How To Install A New Fireplace In Your Home
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Fireplaces can really finish off the look of a room and make it feel homey. An open fire or beautiful gas/electric fire can create a real ‘wow’ factor to your room and provide a welcoming atmosphere.
Once you have decided what kind of fireplace you want for your room then you will have to consider installation very carefully. Although you could install a new fireplace yourself this can be a tricky job. A professional fitter would be able to ensure the main fire is installed correctly and in good working order. This is a key consideration from both an aesthetic and safety point of view. This is especially important for gas fires and solid fuel stoves which need to be fitted to strict safety standards. Professional gas fire engineers must have the correct certification in order to fit gas fires.
Once the main fire is fitted you could then fit the fire surround and mantel shelf yourself if you have good practical DIY skills.
Surveys
Before you fit a new fireplace you need to survey the existing space first. This will help you to judge what fireplace would be appropriate. It is important to get a professional survey in place if you are fitting open fires as the chimneys need to be checked to see if they are still in good working order. If you fit an open fire and then find out the chimneys need repairing then this could cause a lot of problems. You may even have to take the fireplace out again whilst the work is being carried out.
Preparation
You will need to clear away the existing fireplace and thoroughly clean up the area ready to fit your new fire. This involves removing the main fire (if it is gas this will need to be done by a professional fitter), the fire surround and mantel shelf. This will also give you a clear space to take the right measurements for your new fireplace. Once the old fireplace has been cleaned out then you may need to carry out some repairs to the chimney as well if necessary.
Fitting
Fitting the main fireplace should be carried out by a professional. This will ensure that the new fire looks great and works safely and efficiently. You could fit the tile or wood surround yourself and save some money. However if you want a special finish such as stone or marble then this will require a specialist craftsman. Natural stone can be tricky to fit because it is can be very heavy and difficult to cut and drill. If you are fitting a natural stone fireplace you should use a professional stonemason. They will have the skills and tools to fit the stone properly with a high quality finish. |
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Author Resource:-
Direct Fires online are UK retailers of Gas Fire and Wall mounted electric Fires . From inset gas fires to limestone and cast iron fires, we have them all on our website. Why not take a look today.
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By :
Gareth Hoyle
Submitted
2010-08-12 23:25:31 |
Article From Article Mayhem
 Ezine ready view |
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