Fireplaces - what inserts?

[shar46y]

Hello everybody, this is my first post here so I hope I'm doing this right.

We live in an Edwardian maisonette which has 3 fireplaces, however I believe all have been modified ("modernised") perhaps in the 1920s/30s.
The fireplace in our dining room has a defunct back boiler and an enamel insert, and we have been using it this winter.
There is no insert in the other 2 fireplaces, I think both having had a gas fire previously. We would rather like to put some sort of insert back because they look sort of "empty", but are not sure what (if anything) would be appropriate.

Here, hopefully, are some photos.

Thanks!

 

[arl]

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/deselem/fireplace/fpedwardian.htm

 

[shar46y]

Thanks, looks like the bottom picture sort of resembles my fireplaces (tiled all over). Does that mean they are really original Edwardian after all? Annoyingly, I can't quite make out (from the picture) what sort of insert/firebasket they have.

Also, the red fireplace in the has a big crack in the fireback which goes across the bottom and into one of the tiles on the hearth. Is this something I would need to repair if I want to use this fireplace?

 

[shar46y]

Oh, I just realised that I've got all the nomenclature wrong!

I think what I was asking was for what frets would go in my fireplaces. After googling I think I may have answered my own question:
http://www.ashpanworld.co.uk/index.asp

 

[Penners]

A fret such as that illustrated on the website would usually have been put in front of a bottom grate with an ashpan underneath it. The fret has an adjustable grille that allows you to control airflow to the underside of the fire (a bit - but not much!).

 

[Nemesis]

This isn't quite right as it's really for a cast iron insert, but it shows a grate - you can buy a simple one with legs, two or four, at a builder's merchant or here:

http://www.stovax.com/products.htm?cid=7&sid=49&pid=474

http://www.stovax.com/products.htm?cid=7&sid=49&pid=473

http://www.vicfires.com/42_solid_fuel_kit/index.html

http://www.ashpanworld.co.uk/



and the 'fret' which is often known as a 'tidy betty':

http://www.vicfires.com/35_fireplace_fret/index.html

http://www.stovax.com/products.htm?cid=7&sid=49&pid=472

http://www.thefiresideshop.co.uk//category-6434/product-4943//--------Lynemore-fret-FS0768----------400mm-W-x-150mm-H.html

Note the different shapes - ensure the grate and fret and ashpan match up!

Try a salvage or reclamation yard or ebay for a simple black one. It looks as though these is are relatively 'modern' tiled inserts inside the surrounds, with decent firebacks. Therefore the grate will be a standard size (take measurements).

http://www.vicfires.com/

http://www.edwardianfires.co.uk/

http://www.edwardianfires.co.uk/original_fireplaces/index.htm

Buy some firebricks for cheeks and sides, to ensure a long life for the existing.

 

[Nemesis]

Re use: check there isn't a gas liner and that the chimneys are swept and tested - yoiu don't want carbon monoxide leaking into the room. Check the back boiler is safe and not in danger of exploding either!

Re the crack - it may be OK for occasional use, suggest you fill with firecement though to prevent anything falling through.

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/diyelem/fireplace/fpfitting.htm

 

[Nemesis]

There's an interesting insert down the page here:

http://www.period-interiors.com/antique-fireplaces-antique-mantles3.htm



[Open Image] [Hosted by PhotoGalaxy.com]




Actually googling 'tidy betty' and 'fire fret' brings many different sites.

http://www.thefiresideshop.co.uk/category-6434/Fire-Frets.html

http://www.castironfires.com/dept.asp?id=84

http://www.castironfires.com/dept.asp?id=92

 

[shar46y]

Thanks Nemesis! Very interesting and useful links.

We'll be getting all the chimneys swept and tested soon. Also will ask the sweep about getting someone to fill the cracks.

I don't think there's a liner despite the front room fireplace having previously had a gas fire (the previous owner took it away with her, thank goodness as it was a horrible 80s thing!). The flue is just stuffed with newspaper at present and sometimes bits of what look like plaster fall down (the parging?).

Also the original chimney pots are still there which I believe is rather naughty if there was a gas fire?

As for the back boiler, eek! :shock: The previous owner told us that fireplace was usable, so we've been happily burning away for months!