We have a gas fireplace as shown. Recently got the chimney swept (there was a lot of sticks and birds-nest up there). Got a cowl fitted to stop them coming back.
The sweep said it wasn't right that we had a void at the back of the fireplace (which was also full of sticks).
A lot of awkward work with a vacuum cleaner and a litter-picker has got the void clean again (final pic).
Sweep suggested we fill the void with Vermiculite. Should it be finished with a concrete mix to form a shelf?
Should that copper pipe just be encased in it, or does it need protection with some kind of surround?
The sweep said it wasn't right that we had a void at the back of the fireplace (which was also full of sticks).
A lot of awkward work with a vacuum cleaner and a litter-picker has got the void clean again (final pic).
Sweep suggested we fill the void with Vermiculite. Should it be finished with a concrete mix to form a shelf?
Should that copper pipe just be encased in it, or does it need protection with some kind of surround?