Fireplaces/chimneys

[Vic Wintergreen]

I want to re-instal a conventional fire into my Victorian property. I have been told that it is beneficial to fit a 'chinaman' to the chimney to prevent rain getting down the flue. Could anyone suggest a more period looking fixing or if it entirely necessary to put a cover over the chimney top in the first place. On another note I want to fit a cooker hood into the kitchen chimney to draw the cooking fumes up away from the gas cooker which will be fitted into the opened out chimney breast. The property is a two-up two-down (with attic and cellar), is there any advice that any members would suggest. I plan to put a lintel into the chimney opening and repoint as much brickwork as I can reach. The chimney will be swept before hand. Would I have to re-enforce the draw that the cooker hood gives to ensure that the fumes are driven out of the chimney or should I rely on the draw that a chimney will provide.
Thanks in advance
Vic

 

[chuckey]

My sister uses a gas powered Aga which is built into a large fire place, it seems to vent OK without any fan, buts its a huge chimmey both in cross section and flue hight. ( 48" X 20", 45'+). She does not seem to be bothered by "stuff" falling down it. As the various flues are only seperated by a single skin of bricks with rotten mortar below the chimney pots. I would have thought that "stuff" could easily migrate from one flue into the other. I think that so much of her houses heating goes up the flue, that it always draws well and the heat dries out the mortar and rain.
Frank

 

[Vic Wintergreen]

Thanks. I think that the 4 flues (2 downstairs - living room/kitchen and 2 upstairs - front and rear bedrooms) all exit 4 in a line above the roof line on a conventional stack, at least 4ft above the ridge. The pots are quite close together 6 inches or so but the flue walls look quite substantial. Thanks for the comment.
Vic