Fireplace Newbie

[ajayre]

I know nothing about fireplaces.

In a bedroom we have a fireplace surround that I presume is original Victorian and was bricked up when be bought the house. This morning I had a builder open it up and the pictures below show what we have now. The width is 16" which seems to be a common size. It is 22" high and 6" deep. Underneath the carpet is a ceramic tile hearth.

I would like to make this into a working fireplace again. I know I will need a chimney sweep, etc. but how do I work out exactly what I need to buy?

It seems that this fireplace takes a cast iron backing that attaches to the metal part that is in there. Is that correct? If not then what is the bolt for?

Can you tell from the shape of the metal part what style/type of backing is needed or was originally there? I.e. rounded top or square top? Damper or no damper?

There are metal hooks on each side about three quarters of the way up. I presume this is to attach a removable hood, like we have in the living room. Is that right? Are they standardized? Bought separately from the backing?

What are the critical measurements besides the width of the opening at the front when shopping for the missing pieces?

Can you tell from the pictures what type of backing I should look for or avoid? I would like to find something as close to original for this 1902 house as possible. I would like a damper to avoid drafts though.

I've found this site for backings: http://www.fireplacerestoration.co.uk/spare_parts.php?prodCat=repbacks but there doesn't seem to be much detail, certainly not enough to give me confidence that a specific one would be suitable.

Thanks! Andy

 

[ajayre]

Update - I showed the pictures to a fireplace shop and they said that originally there would have been firebrick panels attached to the frame with fire cement. They suggested I use mouldable firebrick and ram it into the frame.

Is that plausible? What about an expansion joint?

What would the firebrick have looked like at the top - i.e. would it have followed the shape of the frame? Also would it have sat on the ledge at the bottom of the frame?

I feel this is a bit like doing a jigsaw without the box - I can't seem to find any pictures of what this type of fireplace back would have originally looked like.

Andy

 

[CliffordPope]

Mine look something like this:

http://www.direct-fireplaces.com/cast-iron-fire-surrounds-and-inserts/arched-cast-iron-fire-inserts/falkirk-victoria


Basically the entire hole is filled by a shaped iron insert, apart from the lower part which has the firebricks attached. There is of course a front piece to keep the coal in, and a grid to let air up and ash down, with a pan underneath.

The upper section has a moulded-in funnel effect leading to the smoke aperture at the top, on a slant of about 45 degrees, and there should be a metal plate inside, which can be closed when the fire is not in use to prevent draughts.
There was no need for the chinmey opening behind being particularly elegant, because it was all hidden by the ironwork.
The space was generally filled with rubble and debris that has fallen down the chimney.

 

[ajayre]

Thanks Clifford,

I am really unsure how to proceed after getting the flue swept and a smoke test. I understand that renovating this fireplace falls under Building Controls, but I can't seem to find any detailed information on what I need to do to make the fireplace safe and also authentic. Local builders are useless - they don't seem to have any specialized knowledge. Or perhaps it isn't needed?

Andy

 

[plasticpigeon]

Hi Andy

I think there would have been a ceramic fireback in front of the iron frame. When there is a metal fireback I don't believe there would be another frame behind. I have one in my shed that has a metal back but no framework. However the fireback wouldn't extend all the way to the top of the opening. It looks to me that there would have been a metal hood sitting on the lugs just over half way up as you have already suggested.

I think the firebrick panels would go on the ledge, as under the ledge there would have been an ashpan. You will need bars and a grate too if you want it to function!

 

[ajayre]

Thanks plastic pigeon.

I think I understand what is needed regarding the fireback. However I am unsure what needs to be done for the brickwork. It curves at the top and is covered in soot, then it stops before reaching the top of the metal frame.

Are there any diagrams or pictures anywhere that show the relationship between the top of the fireback and the brickwork behind in a typical fireplace? I understand that debris falling back down the flue cannot go behind the fireback.

Thanks, Andy

 

[chuckey]

"I understand that debris falling back down the flue cannot go behind the fireback.". The old fire places that I have taken apart have had nothing but dead pigeons/rubble/soot* behind the fire back. I think you should make a dummy hood out of cardboard , the front should be curved out about 3" and it should sit so its front edge is 2-3" lower then the side hooks. Then look at the curved top of the frame, I doubt if you will see it. So thats a hood, you will also need a front, ash can, grate, another bit, that stops your coals falling out (could be part of the grate). And a fender round your hearth to stop falling ash setting fire to your carpet.
FYI The smallest coal fire I have ever seen that was working had a grate about the size of a tea saucer!!!! (that was in a cast iron surround).
Frank
* Once I found a petrified frog

 

[chuckey]

Ooops, double posting (Wot no delete?)
Frank