another frequent result of blocked chimneys.
You will no doubt now appreciate the importance of hiring a dependable chimney sweep in Thatcham, and also one who's covered by adequate public liability insurance. You can GO HERE for the latest chimney sweep prices in Thatcham. You should also be able to get chimney sweeping done in neabry locations.
Chimney Cowls Thatcham
A hood-shaped covering for your chimney, a chimney cowl provides draft and stops back-up in your chimney system. It is usually made from galvanized iron and sits over the chimney pot to keep the wind from blowing smoke back down. For any chimney in Thatcham, it is a key element. Chimney cowls can be bought online or in a hardware shops. A cowl will keep your fireplace or stove working effectively, whether you decide to invest in a brand new one or improve the performance of a pre-existing one.
There are several forms of chimney cowls on the market. There are pot hanging cowls which can be installed without the need to remove the chimney pot. They hook up with the flue liner by means of three straps, which secure the cowl in place. Another sort of cowl is a weathering cap, which is mounted on the end of the flue system. These are larger than the chimney pot, which guarantees that they stay in position.
One of the most common sorts of chimney cowl is known as the H-style. This pattern is one of the best for stabilising the draught and allows your fireplace to perform more efficiently. It is made from a series of H-shaped pipes that isolate the combustion gases from down draughts. It originally served marine applications, but has become popular among homeowners because of its energy-saving functionality.
Another type is the Aerodyne cowl. It works by drawing air into the chimney cowl and lowering downdraught. It is available in an assortment of colours. Its venturi shape draws air into the chimney cowl, creating a drop in air pressure that draws air upward from the fireplace or stove. Other types of chimney cowl include: anti-downdraught chimney cowls, aspirotor chimney cowls, spinning chimney cowls, bonnet chimney cowls, birdguards and static chimney cowls.
Chimney cowls are a great way to prevent birds from nesting in your chimney and blocking the whole thing up. They are reasonably priced and easy to install. You should ensure you have easy access to the area above the chimney stack in order to install one. It can also prevent dirt and debris from accumulating inside your chimney.
Thatcham Fireplace Related Tasks
Your local fireplace fitter can undertake an extensive variety of tasks and services including wood fireplace mantels, built-in gas fires, chimney repairs, corner fireplaces, gas fireplace installation, electric fireplaces Thatcham, fireplace cleaning, marble fireplace installations, fireplaceprices, gas fireplaces, Victorian fireplaces in Thatcham, wood burning fireplace installation, fireplace installation, brick fireplaces, electric fire baskets, electric fireplace installation, contemporary fireplaces Thatcham, freestanding stoves, traditional fireplaces Thatcham, fireplace repairs, chimney modifications Thatcham, period fireplaces in Thatcham, fireplace restoration, the installation of tiled fireplaces, classic fireplaces, contemprary fireplace installations, marble fireplace surrounds, oak beam fireplaces, fireplace design, chimney sweeping in Thatcham, carbon monoxide detector installation in Thatcham, elm fireplace installations in Thatcham, fireplaces in Thatcham, 2-sided fireplaces in Thatcham, elm fireplaces Thatcham, and more.
Fireplace Installers Near Thatcham
Also find: Stanford Dingley fireplace installers, Bradfield Southend fireplace installers, Tutts Clump fireplace installers, Miles's Green fireplace installers, The Slade fireplace installers, Curridge fireplace installers, Upper Bucklebury fireplace installers, Beenham fireplace installers, Ashmore Green fireplace installers, Greenham fireplace installers, Colthrop fireplace installers, Bishops Green fireplace installers, Crookham Common fireplace installers, Upper Woolhampton fireplace installers, Henwick fireplace installers, Benham Hill fireplace installers, Heads Hill fireplace installers, Marlston Hermitage fireplace installers, Bucklebury fireplace installers, Midgham fireplace installers, Brimpton fireplace installers and more. These and other places are covered by fireplace installers and similar tradesmen. These skilled tradesmen's knowledge and experience make them well-suited for the correct installation of fireplaces in your home. These dedicated professionals can assist residents in experiencing the atmosphere, warmth and comfort that a fireplace brings to their living spaces. By clicking here, local residents can obtain fireplace installation price quotes. So, there's no reason not to get started on your fireplace installation right away!
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