Lining a chimney

[patchallboys]

I live in a 150 year old cottage. We have been there a year and when we moved in it had a living flame gas fire installed. We wanted a wood burning stove to be installed. I had the gas fire removed and are now ready to have the stove installed.

The chimney has a liner suitable for a gas fire, which only seems to be lined about two thirds of the way? (I have been repointing the chimney breast in the attic and the mortar is very crumbly and has been coming down the liner into the fireplace downstairs)

Another worry is that the inside of the chimney seems to be very crumbly. I very much doubt that the chimney can be used without relining, and would very much appreciate any advise on how this can be done – what exactly needs to be done?

Many thanks

 

[gcol]

Why would you want to remove a gas fire for a real (wood/coal) fire? Wood/coal fires are too hot, have to be cleaned every day when in use, are less controllable, take longer to light etc etc etc. My parents had a wood/coal burner for a few years when I was growing up. Sure it was very hot and looked nice, but the cons far outweighed the pros. They kept the same fire, converted it to gas and have never looked back.

 

[xerxes]

Fitting a wood burning stove in your cottage is an excellent idea; much more interesting and appropriate than a wasteful fake gas fire.

A flue liner will make the chimney much safer; the consequences of carbon monoxide leaking through the masonry into a bedroom don't need to be spelt out.

You'll need to research fittings suitable for the fuel you're using; they won't be cheap. Here's a good place to start.