Removal of redundant Powered Gas Flue

[rubble2]

When we moved into the house earlier in the year there was a cheapo fire surround with an electric fire fitted in the living room (we understand that there had previously been a gas fire with a powered flue). Although we would have preferred to fit a new gas fire the cost of accommodating a suitable fire with the powered flue was excessive for the amount of times it would be used so we settled on a replacement electric fire in a new surround.

Now that the weather is turning colder it is becoming obvious that the powered flue is a source of cold air into the room with a noticeable draught around the new fire.

Just wondered what would be the easiest way of getting round this source of cold air? I appreciate we could look at taking out the flue completely and bricking up the resultant hole but is there a temporary way of reducing the cold air entering the house?

I am thinking along the lines of removing the outer flue cover and using expanding foam in the gap and then replacing the flue cover, is that possible or just plain stupid?

On that point, can anyone advise how the flue is actually fitted and how easy would it be to remove?

Thanks

 

[CBW]

Might be one for @FiremanT?

 

[FiremanT]

When we moved into the house earlier in the year there was a cheapo fire surround with an electric fire fitted in the living room (we understand that there had previously been a gas fire with a powered flue). Although we would have preferred to fit a new gas fire the cost of accommodating a suitable fire with the powered flue was excessive for the amount of times it would be used so we settled on a replacement electric fire in a new surround.

Now that the weather is turning colder it is becoming obvious that the powered flue is a source of cold air into the room with a noticeable draught around the new fire.

Just wondered what would be the easiest way of getting round this source of cold air? I appreciate we could look at taking out the flue completely and bricking up the resultant hole but is there a temporary way of reducing the cold air entering the house?

I am thinking along the lines of removing the outer flue cover and using expanding foam in the gap and then replacing the flue cover, is that possible or just plain stupid?

On that point, can anyone advise how the flue is actually fitted and how easy would it be to remove?

Thanks

Is it is definitely correctly electrically isolated?

Assuming it is: Yes, just remove outer trim of flue and stffu with fibreglass or rockwool. The flue will be about 100 - 125mm diameter, so may be easier than expanding foam.

Removing fully will be easy. Some are physically screwed into wall. Others will use bolts that tighten against the wall. Jut have a look and it will be self explanatory. The hard part will be sourcing bricks and expertise to do an invisible repair to the wall.