Fireplaces

[mh80]

Hi - we are currently renovating our edwardian terrace. There are two horrible gas fires in the lounge and dining room which we have arranged for the CORGI man to remove but at this stage we have no idea what is behind them (state of the bricks etc) We would like to replace these with cast iron inserts for real fires but I have no idea what the stages for doing this would be.

There are also chimney breasts in the bedrooms upstairs which we would like to open up and put decorative fireplaces in. As we would never use these do we just need to uncover them (they are currently boarded), fit the fireplace to the wall and plaster around or am I missing something vital? (I expect I am as that sounds too simple!)

Any help happily received as this renovation is a steep learning curve!

 

[memor maplin]

Just remember opening up fireplaces as you mention is going to make your home more costly to run.

Having open fireplaces is like having a big hole in the wall. They suck out the heat.

 

[noseall]

you can form the fire back from either clay fired bricks or use a pre-formed fireback. a lot of iron grates have their own cheeks and some have a raised basket.

some upstairs cast iron grates were a lot smaller than their downstairs counterparts, or were sized dependant on room size.

you will need to have the fireplace assembly 'on-site' before you make any decisions.

 

[Richard C]

Reinstating your open fires is controlled building work & unless you use a HETAS registered installer you will need to submit a building notice. The flue must be inspected & smoke tested & may need lining. To comply with Building Regs you may also need permanent ventilation, reinstate or upgrade the constructional hearth & fit a notice stating the grade of fire that can be used.

You may be OK with a surround but don't use conventional plaster within 500mm of the sides or 800 above the fire or on the chimney breast; it won't withstand the heat.

Have a search through the archive posts, there are several threads regarding fitting wood/multifuel stoves & reinstating open fires.