Fitting a real fire in existing chimney breast.

[dm999]

There's an electric fire on the chimney breast wall that I want to replace with a real fire for occasional use. I had a fireplace installer inspect the chimney and fireplace and he said this wouldn't be a problem. The thing is I would like to do most of this myself, so here's my ideas and questions... any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

1) Remove the electric fire, remove the socket in the fireplace and the cable to the fused connection unit and swap the face plates over so that I have an additional socket in the alcove.

2) The fire back has been smashed and needs replacing. What type of fire back should I buy and do I need to use a special cement? Would I be better off getting the person below to do this?

3) Get a professional to sweep and test the chimney.

4) The hearth is one piece of slate, I understand this will split if used for a real fire and that I need to replace with something that allows for expansion? The floor is solid concrete. Again, I'd like something that looks similar to the existing hearth. Any ideas?

5) The fire will be simplistic and minimal, with a floating wooden mantel but I'm not sure what to do for a minimalist look surround as yet, again any ideas would be appreciated.

6) What hardware do I need for the grate, is there a standard fire basket? The fire will only be used occasionally and I'll be burning logs.

Thanks, DM.

Untitled

• dm999
• 4 Dec 2011
• 1

Untitled

• dm999
• 4 Dec 2011
• 1

 

[Richard C]

As this comes up so often, I’ve put together this generic post; you should find most of the info you want by reading the links but not all may apply to you. Using the search facility will also find the many different threads there have been on both open fires & stove installations. You can always come back with specific questions that remain unanswered.

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You can DIY a stove install but you need to understand the Building Regs (which changed in October 2010), submit a Building Notice & pay a fee. Your LABC will inspect &, assuming everything is OK, issue a compliance certificate; the BI may want to witness smoke & spillage tests. No compliance certificate may lead to difficulties when you come to sell your property; if you cannot produce a compliance certificate in the event of a problem, your insurance company may invalidate your policy & reject any claim.

Lots of archive threads on this, & other things you have to watch out for, here a few links for you to read:
http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/stove_building_regulations.html
http://www.woodburnerwarehouse.co.uk/building_regualtions_for_stoves.phtml
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADJ_2010.pdf
http://www.hetas.co.uk/public/certificates.html
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/pdfs/buidling_regs_consumer leaflet.pdf
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=183614
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=211524
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=242738
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=224751

& some more sobering reading just in case you think it’s all a load of old tosh:
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/main_pages/news.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...wood-burning-stove-leaks-carbon-monoxide.html
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/warning_over_heaters_after_norfolk_couple_s_death_1_811099
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ouple-dead-arms-sofa-overcome-coal-fumes.html

Also get at least 3 quotes from local independent HETAS installers:
http://www.hetas.co.uk/nearest_member

You might be pleasantly surprised & you should ask yourself if you really want all the hassle & risk getting it wrong; climbing onto the roof with an 8M stainless steel snake on your back is not for the feint hearted!

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Read more: //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=267604&highlight=#ixzz1I6jlicut

 

[dm999]

Thanks Richard, I appreciate the effort you've gone to there. I'll get reading!