Chimney closure plate with ventilation?

[Spoilt Victorian Child]

If I want to open up a chimney to use just as a decorative feature, like in the picture below, is there any sort of closure plate that will stop debris falling into the fireplace but will also allow ventilation?

I realise if the closure plate had holes in it to allow airflow they would quickly become clogged, and I don't want an airvent visible on the chimney breast. Is there another solution?

 

[plasticpigeon]

The obvious solution to me, which isn't replicating what you see in the picture is to put in a traditional cast iron insert and a surround of some sort. If you got an insert with a damper flap which is enough to stop debris falling into the room, it would not seal the chimney completely and you could open it if you wanted to have an open fire or if you wanted clean out the debris all in one go rather than having to clean up a constant trickle. It would also look very nice!!!!

 

[kreyszig]

no, no, no pp. What you must do is take the approach of our PO. replace the insert with a plaster of paris discus thrower (painted gold of course) and drill ventilation holes through the surround.
this is the only acceptable solution. :wink:

 

[Spoilt Victorian Child]

Hahaa... that looks class.

But no, I want to be able to achieve exactly as in the picture I posted, no surround.

 

[Pennyviz]

I did a bit of a bodge and put up some wood battening, then two pieces of marine ply or whatever ply I had in shed across battening. Ply has a couple of two cm holes drilled for ventilation and allow the woodlice an exit route.

Penny

 

[kreyszig]

Well if you insist on rejecting the discus method, :roll: I'd make a removable panel in the closure plate and put some mesh screen over it. The removable panel could be a frame for the mesh or just have a few holes drilled in it with the mesh covering those.

 

[plasticpigeon]

Hahaa... that looks class.

But no, I want to be able to achieve exactly as in the picture I posted, no surround.

Is that a style decision?

 

[plasticpigeon]

no, no, no pp. What you must do is take the approach of our PO. replace the insert with a plaster of paris discus thrower (painted gold of course) and drill ventilation holes through the surround.
this is the only acceptable solution. :wink:

If only I had thought of that!

 

[Spoilt Victorian Child]

Hahaa... that looks class.

But no, I want to be able to achieve exactly as in the picture I posted, no surround.

Is that a style decision?

Mostly style, but also cost and flexibility. (It gives me the option of having a wood burner in the future.)

 

[88v8]

Arrrgh, the 50s.
Fortunately I was too young at the time to appreciate the aesthetic ghastliness.

Umm, put in a register plate.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chimney-Register-Plate-For-Fire-Places-and-Stove-Installations-VARIOUS-OPTIONS-/322044220753?var=&hash=item4afb54d551:m:m1WbDtO1uF_IW8rDc9jQuTQ
Through the plate put a collar like this**
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-5mm-chimney-closure-SEALING-COLLAR-register-plate-new-easy-seal-design-/112080715500?var=&hash=item1a1887feec:m:mm7ufqwNbENQv0YwHkgLYPg
and on top, a cowl like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHIMNEY-CAP-GALVANISED-CAP-CHIMNEY-COWL-TO-FIT-6-150MM-FLUE-PIPE-STOVE-PIPE-/162145637972?hash=item25c0a21654:g:YSEAAOSwMmBV3WXH

In terms of mating the collar and the cowl, you might need a short length of stove pipe, suck it and see.

You'll need to assemble the whole thing of course before you put it up, unless you can descend Santa-like down the flue to put the cowl on.

Anyway, now you have ventilation but no debris. And if you want a woodburner, the register plate is already there. And if you decide on an open fire, it's easily taken down.

Ivor

** you'll note that I've selected the 6" size. Although 5" would be fine for ventilation. most woodburners can't be fitted to a 5" flue.

 

[steveb]

not only is he throwing a discus, he seems to be "passing a mountain" at the same time

 

[kreyszig]

haha! well said, sir!