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A functional fireplace can be the pride and joy of a property, especially during the winter months when heating the home can become expensive. While it’s true that burning wood is not necessarily appropriate in some areas, such as highly dense urban environments, and some regulations might determine what kind you can install in your home, most suburban or rural properties should be fine. Just make sure you check that in advance.
However, if your chosen property is of a certain age, we’re willing to bet the chimney utility is likely waiting to be utilized and restored. If it’s been blocked up by a previous owner then you might think the question is settled, but that’s not always the case. In this post, we’ll discuss how to restore that blocked-up space and potentially find a better use for it:
Unblocking & Restoring The Chimney
The first task is to unblock all the hard effort invested into sealing off this section of the property. If it’s been blocked up for years, there’s likely a fair bit of work ahead. You’ll need to have a professional chimney sweep come in to clean and inspect it for any damage. They’ll check for blockages, debris, and make sure there are no affecting sturtual issues like cracks or gaps that could cause problems down the line. It’s also important to ensure the flue is in good condition, as if the chimney’s in need of serious repairs, you might need to line it again, or in some cases, rebuild parts of it.
Fixing The Mantle & Staging Area
The mantle can often be the focal point of the room, so it’s worth taking some time to fix it up and make it a welcoming feature. If your mantle is old or damaged, you may need to do a bit of refurbishing to help it retain the personality of what the room looks like now. Sanding down any rough spots, repainting or even replacing it entirely can make a big difference.
Moreover don’t forget that the staging area around the fireplace is just as important. The hearth should be sturdy and properly sized to accommodate the stove or insert. You’ll want to make sure the surrounding space is free of flammable materials, too such as with tiles or stonework to improve safety and heat resistance.
Fitting The Wood Burner & Fireplace Guard
Now the exciting part is here, and it’s time to install your wood burning stove or fireplace insert. Fitting the stove can be pretty tough, so it’s essential to hire a professional who can ensure it’s installed safely. The stove should sit on a non-combustible surface, and you’ll also need to connect it to the chimney flue so there’s no smoke spill into the room itself. This might involve using special pipes or liners to direct smoke up the chimney. From there, fireplace guard is important for safety, as it keeps sparks contained and prevents them from escaping into the room. It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality screen or mesh guard that fits well with your stove and room design as well, to protect pets and children from getting too close.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to restore a blocked up chimney and increase the value of your home by restoring ones of its unique features.
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