chimney flue required?

[daviesmw]

I am installing a new fireplace (mantel, hearth, surround etc) but will leave it as an open fire rather than installing a gas/electric fire. Am i right in saying that I will require a chimney flue installed for this in order to satisfy Building control?

Thanks

 

[breezer]

ask building control then you will now for sure

 

[Nige F]

only if you want to light a fire/allow Santa ingress

 

[TexMex]

If you're installing this onto an existing chimney breast, you'd be better off calling in a chimney sweep. He can sweep the existing flue and test it for you. Around here, going rate is only about £20 per flue.

 

[Nige F]

only about £20 per flue.

You could buy a set of rods for that,or send a boy up

 

[TexMex]

You can buy a wire brush and a pair of pliers for even less, but would you advocate servicing your own boiler

 

[Nige F]

If it was solid fuel....yes

 

[TexMex]

If you've not used the flue for a while, you will need to sweep the flue anyhow. It can be an excedingly messy job. The chaps that do this have all the gear, and know how to use it.

My bet is that the tools required will come to more than the cost of the job. Add in the price of a replacement carpet (if you do it yourself, you'll need one) and the agro from the RSPCC Just doesn't seem worth the bother.

Like I say, a decent sweep will be able to check out your flue for you while he is there. You'll also have that nice warm feeling, that comes from supporting a local tradesman.