open fire

[johnad]

When I moved into my bungalow I removed an old gas fire smashed out the fireback and bricked up the opening (with airbrick),
However the wife now wants an open fire,
if I remove my brickwork do I need to install a new fireback or can I use just the brick opening. ?
Also the pot on the chimneystack has been replaced with an aluminium vent (I assume for the old gas fire) will it be an easy job to replace it with a new pot?
Is there anything else I should consider???

 

[joe-90]

The first thing to consider is that an open fire is like an open window - it'll be freezing when you have just the central heating on.

 

[Richard C]

If the burning sold fuel is in contact with the brickwork, you will need a new fireback & liners otherwise the constant heat/cool cycle is likely to disintegrate the bricks. You also need to get the suitability of the flue checked out; if it has a gas flue liner fitted it may not be classed as grade ‘A’ which you will need for burning solid fuel.

 

[Nige F]

Agree with John ....apart from 1 point ...........chimney liner ..........it may not have been built with a liner in the first place...........I mean a clay liner put in as it was constructed....My house is 1959 and the fireplace was built for an open fire .class 1 @ the time no liner to flue ...........a gas fire was later fitted.........I just use a firebasket with a back to it to protect the low bricks .......you`re more likely to have problems with it not drawing than anything........have a look on www for solid fuel .....must be mega info

 

[JohnD]

Do you mean an open fire with coal on it?

Your wife will be surprised how much dust they make.