Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Fitting A Cast Iron Insert To Existing Fireplace Opening?
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Clare
08-03-04, 08:18 AM
Hi, I have recently purchased a Victorian period flat (rather run down) that had a 1970's externally fitted gas fire attatched onto the wall in the front room, where the fireplace would originally have been. I have removed this appliance to reveal the fireplace openning behind it, which was simply boarded up. The fireplace looks very small & I would assume it has been made smaller at some point. I would now like to fit a cast iron insert into the opening & have a living flame gas fire. However, I am really not sure of the proceedure. Working on a budget I am trying to attempt most tasks myself with help from friends, but would consider using a builder if needs be. Do I need to shape the fireback to suit the insert?
I have read other users comments (quite interesting) & understand I should get a chimney sweep in to check the state of the chimney first, but I 'd like to know what else there will be involved.
I'd be most grateful for any advice...
Clare
I have read other users comments (quite interesting) & understand I should get a chimney sweep in to check the state of the chimney first, but I 'd like to know what else there will be involved.
I'd be most grateful for any advice...
Clare
homebild
08-06-04, 09:08 PM
Clare:
I'm a building contractor in the US and was recently in Scotland, but in all honesty, do not know Scottish building codes for gas so I won't venture a guess.
But here in the States, the only thing of concern with converting an existing wood or coal buring fireplace to a vented gas burner or fireplace is to make sure the existing chimney is stable, without leaks, and can handle the exhaust, and that any condensation associated with the cooling effects of the chimney will not leak noxious gases into the living space.
That said, almost any gas stand alone burner or gas fireplace insert will be able to be fit into just about any existing chimney under most conditions.
Your new insert or gas fireplace may require a chimney insert from the burner or fireplace up thru the existing (usually masonry) chimney to the roof.....but this is usually of minimal cost and easily installed.
---------------
Side note:
Had a wonderful time in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Gretna Green, and more and hope to return soon.... :)
I'm a building contractor in the US and was recently in Scotland, but in all honesty, do not know Scottish building codes for gas so I won't venture a guess.
But here in the States, the only thing of concern with converting an existing wood or coal buring fireplace to a vented gas burner or fireplace is to make sure the existing chimney is stable, without leaks, and can handle the exhaust, and that any condensation associated with the cooling effects of the chimney will not leak noxious gases into the living space.
That said, almost any gas stand alone burner or gas fireplace insert will be able to be fit into just about any existing chimney under most conditions.
Your new insert or gas fireplace may require a chimney insert from the burner or fireplace up thru the existing (usually masonry) chimney to the roof.....but this is usually of minimal cost and easily installed.
---------------
Side note:
Had a wonderful time in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Gretna Green, and more and hope to return soon.... :)