Chimney - Blocking Off / Sweeping

[t78]

hi, hope I got the right section for this.

I'm renovating the back room where there is an existing fireplace. the hearth has been covered by a wooden panel since before I moved in.

what I want to do is open up the fireplace so I can put an electric stove-type appliance in the hearth and block off the chimney above.

last weekend we removed the wooden panel to find alot of ash & crud and also 2 pretty stiff dead birds. once all that was cleared it seems pretty solid.


I need some advice on what I should do before blocking off the chimney just above the fireplace?

I've contacted a couple of chimney sweeps as I figure that's worth doing. both mentioned adding some means of preventing vermin entering the chimney either by capping it off further up or just using a mesh cowl on the chimney pot.

any thoughts guys & gals?

thanks!


p.s. the property is a 1910 2-story semi conversion to flats, I'm in the first floor. it's got a "normal" pitched roof.

 

[mater]

just drop a clay chimney cowl on top of the pot, these just give enough ventalation to stop any damp. then block off above your new fire with a wooden board backed with insulation, make sure this board can be removed easily as you will still get some old soot falling for some time