Talk to me about leaky chimneys...please

[Delta]

A good wood burner will be so much easier, both in use and for cleaning. I love ours, so controlable, but I can sympathise with the desire for a well matched period fireplace.

There are alternatives to the steel liner route, which should allow you to retain the flue area you need for an open fire. e.g.

Eldfast is an in - situ applied lining, drawn through the flue by means of a "plug", leaving a 4 mm nominal thickness of material on the flue face (see method of installation for further details) http://www.landyvent.co.uk/en/whatiseldfast.htm

Eldfast is the product name, Landy Vent are one of several installers, search online for others. A proper camera survey might be a good idea too.

 

[Penners]

I think we've pretty much decided to go with a flue, despite the breathtaking cost. I just hope it works OK when it's fitted.

Be sure to choose an installer who is HETAS registered, and who can issue the necessary HETAS certificate for the installation. If/when the day comes that you sell the house, you'll be asked for that certificate by the purchaser's solicitor.

http://www.hetas.co.uk/

 

[christianb]

I think we've pretty much decided to go with a flue, despite the breathtaking cost. I just hope it works OK when it's fitted.

Be sure to choose an installer who is HETAS registered, and who can issue the necessary HETAS certificate for the installation. If/when the day comes that you sell the house, you'll be asked for that certificate by the purchaser's solicitor.

http://www.hetas.co.uk/

This is true. But you can fit your own because - if I might be blunt - £100 per metre is f@*£!ing larceny, and if you do want to sell you can get the HETAS chappie round to give you a certificate. Installing flue liners (with the use of a cherry picker at, say £50 an hour maximum) is a doddle.

 

[Penners]

Installing flue liners (with the use of a cherry picker at, say £50 an hour maximum) is a doddle.

Hmmmm - "a doddle" might be regarded by some as a slight oversimplification!

It all depends on the state and design of your chimney, and on your degree of experience, knowledge and willingness to undertake what can for some be a difficult, dirty and dangerous task.

 

[Ixia]

Hetas doesn't cover the Isle of Man, although I can get it inspected by building control.

We've since had a second opinion on the chimney, suprisingly after struggling to get anyone out to it.
2nd chimney guy fits concrete liners (cast in situ), my initial response was no way, as I worry of the permanence of such a solution. But he can get the flue width we need, he will also fit the fire at the same time, so it would be easier all round. Also my gut reaction is that I prefered the concrete flue guy.

 

[robgil]

why do you need a cherry picker? liners can be pulled up by rope from ontop of a ladder. cheery pickers indeed. thats just posh that is.

 

[Lime]

Hetas doesn't cover the Isle of Man, although I can get it inspected by building control.

We've since had a second opinion on the chimney, suprisingly after struggling to get anyone out to it.
2nd chimney guy fits concrete liners (cast in situ), my initial response was no way, as I worry of the permanence of such a solution. But he can get the flue width we need, he will also fit the fire at the same time, so it would be easier all round. Also my gut reaction is that I prefered the concrete flue guy.

Properly installed I'd prefer this method.

 

[Flyfisher]

why do you need a cherry picker? liners can be pulled up by rope from ontop of a ladder. cheery pickers indeed. thats just posh that is.

I reckon gravity-assisted would be easier.

(No, that isn't me, and there's not a chance it ever would be me! I'm quite happy clambering around a roof if the only risk is slipping onto gutter-level scaffolding, but I draw the line at death-defying circus tricks. That's what professionals are for in my book.)

 

[Gervase]

I've done exactly that twice in the past month, and will be doing it again next week. Flue liners in old houses are clearly like the Number 9 bus - you see none for ages, and then three turn up at once.
They are a doddle to fit - provided you test the flue with a 'piglet' first; a one-metre length of liner with a cone and rope at each end.
Up goes the brush (which also gives you an exact measurement for the flue), twist off the brush at the top and attach an eye, tie one rope to the eye and pull down, then pull the other rope to bring it back up. If the piglet goes through both ways without a hitch, then a doddle it is. It is a job that works best with two people, though.