Chimney Regulations

[jocelyn plummer]

The Victorian house that we hope to buy has a cast iron coal effect gas fire in the drawing room. It was installed 3 years ago and has been adapted from a period grate and surround from the local reclaim yard. What are the chimney regs for that sort of fireplace, would we be able to have the gas supply to the coals disconnected, remove the 'coals' and then use it as a solid fuel fire, or will that involve the additional costs of having the chimney lined for use with solid fuel?

Trying to get a budget in place for the refurbs--- and we shall not see the Vendor again until the end of next week.
Incidentally the Vendor makes the most superb plaster cornicing -- I'll have to get his card.

I also had a big chuckle when I saw the state of the render on the back gable----- 'no problem' I thought, 'know what to do with that, got PPUK to refer to'. :wink:

Thanks folks!

 

[MdB]

From what I have read, gas fires only require a single lining where as open fires / stoves require double linings. Might have got that wrong though.

 

[Feltwell]

From what I have read, gas fires only require a single lining where as open fires / stoves require double linings. Might have got that wrong though.

That's my understanding as well. If it has a gas fire in it currently then the chimney should have been lined, but chances are the liner used is not suitable for solid fuel. You could in theory just remove the liner if the flue is in good condition, but it would be safer to get it lined with a proper solid fuel liner - then you know there's no danger of the flue leaking fumes.

As someone who has had a family member die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty solid fuel boiler, I'd advise that if you're not sure what you're doing, play safe and get a professional in.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Feltwell, thank you for your heartfelt advice.

We have managed to arrange an extra viewing with the Vendors today, so we will get our answers and then I will be able to book our local fireplace man, ready for the big day, and hopefully get it all sorted in time the Christmas.

 

[Craig]

I think the rules may be different for open fires (burning solid fuel) and for closed solid fuel stoves.

 

[Feltwell]

I'd also suggest you hang on until you move in before finally deciding to get shot of the gas fire.

Our house has a reproduction cast iron combination fireplace in the lounge, with a living flame type gas fire, fitted by the previous owners. The fireplace is OK - look closely and you can tell it's modern, but it's good enough to be low down the priority list for replacing.

Having the gas fire is actually really useful - it does look quite realistic, gives out lots of heat and scores very highly on convenience in what is the main room of the house. Whilst we've central heating that room is on an outside corner and does get cold.

I love a "real" fire and we've a proper working open fire in the dining room which when is use is undeniably nicer than the gas fire, but is a hassle to light, needs cleaning out in the morning, generates lots of dust etc. Great for "occasions" and when I'm in the mood for a proper fire but for everyday use it's a bit of a pain.

Before moving in we'd decided to get rid of our gas fire, 2 years on it's still there and I think I'd be a little reluctant now!

Right, now you can all call me a heathen and tell me how naff my fake imitation fire is and how nothing beats a real fire...... :lol:

 

[Penners]

As has been mentioned above, the chances are that the gas fire was fitted by inserting some sort of liner into a chimney originally designed for open fires. What you'll probably have to do is get the liner removed - plus any register plate or chimney capping - and then have the opened-up chimney checked by a specialist, to make sure it's suitable for open fires.

Of course, the gas supply must be properly disconnected and made safe by a corgi.