Closing Redundant Fireplace - Ventilation

[RealPolitik]

I've just ripped out a redundant hearth and fireplace to reveal the original square fireplace opening - the intention is to plasterboard it to leave a closed recess.

I'll be fitting a cowl to the chimney pot itself, but what sort of venting should be done in the fireplace?

The recess will be painted white so I want to minimise the possibility of soot and water entering.

Thanks in advance.

 

[roughcaster]

The majority of closed off fireplaces that i've seen or worked on, normally have a small plastic vent, that can be opened or closed. I think they come in sizes 9"x 3" or 9"x 6". They look neat enough when fitted,,,, they're just screwed on.

 

[RealPolitik]

Thanks - where should the vent fit? In the chimney breast or above the hearth in the flue?

 

[roughcaster]

I've just re-read your post again, after picking it up wrong. You said you are going to plasterboard the old fireplace opening, and use it as a recess, so where do you put an air vent?? If you have plasterboarded the sides of the opening and also plasterboard the underside (above the hearth), you could fit an air vent in the underside itself. You would get very little mess coming down the chimney with the cowel fitted anyway.

 

[RealPolitik]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was hoping to do.