Tuesday 21 May 2013

Poujoulat Products




Introduction:
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.


Introduction:
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


Introduction:
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.


For further information visit our Poujoulat Chimney Solutions

Friday 17 May 2013

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.

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.



Fireplace Inserts


Fireplace inserts do more than breathe new life into an old, wood-burning fireplace. Fireplace inserts also provide cleaner air in your home and create a more efficient heating system, helping reduce energy bills in the face of today’s sky-rocketing gas prices.


What is a Fireplace Insert?
Fireplace inserts are steel or cast iron fireboxes that are fitted directly into your original fireplace. Fronted by self-cleaning safety glass, fireplace inserts draw and exhaust heat and fumes through the original chimney or via a pipe directly vented through an exterior wall. Fireplace inserts are safer and more efficient than traditional fireplaces because combustible air is drawn into the firebox through one pipe, and toxic fumes are vented back outside through another. The resulting heat is forced back into the room—sans toxic fumes—via vents in the front, creating a more efficient heating system.


Stylishly and conveniently updating an older fireplace, gas fireplace inserts use decorative logs and gas jets to suffuse a room with radiant heat. These fireplace inserts can be fuelled through your home’s natural gas line or a propane tank (which are also available in varying sizes from smaller propane tanks to large tanks stored underground). Choices abound when it comes to gas fireplace inserts, with options on everything from venting (vent-free, natural vent and direct vent fireplace inserts are available) to blaze preference. For instance, if a yellow flame hearkens back to the hearth of your childhood, a ceramic fibre log set will create luxurious radiant heat with a gorgeous glow and realistic flame. Not that particular? Try the less expensive concrete gas log set and get set for a comfortable haven of warmth.


Still crave the crackle of a real wood fire? Want a fireplace insert with low-cost fuel? An EPA-certified wood-burning fireplace insert can create a blaze contained within a firebox that uses a glass door rather than a single, permanently sealed glass front. These inserts create a less smoky atmosphere than their traditional wood-burning counterparts while still radiating plenty of heat efficiently. According to the Hearth, Patio and BBQ Association, wood-burning fireplace inserts generate nearly 65 percent more heat than traditional fireplaces and cut smoke emissions by nearly 90 percent. An added bonus: wood-burning fires can provide warmth and light when a power or gas line goes down.


It’s not all gas and wood when it comes to fuelling your new fireplace insert. Fuel pellets made from compressed sawdust are available for wood-burning fireplace inserts. You can buy heating pellets in bulk, making it easier to budget for your heating costs in advance. Pellet fuel also emits the lowest amount of smoke emissions, according to the HPBA, and is available from speciality and home improvement retailers. If compressed sawdust isn’t for you, coal is another option for fuelling your new fireplace insert. Also according to the HPBA, anthracite coal is the most commonly used in supplemental heating, and is a low-cost, readily available fuel for wood-burning fireplaces.


Choosing the Right Fireplace Insert
Have plenty of time for maintenance? No time at all? Want ambiance, not heat? Ask yourself these and other questions before deciding on which fireplace insert to install. Then talk to the fireplace insert specialists at Brick-Anew to help determine the fireplace insert that fits your maintenance level, style, heat output needs and fuel availability. 

For further information regarding fireplace inserts contact the fireplace specialists



Fireplace Chimney Cleaning

Chimneys need to be cleaned to maintain a strong draft and safety, reducing the chance of a chimney fire. Build-up of creosote only 1/4″ thick poses a high threat of a chimney fire. In a fireplace creosote can build up fast, especially with unseasoned wood. Creosote is extremely flammable. Cleaning a fireplace more than one time a year is never a bad idea. If a chimney fire has occurred in your home, have your chimney thoroughly inspected by a certified professional chimney sweep before using it again.
Warning: When cleaning chimneys by any method, always use proper safety measures and use common sense. Use caution when handling brushes, wire brush can injure eyes and puncture skin. All sizes and types of chimney brushes and chimney cleaning accessories are available.

Equipment Needed to Clean a Chimney:

In order to properly clean your chimney you will need the following items. Make sure you have a Correctly sized chimney brush, chimney brush rods, fireplace cover (for use with a vacuum or to contain dust), tape, metal bucket, shovel and broom, vacuum cleaner, and a flash light.

Chimney Cleaning Directions:

Measure your chimney carefully to determine the correct brush size to select. Carefully measure the inside of the chimney diameter. NOTE: An oversize brush will not improve cleaning action and can become lodged in the chimney. An under size brush will not provide the pressure on the walls for proper cleaning.
IMPORTANT: COMPLETELY EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BEFORE CLEANING. BE SURE THE CHIMNEY IS COLD THE ENTIRE LENGTH. BE AWARE OF HOT ASHES AND DISPOSE OF SAFELY.

There are three common methods used to control the brush for effective cleaning.

  1. Rod Method, Top Down (Preferred Method):Seal off fireplace or stove opening to prevent soot from entering the home. For fireplaces the Fireplace Cover is a great way to seal off the opening and allow a vacuum cleaner to attach to keep the dust out of your home. Attach the brush securely to the rod and lower into the top of the chimney, add more rods as necessary to reach the bottom. Work the brush up and down various times until the chimney is clean. Inspect the chimney with a flashlight to look to be sure you have cleaned it completely.
  2. Rod Method, Bottom-up: Insert brush and rod up through the fireplace damper or chimney clean-out door. Add more rods as necessary to reach the top of the chimney. This method is often dusty since sealing the opening cannot be done during cleaning. Cover the area around opening to prevent staining rugs, furniture, etc… Constantly have a vacuum running to control the dust. Use a flash light to look into the chimney to be sure you have cleaned it completely. Work the brush up and down several times until the chimney is clean.
  3. Line and Weight Method:Seal off fireplace or stove opening to prevent soot from entering the home. Securely attach a small 20-pound (at least) weight to one end of the brush with one accessory pull ring and attach a rope that is more than long enough to reach the bottom, to the other brush end. Lower the brush into the chimney and up again until the chimney is clean. Use a flash light to look into the chimney to be sure you have cleaned it completely.
For All Methods: Sweep or vacuum up all soot prior to using stove or fireplace. Be especially careful to check the creosote behind the damper and smoke shelf area, in elbows or “T” connections. Special hand held chimney cleaning brushes are available to reach hard-to-clean areas. Clean a wire bristle chimney brush after use and coat with a rust preservative. During the burning season we highly recommend the use of Anti-Creo-Soot or another creosote remover product to reduce the build-up of creosote deposits.

For Flue Lining and Chimney Cleaning Services visit the Fireplace Specialists

Caring for your Fireplace

There is a great variety of fireplaces when it comes to the choice of fireplaces as there is a great variety of it and many advantages associated with it also. There are many fireplaces like the ones that are soot free. There are many fireplaces which are used to give a new look to the house with artificial stones with a caution that when you look at an operating gas fireplace it doesn’t look fake to you due to the perfection in building up of the fireplace. Outdoor these fireplaces are famous as they are attached to the main house or outbuildings, while others stand alone in the landscape to give a dual view to it.

There are many brushes which are available in a great variety of shapes and sizes for a perfect cleaning system and they are a designed to use specific rods with specific tools to clean flues of creosote, break flue tiles when relining, and make cleaning easier and faster. Fireplace damper handles are used to close the fireplace flue when the fireplace is not in use but one must fully open it before lighting the fire.

Other types:
A compact space-saving design adds to any décor as well as thermostatically controlled heat is given out throughout the room. The electric ones have the most realistic flame technology on the market today and are available with a wide range of options to suit your individual needs. Radiant logs used to reinforce with moulded steel rods for extra strength and long life so that there is an assurance of durability. Fireplace inserts are used to give an informal touch with a fresh and new look for the best of causal country décor to add to the style and look of the place.