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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> FIREPLACE/FIRE DILEMA https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1083182509 Message started by jimthejoiner on Apr 28^th, 2004, 9:01pm

Title: FIREPLACE/FIRE DILEMA
Post by jimthejoiner on Apr 28^th, 2004, 9:01pm

Just wondering if anyone can shed any light on my problem. Just bought a new house - they've got an electric fire and dodgy surround fitted which we are replacing with an inset gas fire and new surround.

Previously coal fire but they've blocked up the hole and capped the chimney. Bit worried about what I might find behind the bricked up hole - is it time to calll in the pros and if so who? Brickie???

Title: Re: FIREPLACE/FIRE DILEMA
Post by thescruff on Apr 28^th, 2004, 9:10pm

Probably find the old fire etc behind the bricks, so not to much of a problem, cap on the top has to go, if you like heights get the ladder out, HSE says it has to be scaffolded if you call in the builder, = expensive.

Gas fire has to be fitted by a corgy registered engineer with a ticket for domestic fires, he will test the flue which must also be sweeped.

scruff

Title: Re: FIREPLACE/FIRE DILEMA
Post by Dewy on Apr 28^th, 2004, 9:15pm

When my coal fire was changed to gas they had to put a new flue liner in.
Gas is far more efficient than coal so less heat goes up the flue & condensation of the gasses is more of a problem whereas coal fires are so inefficient that most of the gasses escape so less acids are deposited that can eat into the brickwork.

Title: Re: FIREPLACE/FIRE DILEMA
Post by jimthejoiner on Apr 28^th, 2004, 9:15pm

Thanks for that. May well be worrying about nothing but what if the original fire isn't there?

To shed some light, their DIY isn't that great - even the survey picked up the "ill fitting skirting boards" - must be bad! Thankfully they've not done too much which is why the wife reckons it'll be a "nice project" for me!

Title: Re: FIREPLACE/FIRE DILEMA
Post by thescruff on Apr 28^th, 2004, 9:36pm

I wouldn't worry about till you get there and see what ya got.

Lets know and we can give further advise.

scruff