We have a fireplace opening that's only 62cm high. The top of the opening is formed by a massive concrete lintel, into which is set a socketed clay flue that runs up the chimney.
The flue has been swept and certificated by a local sweep. We've spoken to a few local HETAS registered wood burner suppliers/installers, all but one of whom wanted to line the flue (although the sweep said it wasn't necessary), and also to knock out the concrete to enlarge the opening upwards.
The remaining company is pretty reputable and they're insisting they can fit a stove in the existing opening and without lining the flue, which of course makes it all much less expensive.
However, the stoves we're talking about (there are two options) are either 58cm or 55cm tall. They'll be standing on a 2cm slate hearth. That means there would be only 2cm, or 7cm, between the top of the stove and the top of the opening. To me, that isn't enough - surely the heat wouldn't be able to escape properly? And what about access for maintenance or cleaning?
The company have been to do a survey and are insisting they want to go ahead and "try" the installation tomorrow, although we have raised our concerns. Not sure what to do at this point, as even if they manage to fit it in, surely there'll be problems down the line? How much space should there be above one of these things?
The flue has been swept and certificated by a local sweep. We've spoken to a few local HETAS registered wood burner suppliers/installers, all but one of whom wanted to line the flue (although the sweep said it wasn't necessary), and also to knock out the concrete to enlarge the opening upwards.
The remaining company is pretty reputable and they're insisting they can fit a stove in the existing opening and without lining the flue, which of course makes it all much less expensive.
However, the stoves we're talking about (there are two options) are either 58cm or 55cm tall. They'll be standing on a 2cm slate hearth. That means there would be only 2cm, or 7cm, between the top of the stove and the top of the opening. To me, that isn't enough - surely the heat wouldn't be able to escape properly? And what about access for maintenance or cleaning?
The company have been to do a survey and are insisting they want to go ahead and "try" the installation tomorrow, although we have raised our concerns. Not sure what to do at this point, as even if they manage to fit it in, surely there'll be problems down the line? How much space should there be above one of these things?
