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Beat the Rush: Get Your Flue and Chimney Checked and Swept

As the summer days slowly begin to fade, thoughts of a cosy, crackling fireplace become more and more appealing. However, before you indulge in the warmth and comfort of your fireplace this autumn and winter, it’s important to get your flue and chimney checked and swept in the late summer.

Why Late Summer?

While it might seem counterintuitive to address your chimney during the summer, it’s actually the best time to do so. Here’s why.

Avoid the Rush

By autumn, chimney sweeps are in high demand as homeowners across the country realise the importance of a clean and functional chimney as the temperatures drop. Booking your chimney inspection and cleaning in the late summer ensures you beat the rush. This means you’re more likely to secure an appointment that suits your schedule.

Address Bird Nests

Late summer is also the perfect time to check for bird nests in your chimney. Many birds, including swifts, sparrows, and starlings, nest in chimneys during the spring and early summer. By late summer, the young birds have fledged, leaving behind nests that can obstruct airflow and create fire hazards. Having your chimney inspected in late summer allows for the safe removal of these nests before they cause problems.

Why Are Chimney Inspections and Sweeps Important?

There are many reasons why chimney inspections and sweeps are important, including:

Fire Safety

A chimney that isn’t checked can become a fire hazard. Creosote, a highly flammable substance, builds up in the flue over time. If ignited, it can lead to a chimney fire that can rapidly spread throughout your home. Regular chimney sweeping removes this dangerous buildup, ensuring your fireplace is safe to use.

Improved Efficiency

A clean chimney simply functions more efficiently. When your flue is clogged with soot and debris, it can’t force out smoke and gases properly. This can lead to poor ventilation, smoke backing up into your home, and even dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. A clean chimney ensures your fireplace operates just as it should.

Prolonged Lifespan

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your chimney and fireplace. When you address issues ASAP, you prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run!

Protecting Your Investment

For many homeowners, a fireplace is a valuable feature that adds to the charm and value of their property. Regular chimney maintenance protects this investment and ensures it remains a functional and beautiful addition to your home, and can increase the value of your property if you decide to sell.

Takeaway

As summer comes to a close and the promise of cooler weather is on the horizon, it’s time to think about your fireplace. Don’t wait until the first chill of autumn to address your chimney’s maintenance needs. Beat the rush, schedule your chimney inspection in late summer, and rest easy knowing your fireplace is safe, efficient, and ready to provide warmth and comfort when you need it most.

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Top Trends in Fireplace and Stove Design for 2023

As the world of interior design continues to evolve and adapt, so does the world of fireplace and stove design. If you’re planning on upgrading your fireplace or stove in 2023, you might be interested in some of the latest trends in this field. Here are some of the top trends in fireplace and stove design that you need to know this year.

Minimalism

One of the biggest trends in interior design right now is minimalism, and this trend is making its way to fireplaces and stoves. Simple, sleek designs with clean lines and minimal ornamentation are becoming increasingly popular. Styles like limestone and marble fireplaces with clean lines and simple shapes are sure to fit in with any décor scheme.

Natural Materials

Another trend circulating homes in recent years is the use of natural materials in home décor. You can expect to see more fireplaces and stoves made of materials like stone, brick, and wood. By choosing a wood or natural stone fireplace, you can hop right on this trend in 2023.

Traditional

Going the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the more traditional fireplaces which can you’re your home a classic and homely feel. Adding a cast iron fireplace to your home is a great way of bringing together contemporary and traditional design. These fireplaces are ornate and exquisite making them perfect for adding a touch of elegance.

Customisation

Many homeowners are looking for ways to personalise their living spaces, and fireplaces and stoves are no exception. You can find fireplaces with customisable options like interchangeable mantels or the ability to choose your own colours and finishes to match the style of your home.

Environmental Sustainability

As people become more environmentally conscious, they’re looking for ways to make their homes more eco-friendly. Look for fireplaces and stoves that are designed to be more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions like wood-burning fires.

Outdoor Fireplaces

With more people spending time outdoors, outdoor fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. When searching for an outdoor fireplace or stove, look for ones that are designed to be weather-resistant and used all year round.

Whether you’re looking for a simple and sleek minimalist design or a high-tech fireplace to match your smart home, there’s sure to be a fireplace trend that suits you in 2023. If you’re looking for a

brand-new fireplace, stove, or fire for your home, come visit our showroom where we can help you choose the best one for you.

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How Fireplaces Can Add Value to Your House

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, a fireplace can be a great investment. They provide great warmth and aesthetical appeal whilst providing functionality and a focal point in any room. Here, we’ll discuss the ways that fireplaces can add value to your house.

Aesthetic Appeal

Fireplaces are seen as a luxurious feature in homes, and they can instantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any room by adding character. A fireplace is a focal point that draws attention to a space and can even make the room feel cosier, warmer and more inviting. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with a fireplace because it adds that extra touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

Energy Efficiency

Many modern fireplaces are designed to be energy efficient meaning they can help lower heating costs in the home. Energy-efficient fireplaces use wood to create heat which reduces the need for gas. Fireplaces and stoves are designed to produce a comfortable amount of heat and can keep a room warm for longer periods. Buyers who are environmentally conscious or who are looking to save on their energy costs will appreciate a home with a wood-burning fireplace.

Increased Home Value

Because fireplaces are often considered a desirable feature, they can help increase your home’s overall value by around 5%. Although this doesn’t seem like much, when you put into context the value of the house, it’s a larger sum than you think. However, there is a range of factors that are taken into consideration, such as the type of fireplace, the size of the room, and the overall design and quality. Overall, buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that has one!

Versatility

Fireplaces are more than just a heating source, they can serve as a decorative element for displaying art, family photos, ornaments and other decorative items. It’s also a great place to show off your Christmas decorations and hang stockings! The versatility of a fireplace is another reason why it adds so much value to a home. It can serve many functions and add an extra bit of functionality to the space.

Unique Selling Point

Finally, a fireplace can be a unique selling point for your home setting it apart from other properties on the market. By adding a fireplace, you can create a feature that’s memorable and distinctive which gives your home an edge over the others in the area.

Takeaway

In conclusion, installing a fireplace in your home is a smart investment that adds aesthetic appeal and resale value. If you’re looking to boost your home’s value, take a look at the huge range of fireplaces and stoves we have in stock at Wakefords.

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Top 9 Fireplace Design Options to Try Out in 2022

Have you ever considered adding a fireplace to your living room or family room? They bring a sense of cosiness and comfort to any room.

A fireplace is a great design option that you can add to your room and make a dramatic statement while bringing additional heat and beauty. When considering a fireplace as part of your home layout, there are many options available to you when it comes to the design of your fireplace.

Fireplaces give you that beautiful fire look, but they also warm up your house. Fireplaces can be expensive to build into the home, but there are a couple of ways to get around this cost.

One way is to build your brick fireplace, while another option is to find one where the brickwork has already been done. Here are nine options you may consider when choosing a fireplace for your home.

Top 9 Fireplace Design Options

A fireplace media wall displays images on a screen that mimic the look of flames and provides a heat source. The images can be changed based on the seasons or holidays.

1. Stone Fireplace

Stone fireplaces are one of the most popular types of fireplace designs. They have a very natural feel and can be found in many different styles and colours. Stone is an excellent choice for a fireplace because it will keep your home warm, even if you don’t have a traditional chimney.

The only downside to stone fireplaces is that they tend to be more expensive than other fireplaces, but they are well worth the money if you want something that blends in with your home’s decor.

2. Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are another common choice for homeowners who want an efficient way to heat their homes during the winter months. They’re easy to use and don’t require much maintenance at all.

Gas fireplaces can come in many different shapes and sizes, so there’s bound to be one that fits perfectly! If you want something that looks modern and sleek, this might be the right option!

3. Brick Fireplace

Brick fireplaces are another prevalent choice, especially if you want to create a rustic atmosphere in your home. The great thing about brick fireplaces is that they can be made from natural and artificial bricks, so you have plenty of options for design.

If you prefer not to use real bricks, then faux brick may be a better option because it looks just like an actual brick but is less expensive and easier to install than natural brick.

4. Fireplace Surrounds

A fireplace surround is an integral part of your fireplace because it provides aesthetic appeal while protecting your walls from heat damage.

Fireplace surrounds come in many different styles to match any décor. It can also improve the efficiency of your fireplace by keeping out drafts from outside air coming into the room where your fireplace is located.

5. Wood Burning Fireplace

Wood burning fireplaces are grand for rustic homes or those who love the outdoors because they give off an earthy and natural feel while still efficiently heating rooms in your home during colder months.

Wood burning fireplaces often feature glass doors to enjoy watching the flames from inside your home rather than sitting outside near them during cold weather months when it’s too chilly to sit outside anyway!

6. Cast Concrete Fireplace

Cast concrete fireplaces are an excellent option for those who want to create an outdoor fireplace. They are durable and can be customized to fit any design needs.

7. Steel Fireplace

Steel fireplaces are another popular option for homeowners who want a modern fireplace design that doesn’t compromise style or function.

Steel fireplaces can be made from either solid steel or steel mesh panels that allow heat to flow through them but keep flames within the fireplace itself. Steel mesh panels also come in various colours, so you can find one that best matches your overall home décor scheme!

8. Recessed Fireplace

Recessed fireplaces are grand for any room in your home. They can be placed against the wall or on a mantle, but the most popular option is to use them as a focal point in your living or family room.

The best part about this type of fireplace is that it doesn’t take up any floor space, so you can fit more furniture around it than if you had a traditional fireplace.

9. Vintage Fireplace

If you want to give your home an old-fashioned look, then a vintage fireplace design may be what you’re looking for.

These fireplaces were popular during the Victorian era and have become increasingly popular today because they can add so much character to any room in your home.

Summing Up!

Fireplaces have become standard paraphernalia in modern homes as they are designed to be a focal point of any room. People use it to make their rooms look more attractive, comfortable, and cosy.

This nature-inspired piece of art can do wonders to your home, especially if you live in an apartment with limited options for decorating the interior.

Wakeford’s Fireplaces are one of the leading specialists in designing luxury fireplaces that create a focal point in any room. If you want to get your unique fireplace or stove, speak with the experts at Wakeford’s.

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Which Fireplace Is Best For The Environment

Here is All You Need to Know About Different Types of Fireplaces!

There are no doubts over the fact that the fireplace is an integral part of the living room. However, with so many types of options in the market, one gets baffled when the decision is to be made. And here is our suggestion; when income allows, your topmost priority should be “going green.” Going green is the best choice you can make for yourself and for the greater good of the planet. So let’s dig in the options for the fireplace before we conclude which type is the best, keeping the environment in mind.

Fireplace and Their Impact on The Environment

We have a list of fireplaces that you can choose from:

1. Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplace has been an increasing choice of the users due to its efficiency, effectiveness, and the fact that it keeps the area cleaner. However, it should be kept in mind that it’s not environment-friendly, and in fact, gas is a non-renewable resource that we should be working to conserve and not the opposite. Furthermore, natural gas is hazardous to health.

2. Wood-Burning Fireplace

While this might sound like a not-so-good option, the recent advancements have enabled the wood-burning fireplace to be somewhat better for the environment. This means you can be considerate about the environment while having warmth and earthy aesthetic vibes for the living room.

3. Electric Fireplace

With so many options of the fireplace, one that truly and fully checks all the points in the list for the “fireplace best for the environment” has to be an electric fireplace. Not only are the electric fireplaces efficient, but they are also cost-saving and ensure that there is no burden being put on the environment. The best part about the electric fireplace is that it serves its purpose too. It keeps the room warm and additionally provides other benefits. An electric fireplace can be easily installed, is easy to maintain, doesn’t require much cleaning, and above all, is aesthetically pleasing. All in all, an electric fireplace makes the best choice in all categories while being the obvious choice when it comes to the environment. Also, if your electricity is powered via solar panels, the electric fireplace will be more eco-friendly.

4. Pellet Stove Fireplace
Pellet fireplace is another choice when it comes to selecting a fireplace that is best for the environment. They are efficient and have low emissions. Pellet is made of a variety of biomass and organic material that are in abundance and is cost-effective too.

In A Nutshell

Which fireplace is best for the environment depends entirely on your preferences and needs. Just because you have a gas fireplace doesn’t mean you can play your part; the usage matters too. Also, you can always upgrade to a better, energy-saving, and resource-conserving option that is best for the environment as well.
Wakeford Fireplace

If you are not sure regarding which type of fireplace you should get your hands on or which will work best in favour of the environment, then we, Wakeford Fireplace, have got you covered!