Wakefords Fireplaces and Stoves

Wakefords Header

By

The Dangers of Not Sweeping Your Chimney and Servicing Your Fireplace

With the colder seasons approaching and winter festivities on their way, fireplaces and log burners are sure to see a steep incline in usage in the coming months. That’s why, at this time of year, fireplace safety is more important than ever, given the potentially life-threatening dangers associated with using chimneys that have not been swept and fireplaces that have not serviced.

Chimney Fires

For a fire to start, just three things are needed: fuel, heat, and oxygen. When a fireplace is in use, flammable substances such as soot, tar, and creosote are produced and can build up in your chimney. Combined with the heat from your fireplace and the oxygen in the air, this buildup can act as the fuel, quickly sparking a chimney fire.

At best, a chimney fire will be contained and quickly extinguished, though the chimney lining will likely crack and require replacing. At worst, a chimney fire could ignite nearby materials and ultimately lead to a house fire, the potential consequences of which are, of course, unthinkable. To avoid experiencing this, employing a professional to regularly sweep your chimney and service your fireplace is crucial.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Any fire that burns wood or coal will produce carbon monoxide: a deadly, colourless, odourless gas. A properly functioning chimney will act as an escape route, carrying this poisonous gas up and out of your home. On the other hand, a dirty chimney that has not been properly maintained will trap the carbon monoxide and send it straight back into your living area, putting you and your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Terrifyingly, high levels of carbon monoxide can kill a person within minutes. These realities are why a professional sweep of your chimney and service of your fireplace at regular intervals is so essential to maintaining the safety of your fireplace and avoiding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

When to Sweep Your Chimney and Service Your Fireplace

How regularly you should sweep your chimney and service your fireplace will depend on the type of fuel you use. Namely, fireplaces that burn smokeless fuels such as anthracite and briquettes should have their chimney swept once a year, just before the peak heating season or after a prolonged period of non-use. Alternatively, fireplaces that burn traditional wooden logs should have their chimney swept at least twice a year, both before and after the peak heating season.

Warning Signs of a Faulty Fireplace or Blocked Chimney

Having your chimney regularly swept and fireplace regularly serviced is an excellent way to avoid your fireplace developing faults and keep your chimney clear and clean. However, being familiar with the warning signs associated with a faulty fireplace or blocked chimney will enable you to identify and arrange help for any issues quickly, before they develop into something more sinister.

The warning signs associated with a faulty fireplace include:

  • A gas smell emanating from the fire;
  • A buildup of soot around the fireplace;
  • Difficulties with getting the fire to ignite;
  • Hearing hissing, whistling, or popping sounds from your gas fire;
  • Experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The warning signs associated with a blocked chimney include:

  • Smoke re-entering the house when the fireplace is in use;
  • A persistent bad smell emanating from the chimney;
  • Signs of tar or creosote around the chimney entrance;
  • Soot falling back into the fireplace;
  • Issues with the fire burning well or staying ignited;
  • The presence of birds around the top of your chimney;
  • Hearing scratching noises in your chimney.

These last two points could suggest there are birds nesting in your chimney. The bird nesting season runs from March to August, with April to July being the nesting season of jackdaws, the bird most commonly associated with chimney nesting. Keep an eye out for hair, cloth, or sticks making their way down your chimney, and stay alert to any strange scratching sounds. If you suspect you have a bird’s nest in your chimney, it is essential to employ a professional to remove this.

It is critical to employ a professional to ensure your chimney sweeping and fireplace servicing is done correctly. Wakeford Fireplaces is happy to recommend qualified professionals in your local area.

By

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.

By

What Are The Essential Fireplace Tools You Need? An Ultimate Guide to Safety!

Fireplaces provide your living area with a cosy vibe and relaxing ambience. However, there is a high risk associated with fireplace handling. But that’s not you to worry about since we have got you covered in this blog.

Here, we are talking about the essential fireplace tools to keep the situation “under control.”

And that’s just not it. There is another reason why you should have fireplace tools at your place; “wink, wink” it’s for decoration purposes!

1. Tongs

Fireplace tongs are not an option to have but a necessity. They assist the moving the burning logs to control the fire. The length of the tongue is one thing you should be considerate about. The reason is, if your burning logs are large enough, then a small fireplace tong will be of no use. The only way to get them moved is by going to the fireplace area. And we don’t want that, do we? Hence, making sure that you have the right length of fireplace tong is crucial.

2. Shovel

You might have noticed an ash layer in your fireplace area. The thing about ash is that you don’t have to get it removed fully. However, excess ash is required for you to get rid of as it prevents the air from reaching the wood, which is needed for it to burn.

You will need a shovel to remove the fireplace ash so that it’s lit nicely and evenly. Moreover, fireplace shovels are a great piece of decoration; old, unique, or contemporary shovels add an aesthetic vibe to your living area.

3. Fireplace Brush

Fireplaces are an integral part of your living. You surely don’t want the ashes and the dust to pile up there, right?

And that’s what the primary purpose of the fireplace brushes is. But, here, not any random brush will do. The brush with the right shape and width is needed to reach the corners and holes to get the dirt removed properly.

4. Fireplace Poker

There is a reason why fireplace poker is called a must-have. It is made of fireproof material that helps in pushing and moving the burning logs. In simpler words, it helps you make the smaller fire bigger and the bigger fire smaller.

5. Ash Bucket

Now you might be pondering that why a bucket is needed to stoke fire? Well, as we talked about earlier, we need to get rid of ash on an almost daily basis for the logs to be lit. The removing of the ash can be one hell of a task, and hence as buckets ease the things out for you.

Just for your convenience and better as management, investing in an ash bucket won’t hurt.

Get In Touch

To all the people living in Surrey, Wakeford fireplaces have been catering to your stove, fire, and fireplace needs for more than 3 decades now. And the best thing is that we are the best in the business.

If you are planning to get an electric, gas, or wooden fireplace installed, then look no further. We are the guide you need.

By

What are the best woods for your fireplace

It is safe to assume that all types of wood burn, but it might surprise you to know that not all woods burn the same way. Some will burn at a higher temperature, some woods will burn at a slower rate and some are cleaner to burn than others. Depending on how much resin and sap they have, some woods will clog up and dirty your chimney faster. There will be some woods that are considered “the best” for burning in a fireplace; those that burn hot and produce more heat at a steady rate. Let’s take a look at the different types of woods available for your fireplace…

Hardwood for Fireplaces

For those looking for a high quality burn with a longer burn time, hardwoods are the best choice. Most fruit trees or trees such as; birch, ash or oak are great examples of hardwoods that are excellent for burning in your stove or fireplace. They will usually burn for a hotter and long time and they are cleaner to handle than other woods, having a relatively small amount of sap in them. However, most hardwoods will be more expensive than their softwood counterparts and are more prone to leaving stony residue leftover in the ash. Some hardwoods like birch will retain a lot of moisture, this will create more smoke when burning it. If this is a concern for your fireplace, it is something to be mindful of when considering birch.

Burning Softwood in Fireplaces

The biggest benefit of choosing a softwood is that softwoods are typically cheaper to buy. The best softwoods to consider are; alder, balsam, cedar, fir, pine and spruce. Typically, softwood will burn faster than hardwood and leave finer ash. A softwood will make more of a mess however and, especially pine will cause creosote (creosote is a tar-like soot substance that builds up on the walls of your chimney when the byproducts of your wood get burnt off) to build up faster in your chimney.

Woods Not To Burn In Your Fireplace

Recovering scraps of wood or salvaging firewood can be a great low-budget option for those looking to save some money while still enjoying their wood burning stove or fireplace. However, not knowing the origin of the wood, what foreign objects may be inside it or if it has been treated with any chemicals or products create a risk when it is burnt. Avoid painted or varnished woods, plywood and MDF will be filled with dangerous chemicals and driftwood may be too wet for a long time to use and have nails or other metal objects inside it.

Get in touch

For more information about fireplaces or advice on your fireplace and wood burning stove options, get in touch with our team today and we will be happy to talk to you about your options. Give our team a call on 01483 223900 or email us at info@wakefordfireplaces.com. See our full contact details here or give the showroom a visit to talk to our team in person.

By

The Benefits of a Professional Fireplace Cleaning Service

Everyone who has owned a fireplace for a long period of time can tell you that it is very important to have it regularly cleaned, either by a professional or getting on your hands and knees and taking care of business yourself. But if the idea of handling the cleaning doesn’t sound like a fun weekend to you, then you may need to look into getting a professional fireplace cleaning service. Beyond the obvious clean fireplace there are some benefits you may not have considered that may convince you it’s the best move for you and your fireplace.

Fireplace Inspection During A Clean

When you hire a professional fireplace cleaner, an immediate benefit that many don’t consider is that while cleaning your fireplace they will inspect it as they go. A cleaner will be familiar with all the indicators of damage to a fireplace or chimney as well as keep an eye out for any signs of structural loss or other hazards. The preventative measures taken during these cleaning sessions could save a lot of money in the long run, not to mention prevents any dangerous situations occurring. Should the professional cleaner find anything, they will be sure to let you know about it.

Professional Grade Fireplace Cleaning Company

There are many parts of cleaning a fireplace and chimney that need specialist tools and equipment; ash, shoot, flammable deposits, to name a few. Sadly, some of these are too much of a match for a wet rag or even elbow grease. That’s why hiring a professional with professional grade tools ensures there is a commitment to using the right tools for the job. The high standard kept by a professional team will ensure higher quality performance and longer life of the fireplace.

Get In Touch

For more information about cleaning and maintain your fireplace take a look at our latest news for more content or if you want to speak to a member of our team, give us a call on 01483 223900 or email us at mailto:info@wakefordfireplaces.com