Advice on cast-iron fireplace installation

[harmonia]

Hi,

We have pulled down the old brick fireplace in our dining room in order to install an older bedroom style cast-iron fireplace that we just had sandblasted. We hope to use this for small fires in the winter and I have some questions that I would appreciate any comments on-

- is there a definitive web page to specify the legal requirements i.e hearth size, flue requirement etc


- I intend to ask a builder & plasterer to help me with this task but will I needed to get a build reg document afterwards?

- on the newly sand blasted firplace what is the best substance to protest if from corrosion? The guy mentioned bee wax...pulling my leg?

thanks in advice

Adam

 

[jeds]

You have two options. You can use a HETAS registered installer who is able to self certificate the works. Or you can use any other builder etc. but you must apply for building regulations. I would use a graphite polish. There are loads for fireplaces. Stovax is a good one. Or Zebrite.

 

[Richard C]

As this comes up so often, I’ve put together this generic post; read the links but not all may apply to you.

You can DIY a stove install but you need to understand the Building Regs (which changed in October), submit a Building Notice & pay a fee. Your LABC will inspect &, assuming everything is OK, issue a compliance certificate; the BI may want to witness smoke & spillage tests. No compliance certificate may lead to difficulties when you come to sell your property; if cannot produce a compliance certificate in the event of a problem, your insurance company may invalidate your policy & reject any claim.

Lots of archive threads on this, & other things you have to watch out for, here a few links for you to read:
http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/stove_building_regulations.html
http://www.hetas.co.uk/public/certificates.html
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/pdfs/buidling_regs_consumer leaflet.pdf
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=183614
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=211524
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=242738
//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=224751

& some more sobering just in case you think it’s all a load of old tosh:
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/main_pages/news.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...wood-burning-stove-leaks-carbon-monoxide.html
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/warning_over_heaters_after_norfolk_couple_s_death_1_811099

Also get at least 3 quotes from local independent HETAS installers:
http://www.hetas.co.uk/nearest_member

You might be pleasantly surprised & you should ask yourself if you really want all the hassle & risk getting it wrong; climbing onto the roof with an 8M stainless steel snake on your back is not for the feint hearted!

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You will find what your looking for in one of the above links. Watch where you plaster, it won't stand heat above 50 degrees C; it cracks & falls off, again it's all in the links.

 

[harmonia]

Thanks both of you. Yes I am weighing up the hassle factor and if the missus didn't have such as strong desire for an open fire I would have the fireplace built over. One other solution is to go for a self contained stove instead, with no requirement for a flue, and get a professional fitter to install it from HESTA

 

[Richard C]

A multi-fuel or wood burning stove is a much better option than an open fire, far more efficient, less mess & black smuts floating around the room. You will still need a flue though unless your talking about fitting one of those pretty (useless) fires sold in DIY stores; not good for much except visual effect.

I personally have a multi-fuel Stovax Riva cassette; high output & brilliant during winter months, practically heats the whole house on it’s own which is great as I have an endless supply of free wood.