Plastering a fireplace - the RIGHT way!

[fireplaceconfusion1]

Hi. We have a particularly attractive (!) early 1990s orange brick fireplace in our lounge, which is several metres wide. At the moment it has an 18" open fire in it, but we would like to replace this with a glass fronted gas fire. We also want to plaster the brick, but are worried about it cracking with the heat, having had similar experiences in a previous property. We have taken advice from two plasterers - one swore blind that it would have to be dry lined first to avoid cracking - the other said he thought a sand based plaster would be just as good if not better, without the need for plasterboard. Obviously that makes quite a difference to the cost. Any thoughts on who is right here? Any help much appreciated.

 

[Karis]

Any sort of Gypsum plaster or Plasterboard is useless where temperatures exceed 50 degrees & the imediate area around a fire will. Many archive threads on this & some things you need to watch out for, read the links but not all may be relevant or apply to you;

http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/stove_building_regulations.html
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/pdfs/opening_up_your_fireplace.pdf
http://www.woodburnerwarehouse.co.uk/building_regualtions_for_stoves.phtml
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADJ_2010.pdf
http://www.hetas.co.uk/public/certificates.html
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/pdfs/buidling_regs_consumer leaflet.pdf
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=183614
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=211524
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=242738
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=224751
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1855590#1855590

Make sure you get it properly installed, tested & certified to ensure you don't invalidate your house insurance or even worse;
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/main_pages/news.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...wood-burning-stove-leaks-carbon-monoxide.html
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/warning_over_heaters_after_norfolk_couple_s_death_1_811099
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ouple-dead-arms-sofa-overcome-coal-fumes.html

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

I would go for the render option, plaster will crack