Temporary solution to board chimney

[Dedekind]

Hello,

we just moved into a new house. None of the chimneys are in use, in particular there is one which is boarded downstairs with a metal sheet covering the hole, upstairs there was a gas fire. An engineer checked this and had to remove the gas fire because it was unsafe, and now are left with a hole in that chimney breast upstairs. Is it safe/good idea to cover this up with some metal sheet glued to the tiles?

I agree this is only a temporary proposal; our plans include a complete house redecoration and this chimney will be properly boarded, but in the meantime we don't want to have the hole in the wall which is also quite dirty.

The reason I ask is because covering up like this will probably not allow for enough ventilation, although it should only be for a few months or so..

 

[phatboy]

Short term solution... fit a chimney baloon, and put a thin piece of ply over the front, and seal around it with something.

 

[SpecialK]

Over the summer months it will be fine boarded. Problems will arise if it rains and some comes down the chimney - No ventilation means it stays damp!

Any way to make a feature of the fireplace when you decorate? If it was originally a proper fireplace it can probably be opened up then boarded at the top with a vent?