ventilation when removing a fireplace

[Yarn]

hi,

I have a semi detached house, that shares its chimney with next door.
Downstairs on this chiney we have a gas fire. I want to remove the firplace upstairs in the bedroom. I have read that I will need to use a ventilation brick.

Do I need one, given the other facts? such as the downstairs gas fire or the shared chimney pot? Thanks.

 

[noseall]

every flue is independent and does not share or merge with other flues.

you will need to leave a ventilation hole which can then be covered with either a hit 'n' miss vent or a louvre plaster vent screen.

 

[Yarn]

Thanks noseall.

What do you mean a hit or miss vent?

 

[Shytalkz]

It's a vent which has a sliding inner section, meaning that you can open or close the vents.

 

[Yarn]

I am still loathed to put a vent in the wall. Do i REALLY need one, if I have a gas fire downstairs. This must be ensuring a draught in the chimney?

Comments appreciated with thanks.

 

[noseall]

I am still loathed to put a vent in the wall. Do i REALLY need one, if I have a gas fire downstairs.

the truth is, no you don't.

it is not a legal requirement, but a preventative common sense one. you may be lucky and have no further problems whatsoever.

if the chimney has a history of burning fossil fuels then i would err on the side of caution.

 

[Yarn]

Thanks again NA, you are reffering to the damp mixing with the soot and rotting the mortar.

I am still undecided on this one. Might be an easier choice once I have removed the fireplace.

I see some ppl put the vent under the floor boards, this might be an option.

hope i will post back once the job is done.