Balanced Flue Gas Fires

Heating your home has become vital in the recent bouts of extremely cold weather...
We as a nation are used to central heating in order to make every room in the house warm. Where as many years ago you would simply have an open fire in the heart of the home to heat everywhere. Saying this there will always be something highly desirable about a real fire and that warm home sweet home feeling. The psychological effect is that – they make us feel warmer just by looking at them!

Installing a Balanced Flue Gas Fire enables you to achieve this without breaking the bank. Balanced Flue Gas Fires are excellent on efficiency, low on fuel consumption, clean burning and dust free unlike traditional open fires.

Contact the Fireplace Specialists for further information on Balanced Flue Gas Fires.

Faber Fires

A Warm Welcome To your Home With A Faber Fireplace!

There's nothing more relaxing than sitting in front of a fire on a cold winters day, gazing into the flickering flames and spending time with family. Faber fireplaces offer style, dependability, quality and affordability. With so many options available to you along with the stunning look of the fireplace in your living room, dining room, or sitting room we recommend FaberFires.

If you are looking for a truly elegant focal point to your room that is stylish and in keeping with the character of your home, then you should consider a Faber Fireplace. With so many design choices, integration options and fuel types you are bound to find something suited to your needs. Weather a Gas Stove or a see-through built-in glass fireplace in an interior wall the heat output generated by Faber Fires adds warmth to your home.

Faber was established in the Nederland’s back in 1844. Faber have been developing and utilising the latest technology and advancing over many years, this is showcased in every range.

For expert advice on purchasing Faber fires and installation services please contact Grate Expectations Fireplace Specialists.

Warm Up This Winter with a DRU Fire

Designed to be different DRU Fires exude ambiance, style and functionality. Established in 1754 DRU have been designing bath tubs, kitchen accessories and heating aids with great success. DRU are an environmentally aware organisation supporting projects such as replanting trees in the Ugandan Rain Forest and working to reduce the carbon footprint.

Each DRU Fire or Stove has been designed to not only function as a heat source but to enhance any room within the home. The DRU Fires team consists of three product designers who work alongside the technical team to develop a product that meets customer needs and requirements.

When deciding on DRU fires, it is important to keep in mind certain parameters:

1. Firstly, most living rooms require a low-wattage stove: 3 to 4 kilowatts of power are usually enough, and any more than this could result in an uncomfortably warm space. If this is the case, many will run their stove for only short periods - with a wood-burning stove, this means that there will be poor combustion and high emissions. Gas stoves will not have these issues, but running a gas stove at a low temperature means missing out on the atmospheric flames.

2. Next, decide what type of fuel will be needed. Gas fires are easy to use and cleaner, and can be controlled simply by the flick of a switch. They are also incredibly easy to install and can be placed almost anywhere - free standing or in a hole in the wall. On the other hand, there is a much greater atmosphere from a wood-burning stove: the smell of burning wood, the crackle of the flames. Wood combustion stoves have become far more efficient and sustainable in recent years. Finally, there is an electric alternative which is ideal for those not wanting gas or wood-burning stoves. DRU electric stoves use LED technology which uses a great deal less electricity than traditional electric stoves. 
   
   
   Visit Grate Expectations Fireplace Specialists, The no.1 DRU Fires suppliers for the UK.

Poujoulat Products

Poujoulat Enamel Premium

Introduction:

Vitreous enamelled connecting flue pipe

Enamel Premium is the innovative evolution of the vitreous connecting flue pipe using modern engineering design principles, combined with «state of the art» manufacturing process. This provides the optimum solution for connecting flue pipes.

Enamel Premium range is seam-welded with a high quality enamel coating, with a minimum of two coats. Without the socket, it provides the best aesthetic appearance.

The unique male/female spigot connection requires « no fixings and no fire-cement/sealant » and makes it possible to rotate elements 360° whilst maintaining a secure, quick and easy installation.

It is available in 5 diameters (Ø100, Ø130, Ø150, Ø180 & Ø200) and can be supplied in 5 colours (Matt Black, Matt Grey, Gloss White, Gloss Brown and Gloss Black. It can also be over-painted with a high temperature stove paint to match the colour of your heating appliance.

To complement this range, you can order and install a Ventilated Cover Pipe. This allows a reduced clearance from combustible material of only one diameter away from the pipe.

All of the products offered by Cheminées Poujoulat have been rigorously tested in every configuration by the CERIC Laboratory to ensure they meet highest standards (Building Regulation Document J).

CE marking:

0407-CPD-007

Designation:

T600 N1 D Vm L80050 G(xx)

Note: G(xx) = 3 x diameter of pipe declared

Benefits

• Wide range of accessories i.e. Lengths, Elbows, Tees, Cleaning access components
• A pleasing, quality, aesthetic appearance.
• No need for fire-cement or fixings.
• Very high resistance to scratching.
• Very high resistance to high temperature, acid & tar.
• Quick and easy to install.
• Exceptional value

Technical data

Max. Temperature limitation: 600°C

Male/female spigot: Each component is constructed with a push fit “GASTOP®” Spigot joint tested N1. The female end can be easily cut to provide the exact length you require with no additional components needed.

Poujoulat Tubinox Starflex

Introduction:

Doubleskin multi-fuel flexible liner

Tubinox Starflex is a double skin, smooth bore stainless steel flexible multi-fuel flue liner designed for use with all solid fuel, wood, coal, gas, oil and pellet heating appliances. This range is perfect for the renovation of existing masonry chimneys with offsets. It is ideally suited for operating temperature up to 450°C and comes with a 10 year Axa backed guarantee.

In grade 316L (Starflex 2012) or 904L (Starflex HR 2010) our Tubinox Starflex is extremely robust and strong to minimise problems on site whist passing it down an existing masonry chimney. It can be supplied in 3 different packaging methods: Cut lengths, Ecofilm coils and de-coiling box.

All of the products offered by Cheminées Poujoulat have been rigorously tested in every configuration by the CERIC Laboratory to ensure they meet highest standards (Building Regulation Document J).

CE marking:

0071-CPD-22012

Designation for 316L Starflex 2012

T450 N1 W Vm L50012 G

Designation for 904L Starflex HR 2010

T450 N1 W Vm L70010 G

Benefits

• Wide range of accessories i.e. Cowls, Register Plate, Adjustable Elbows, brackets & supports
• Incredibly strong an extremely flexible
• Quick and easy to install with no mess
• Low resistance to flow
• High resistance to corrosion
• Easily meets regulation requirements

TherminoxTI & ZI

Introduction:

Twinwall insulated multi-fuel system chimney

Therminox is a high quality, multi-fuel, stainless steel twin wall system chimney designed for use with all solid fuel, wood, coal, gas, oil and pellet heating appliances. It is ideally suited for operating temperature up to 450°C and comes with a 10 year Axa backed guarantee.

All of the products offered by Cheminées Poujoulat have been rigorously tested in every configuration by the CERIC Laboratory to ensure they meet highest standards (Building Regulation Document J).

The Therminox system chimney is available as TI with a bright stainless steel outer case, and ZI offering better value for internal use. Also, it can be powder painted to any RAL colour of your choice or can be ordered with a copper outer case.

It comes with a wide range engineers components making the installation of the chimney even much easier than usual.

With Joint Seals, Therminox can also be used under positive pressure when connected to a condensing boiler.

CE marking:

0071-CPD-0011

Designation:

T450 N1 W V2 L50040 G50

T250 N1 W V2 L500040 O20

T200 P1 W V2 L50040 020 (with Joint Seals)

Benefits

• Wide range of accessories i.e. Lengths, Elbows, Tees, brackets & supports
• Solid fire-stop plate at ceiling level tested and approved
• Recessed locking band.
• Aesthetically pleasing look.
• Quick and easy to install.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Easily meets regulation requirements.

Technical data

Max. Temperature limitation:

- Soot fire tested at 1000°C

- Operating temperature 450°C

- 4 hours fire rated to BS 476-20

Insulation: High pressure injected mineral wool 30mm thick.

Supports:

• Lateral (wall bracket) every 4 metres.
• Deadweight (wall support) every 16 metres.
• Freestanding up to 3 metres above last support with Reinforced Locking Bands (2 metres as standard)
  
  
  
  
  For further information regarding Poujoulat Chimney Solutions visit the fireplace specialists.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Poujoulat Chimney Solutions

A COMPLETE CHIMNEY SOLUTION FOR ALL APPLICATIONS & FUELS

Established in 1950, The Poujoulat is Europe’s number 1 in metal chimney systems.

POUJOULAT has an immense wealth of knowledge of chimneys and the requirements of the appliances they serve, covering diameters from 50mm to 3m, suitable for industrial, commercial and domestic markets.

The UK Head Office based in Guildford, Surrey was purchased by Group in 2006 to support the expansion requirements in the UK. From the UK Office you can request stock availability and have full quotations plus technical sizing produced for you, as well as a total design and turnkey project management service from conception to completion.

Within the Guildford Centre is a fully equipped training school, providing Poujoulat and HETAS competency courses.

Mechanical Heating and Ventilating contractors, OEM’s, Builders and Plumbing Merchants, Stove and Fire retailers, Chimney and flue distributors and installers, Consultants, Plumbing and Heating contractors and Building contractors, POUJOULAT provides a Total Chimney and flue solution for all applications and fuels.

Complete chimney solution for stoves, inserts, fireplaces and gas fires

Complete chimney solution for domestic boilers

Complete chimney solution for Commercial boilers, industrial applications and power generation

For further information visit our Poujoulat Chimney Solutions

Gas vs. Electric vs. Wood-burning Fireplaces

Whether you’re looking for a way to heat your home, or just want a little romantic ambience in the evenings, a fireplace can be a fun way to achieve both. Which is the best type of fireplace though? Wood-burning? Gas? Electric? Something else?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Wood-burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces come with many homes, and you may already have one. The downside to wood fireplaces is that you have to buy or cut your own wood, store it somewhere dry so it can season, lug it in the house whenever you want to build a fire, and worry about stray sparks and other fire safety issues (such as not being able to leave the house while there are still embers glowing).

For all these reasons, many people who have traditional wood fireplaces don’t use them that often. In addition, a wood fireplace isn’t a very good way to heat a home. Much of the heat goes up the chimney, and drafts will come down even when the fireplace is not in use. Fireplaces that burn wood are also messy, and you’ll have to vacuum ashes often.

On the plus side, a crackling wood fire can be fun, especially in power outages. It’s also nice to snuggle up to when you want a romantic evening at home.

So, who should consider a wood fireplace? If you don’t plan on building fires very often and aren’t worried about heating the house effectively, you can stick with a wood-burning fireplace. Also, if you’re in love with “real” fires—you know, the snap, crackle, and pop of actual wood going up in smoke—then a substitute fuel just won’t work.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces (which include gas inserts, gas log sets, and self-contained vent-free units that don’t require chimneys) are growing in popularity. Though they lack the reality of a true fire (sorry, no snap, crackle, and pop here), they can put out a pretty convincing flame. Their convenience also makes them a winner for many.

With gas fireplaces, all you have to do is flick a switch to turn them on. Upper end models even come with remote controls so you don’t have to get off the couch. Maintenance is minimal compared to all the work associated with wood-burning fires. Gas fireplaces are even good for area heating—that’s where you just heat the room or living area where you’re spending most of your time instead of turning on the home’s central heat and wasting money heating the whole house. Gas fireplaces can also work when the power goes out, so they are a nice backup way to heat the home during a storm or other emergency that leaves you without electricity.

Anyone who wants the warmth and ambience of flickering flames without the hassle of buying wood and cleaning ashes should consider a gas fireplace. Prices usually run about £1,500 for unit and installation, though you can find some deals and get them cheaper from time to time.

Electric Fireplaces

Lastly, let’s look at electric fireplaces. They are a cheaper alternative to buying a gas insert or self-contained gas fireplace, and they are much cheaper than having a whole chimney and wood-burning fireplace installed. You do make quite a few sacrifices for that lower cost though.

Electric fireplaces are known for looking even “faker” than gas fires. There aren’t any actual flames, just digitalised versions that mimic fires.

Since electric fireplaces run on electricity, they won’t work during a power outage. They do put out some heat, but it is not the most efficient. They’re about on par with space heaters. Indeed many people have called them glorified room heaters.

On the plus side, electric fireplaces don’t require any sort of installation. They just come with a plug that you stick in an outlet, and voilà: your fireplace is working. They can be a nice choice for people in condos or apartments, where you can’t make drastic changes to the walls (such as building a fireplace in your living room). Also, their easy portability means you can move them from room to room.

As you can see, gas, electric, and wood-burning fireplaces all have their advantages and disadvantages. Hopefully this article has helped you decide which is best for you.

Visit Grate Expectations the Fireplace Specialists.

Fireplace Maintenance

Summer has come and gone, and Christmas is just around the corner. Have you checked your fireplace?

Home owners are starting to order pales of wood, and getting their fireplaces ready for a fire. Some owners are even checking chimneys for bird nests.

A beautifully lit fire in the fireplace can add so much warmth to your living area. But in order to have a safe fire, chimney maintenance is important.

At least once a year, you should have your chimney checked and cleaned if necessary, by a chimney professional. If you heat with wood, or if special circumstances of your chimney system warrant it, it may be wise to have the chimney checked more frequently.

“The best time to have your chimney checked is every year before the burning season,” says Chris Sparks, sales manager of The Mad Hatter, a chimney cleaning company.

Although we are well into the burning season, if you haven’t maintained your chimney, it’s a good idea not to wait. A chimney fire can easily destroy a house.

Chimney fires are serious. A hot, destructive chimney fire sounds like a freight train running through the house, and it’s not uncommon to see 30-foot flames shooting from the chimney top. If there is a chimney fire, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department.

You can avoid a chimney fire by learning to operate your fireplace correctly, and routinely cleaning your chimney. Many times what causes the fire is creosote. Creosote deposits are created from unburned, flammable tar vapours from wood smoke. They are often sticky or hard, and difficult to remove from chimneys. Long, slow burns, or the use of green or wet wood can create these dangerous creosote deposits.

Fire building seems simple, but it’s not like lighting a camp fire or firing up the barbecue. Even the most skilled pyrotechnic wizard runs the risk of a major flop by trying to light a fire in a fireplace without knowing about the appliances and the correct way to use them.

A good fire requires not only a functional appliance, but also a good fuel. For the best results, use seasoned firewood – wood that has been stored covered for the better part of a year. Season your wood under cover, but with good airflow.

Unseasoned or green wood has too high a moisture content, and doesn’t burn well. Hard-woods, like oak, tend to be better than softwoods, like pine, since hard-woods have a BTU content, and will give a longer burn time and better performance. (A BTU is a “British Thermal Unit,” the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit).

Believe it or not, super-dry wood – like that pile that’s been out in the shed for decades – isn’t good firewood. This type of wood will burn fast and furious, and it might throw a lot of sparks.

Do not burn anything other than seasoned firewood. Burning treated lumber, painted wood, trash, and such, releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere (including your home). So recycle your pizza boxes and plastic wrap, and do yourself and our environment a favour.

Newspaper is great for starting a fire, but it’s not a replacement for firewood. Use just enough to start the fire, and recycle the rest. Don’t use sections with colour print, as it contains chemicals that are unsafe to burn. Use the plain, black-and-white parts.

Now put down a layer of crumpled newspapers, snug, but not crammed tightly together. You want space for air to get in, or you’ll have a smouldering pile of papers. Put the papers under the grate.

Next, put down a couple of handfuls of small, dry kindling: twigs and small branches are fine, or small splits of wood. Criss-cross them in a few layers, to allow air circulation. Don’t be stingy with the kindling. It’s the key to a one-start fire. Then add a few larger splits, and top it off with a couple of small logs. That’s it. Your fire is ready. Before striking the match make sure your damper is open. You may also need to preheat the flue.

The purpose of a fireplace is to provide warmth, comfort and atmosphere. Knowing how to take care of your fireplace can bring you these desired effects, instead of those undesirables, such smoke, foul odours and house fires. It’s all part of taking care of your home.

For further information on Fireplace Maintenance visit the fireplace specialists.

By Grate Expectations