Using chimney/flue in Victorian terrace converted to flats

[adamson342]

Dear all,

Can anybody offer any advice on the below please?

-- I have just bought a leasehold ground floor flat in London.
-- The building is a converted Victorian terrace split into three, so I have two separate flats above me.
-- I really want to be able to use the chimney for an open fire or wood-burning stove.
-- Does anyone know what possibilities exist to make this happen (providing the freeholder has no objections)?
-- I am unaware of the condition/state of the fireplaces above me.

Thanks for any guidance.

Best,
S

 

[big-all]

heeelllooo and welcome adamson342

assuming its as built [breast /flue in place no holes for services]with a pot on top would think it was quite viable
things that may effect you
smokeless area
covenant on the deeds
regulation may require the flue to be lined
and iff your thinking about an expensive to run wood burner then part "J" comes into effect

 

[adamson342]

Dear big-all,

Thanks for your reply. This is the first place I have owned so I'll have lots of questions for the forum!

Regarding this question, I suspect that it's very likely that some of the fireplaces above me will have been covered up. How is this likely to affect things? Presumably I can't just use as-is. What solutions might be available?

Ta,
S

 

[big-all]

they are not connected each fire has its own flue up to the roof

is the fireplace open
can you see a chiminie stack above the area
the presence off a fire place doesn't mean theres a flue to the roof

 

[adamson342]

Ah, I see.

There is one open fire in the main room, and two others that have been completely covered up. I will stick my head into the open one to have a look when I'm home.

Will report back.

 

[dann09]

Big-all has covered most of the angles as usual.

However, you would be well advised to get your neighbours together, and do a smoke test up your flue, they need to be present in their flats to observe if any smoke leaks out.
The c/breast in the loft should also be checked for leaking smoke - a c/sweep could do the above.

The chimney stack terminal on the roof should be checked for suitability and the flue in question swept (note which is your terminal).

Open fires and stoves are bigger issues - however always have a CO alarm fixed.

Note: perhaps, advise your neighbours that blocked up, non- ventilated and unswept flues are bad news - research on here.

For best results to future queries on here add pics.

 

[adamson342]

Thanks very much for all the advice.

I had a first proper look last night. Most of the fireplace had been blocked up by the previous tenants (presumably it was drafty). Once I removed everything I discovered a flexible metal pipe hanging down, maybe 4-5" in diameter. It looked like there was some sort of pipe clamp on the end that could have fitted it onto a round exhaust of some sort -- like a log burner. But there is still full Victorian fireplace in situ and no sign of any other attachments that I could see immediately.

Any idea what's going on...?

 

[CHarr]

Thanks very much for all the advice.

I had a first proper look last night. Most of the fireplace had been blocked up by the previous tenants (presumably it was drafty). Once I removed everything I discovered a flexible metal pipe hanging down, maybe 4-5" in diameter. It looked like there was some sort of pipe clamp on the end that could have fitted it onto a round exhaust of some sort -- like a log burner. But there is still full Victorian fireplace in situ and no sign of any other attachments that I could see immediately.

Any idea what's going on...?

I would guess that a gas fire has been used in the fireplace previously. Is there a gas supply there? If so, the sort of relatively lightweight liner that they call for is completely unsuitable for a stove, but at least it suggests the presence of a working flue. Assuming that the flue remains open all the way to the top, it could be relined, but you will probably have to change the cowl on the chimney pot too. If this is a three-story building with a pitched roof, you may be talking about significant expense just getting safe access to the top of the chimney at all, let alone then doing anything.

If the liner is still in good condition and usable, a more practical approach might be to consider a decorative gas fire. Take advice.

 

[adamson342]

You're right -- there is a gas supply pipe that's been disconnected.

Can anybody recommend a chimney expert that covers SW London?

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[adamson342]

For info, I called this company http://www.chimneycare.co.uk/ who gave me the following details:

For an open fire, the existing metal flue would have to come out; chimney swept; gas terminal removed; full lining of flue, access to other flats on day of installation; installed externally from roof.

Cost: £1800-2500 depending on the type of lining used -- Metal lining, thermocrete, resin (in ascending price order).


Any thoughts?

 

[big-all]

sounds about right
have you been in any off the properties upstairs
have you noted wether there are chimney breasts or not if they have been removed this will include your flues so a non starter
you haven't said wether theres a chimney on the roof or not above the fires you want to open out

 

[adamson342]

No, I haven't been in any of the other flats. The company I spoke to weren't too worried about the other flats as each fires seems to have its own dedicated flue. They just said they would need access to the other flats to cover their fireplaces during installation to stop soot etc falling out and ruining my neighbours' flats! I think they also said they might need to get in there for a smoke test.

I presume that my flue is still complete due to the old gas fire flue pipe still hanging there.

Regarding what's on my roof, my recent survey said this:

"Where visible the chimneys are in brickwork with clay pots. The flashings with the roof 
coverings could not be seen.
These were within acceptable limits of structural stability with some works of repair 
required including; replacement flaunchings, brick repair and some repointing. These works 
are not an urgent repair but must be attended to in the next 1to2­ years to prevent a 
requirement for future urgent repair. Additional items of disrepair may become apparent 
when all areas of the stacks are inspected.
T.V. aerials fixed to the stacks will increase the risk of damage"

and of the chimneys:

"There is an open fireplace in the living room. Old chimney flues are prone to gradual 
deterioration and it is possible for smoke to escape through gaps in the mortar joints, often 
at floor level or in roof spaces where the surfaces are unplastered. It has also been known 
for smoke to permeate between adjoining dwellings and can in fact be the cause of a 
house fire.
No tests have been made, however, if this problem occurs, it will need to be rectified and 
there are modern specialised techniques for restoring old flues by lining with concrete or 
twin wall solid fuel remedial flues, which can be done without disturbing the structure. 
Works of relining are best carried out via an approved installer such as a member of 
HETAS (The official body recognised by Government to approve solid fuel domestic heating 
appliances, fuels and services)"

I have sent a few more emails out asking for rough estimates.

 

[big-all]

you are asking people to quote assuming your flue goes up to the roof but you don't know if this is the case you need to find out first if its continuous

 

[adamson342]

You're right, I don't know. Just getting some ball-park figures to see if this is something I can afford to proceed with. If I do, of course I'll have to get someone out to conduct a proper inspection before getting a written quotation.

 

[big-all]

the difference in price will probably be 10 fold and uneconomic as you would then have to buy the space from the other leaseholders and have them accept your building work in or on there property