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Can I get a made to measure gas fire to fit my existing fireplace?
Yes these are called made-to-measure, custom or bespoke gas fires. There are a number of benefits to going down this route:
- Perfect fit: A made to measure gas fire will fit perfectly into your fireplace. Eliminating the need for any modifications to the op.ening.
- Variety of options: Choose from a variety of features and finishes. Creating a gas fire that complements your décor. This includes things like the type of fuel bed (coals, logs, pebbles), control type (manual, wall switch, remote)
- Modern look: Made-to-measure gas fires offer a very modern look and feel. With features like realistic flames and glowing embers. Remote control.
- Re Use: A made to measure gas fire will enable you to re use an existing fireplace or fire basket. Thus saving money on the overall project.
Here are some resources to help you find your perfect bespoke gas fire:
- Use our online form: Should you not live near our showroom you can click here to be taken to our custom made gas fires page. Input your dimensions and we will get back to you with a price and lead time. Once your made to measure gas fire is ready we will ship direct to your door.
- Give us a call: call Nigel on 0208 663 3223 for expert advice on your made to measure fire.
- Visit our Showroom: Visit our fireplace showroom where we can discuss your requirements in person. And provide you with a tailored quotation for the supply and installation of your new bespoke gas fire.
Important safety note:
All our made to measure gas fires must be installed by a qualified fitter. Not local to us ensure you ask your installer about the installation process. Ensuring they have certified GasSafe fitters who will carry out this work.
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Wood burning stoves offer several benefits to homes, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Lets take a look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages:
Cost-effective heating:
Wood is a renewable resource and can be significantly cheaper than traditional heating methods like gas or oil, especially if you have access to a local source of firewood. While the initial cost of the stove itself can be high, the long-term savings on fuel bills can be substantial. Fuel is paid for upfront, no surprise price hikes.
Environmentally friendly:
When sourced sustainably, wood is a carbon-neutral fuel source. While burning wood does release some emissions, these are generally offset by the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the tree as it grows. Additionally, wood burning stoves are much more efficient than open fireplaces, further reducing their environmental impact.
Are wood burners better than open fires:
A wood burning stove will offer better fuel efficiency and a longer burn time given the same amount of fuel, compared to an open fire, this is due to the controls a stove has to regulate the rate of burning.
Energy independence:
Unlike heating systems that rely on gas or electricity, wood burning stoves provide a reliable source of heat even during power outages. This can be a major advantage in areas prone to blackouts or for those who want more control over their heating source.
Improved ambience:
There’s something undeniably comforting and relaxing about the dancing flames and warm glow of a wood burning stove. It can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, adding to its overall enjoyment.
However, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks before deciding if a wood burning stove is right for you:
- A wood burning stove requires regular cleaning and maintenance, including:
- Storing and moving logs, preparing kindling
- Chimney sweeping will be required once or twice a year, depending on usage. Your sweep will advise on frequency.
- Ash removal will be a weekly or daily task during the heating season depending upon usage, this can be messy.
Longer term costs:
These will include replacement bricks and door seals, and for those less careful users replacement door glass.
Air pollution:
While generally considered more environmentally friendly than other options, wood burning stoves can still contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. It’s important to choose an Ecodesign stove and burn only well-seasoned wood with a moisture content lower than 20% to minimise emissions.
Installation costs:
In addition to the cost of the stove itself, there are also higher installation costs compared to a Gas stove equivalent to consider.
Overall, wood burning stoves offer several benifits and can be a great way to heat your home. Offering cost savings, environmental benefits, and a touch of cosy charm to a home. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and ensure you meet all the necessary regulations before making a decision.
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Gas fires can offer several advantages for homes:
Convenience and ease of use:
Unlike wood burners, gas fires require no chopping, storing, or carrying of logs. They can be turned on and off with a switch or remote, providing instant heat and eliminating the need for constant tending.
Cleanliness:
Gas fires burn without producing ash or soot, reducing mess and simplifying cleaning. This can be especially beneficial for allergy sufferers or those who dislike the dusty residue associated with traditional fireplaces.
Efficiency:
Modern gas fires are highly efficient at converting fuel into heat, minimising energy waste and potentially lowering heating bills. Some balanced flue models can achieve efficiency ratings of up to 85%.
Cost-effectiveness:
While gas prices can fluctuate, they can sometimes be cheaper than electricity, especially when considering the high efficiency of modern gas fires.
Safety:
Modern gas fires come equipped with various safety features, including automatic shut-off mechanisms and flame failure devices, offering peace of mind for homeowners.
Ambiance and aesthetics:
Gas fires can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a home, similar to a traditional fireplace. They come in a variety of styles and designs to complement different decors.
Versatility:
Gas fires can be installed in various locations within a home, even in rooms without a chimney, thanks to flueless options. This flexibility allows for greater design freedom.
Convenience and ease of use:
Unlike wood burners, gas fires require no chopping, storing, or carrying of logs. They can be turned on and off with a switch or remote, providing instant heat and eliminating the need for constant tending.
Cleanliness:
Gas fires burn without producing ash or soot, reducing mess and simplifying cleaning. This can be especially beneficial for allergy sufferers or those who dislike the dusty residue associated with traditional fireplaces.
Efficiency:
Modern gas fires are highly efficient at converting fuel into heat, minimising energy waste and potentially lowering heating bills. Some balanced flue models can achieve efficiency ratings of up to 85%.
Cost-effectiveness:
While gas prices can fluctuate, they can sometimes be cheaper than electricity, especially when considering the high efficiency of modern gas fires.
Safety:
Modern gas fires come equipped with various safety features, including automatic shut-off mechanisms and flame failure devices, offering peace of mind for homeowners.
Ambiance and aesthetics:
Gas fires can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in a home, similar to a traditional fireplace. They come in a variety of styles and designs to complement different decors.
Versatility:
Gas fires can be installed in various locations within a home, even in rooms without a chimney, thanks to flueless options. This flexibility allows for greater design freedom.
Conclusion:
As you can see Gas fires can offer several advantages for homes, however it’s important to note that gas fires also have some drawbacks. Such as the need for an annual service and potential concerns about carbon monoxide emissions. It’s crucial however to ensure proper installation, ventilation, and maintenance for safe and efficient operation.
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Our Orpington fireplace installation story began when Mr & Mrs Aston contacted us to help with fireplaces for their newly purchased home in Orpington.
The house a Victorian terraced had both downstairs rooms knocked through by the previous owners. The Aston’s decided the room needed a feature and set about choosing fireplaces. After much deliberation it was decided that a pair of white marble Flat Victorian surrounds with cast iron inserts, gas fires and black granite hearths would fit the bill.
The chimney breasts were bricked up by a previous owner. The job involved opening up the chimneys and testing the soundness and draw. Apart from a sweep a new cowl on one of the pots, they were in good order and ready for the new surrounds.
Over the next couple of days of this Orpington installation story our fitters ran gas to the chimneys. Installed the new fireplace surrounds, hearths and fires. Making good the walls ready for decoration by the customer, the room now has two definite focal points. The new fireplaces have transformed the Ashton’s room.
White marble has traditionally been used for fireplaces. It is soft to work, making it ideal for carving. Victorians introduced cast iron inserts to improve the effectiveness of the open fire.
Do you have a house project that calls for a fireplace, stove or fire?
Give us a call 020 8663 3223
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John and Peter were looking for a new fire installation in Croydon, when they contacted us.
Peter had seen theNuFlame Energis Hole in the Wall (HIW) gas fire on our website. He hoped it would be perfect for their room. The house was newly built with a class 2 flue, so their choice of fire was restricted. They wanted an efficient gas fire to boost the heat in the Spring and Autumn months. As well as provide additional heat if required in the middle of winter. A new fire would improve the room with a proper focal point.
After a quick site survey, it was established that the fire installation in Croydon would be straight forward. Our fitter cut a hole in the plasterboard. Checked the draw in the chimney was suitable. Also that the existing termination was correct for the new fire.
On the day we cut away the plasterboard to expose the full chimney opening. Sealed the board and the cavity gap, then installed the new gas fire with the backing panel. Leaving the room ready for decoration by John and Peter.
Do you have a project that requires a new fire for fireplace?
Contact us on 020 8663 3223
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Amy and Claire were looking for a fireplace installation in Sydenham. They had seen some designs on our website before their visit to our fireplace shop. However they wanted to make sure they would be right. Before visiting us they filled in our information sheet. Meaning we knew exactly what would fit from the get go.
Once in the showroom, they fell in love with the clean lines of the Stanley fireplace. Once the design was chosen they decided to have it made in a Spanish limestone. Pairing it with a high efficiency gas fire in the shape of the Verine Passion. Ensuring the room would be easy and cheap to heat. The house was a semi detached 1950’s build with an external chimney breast. So the couple had a nice flat wall without the size constraints of a normal chimney breast.
Survey completed it was all systems go and an installation date arranged. On the day of the fireplace installation in Sydenham our installers first removed the existing fireplace. Swept the chimney, ran a new hidden gas pipe supply and installed the new fireplace. Along with the Verine Passion gasfire. We finished off by making good the wall ready for decoration by Amy and Claire.
The room now has a smart new focal point ready for the rest of the decoration to begin.
Do you have a project that requires a new fireplace or fire?
Contact us on 020 8663 3223
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The story of a Stonehenge installation in Dartford.
Faith had always hated the old tiled fireplace in the living room of her mothers 1950’s house in Dartford, but her mother quite liked it. Unfortunately for her mother a pipe burst bring down the lounge ceiling and damaging the tiles on the fireplace. One insurance claim later and Faith was helping her mother choose a fireplace and new flooring.
A visit to our showroom a site survey a quote to the insurance company and the deal was done. A Stonehenge fireplace in Spanish limestone along with a gas fire. The gas fire had high level controls to save any bending down to light and control the flames. The fireplace needed to be made to a special size so that the power points did not need moving. This was no trouble due to our made to measure service. Due to new flooring the hearth needed to be made and installed first. So that was supplied ahead of the surround. Allowing the flooring contractors to fit the flooring in the required timeframe.
Once this was complete we went back to site and completed the Stonehenge installation in Dartford. We installed the fireplace surround and gas fire on the already installed hearth. We then made good to the wall ready for decoration by the customers decorator. Unfortunately we don’t have any before pictures but the transformation was amazing.
Do you have a project that needs a fireplace or fire?
Contact us on 020 8663 3223
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This bespoke fireplace installation in Bexley Heath was just the ticket for Jonathan. Who had just moved into his first house, after renting for some years.
The lounge had a very narrow chimney breast. So required our made to measure service. A service we offer when a standard size will not fit. Jonathan chose a bespoke limestone surround with polished black granite for the hearth and back panel. Along with a NuFlame Energis high efficiency gas fire, complete with remote control for ease of use.
Our surveyor visited the house in Bexley Heath taking measurements for the new bespoke fireplace. Also to check the safety and suitability of the chimney. Once we had this information we were able to prepare a free no obligation quotation for Jonathan to consider. Our price was competitive and we were awarded the works.
The fireplace was made and a date arranged for the Bespoke fireplace installation in Bexley Heath. The day dawned and one of our installation teams were on site bright and early. The installation went without a hitch and the result was a nice new fireplace focal point to brighten up any room.
We wish Jonathan many happy years in his new home.
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