Archived Topic
Topic ID 5079
11/02/2010 by codek2
Open a fireplace - what kind of tradesman?
Hi, I wish to re-open a closed off fireplace. What kind of tradesman do I need?
I guess not a general builder - presumably needs to be someone who knows about the in's and outs of chimney safety?
I'm hoping to pickup a second hand fireplace myself - so it'll just be the job of opening, making it safe, and fitting the fireplace itself, and checking airflow etc..??
Thanks!
Dan
0 replies
Archived Replies
Reply ID 71852
11/02/2010 by Woody
Try these:
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/frame/main.html
There is a section (8th one listed) on Opening Up Your Fireplace.
Edited to add: I did a similar job myself several years ago and found the task made simpler by the instructions given.
Reply ID 71855
11/02/2010 by Mr P
We called in a fireplace company - they made an exploratory hole, lit a small smoking...thing... to check the airflow and gave their judgement on how big a job it was.
They got that bit of the job right. The rest was painful, drawn out, non-communicative, incompetant and with an ever increasing 'estimate'. I just wish I could remember their name... Fire-something from Broxbourne. If you do consider hiring someone let me know via this thread and I'll have a look for the name.
Reply ID 71856
11/02/2010 by gemipicorn
Not having an open fireplace I don't really know what I'm talking about, but it occurs to me that it might be worth contacting some of those mentioned on the Chimney Sweep thread [?]
Reply ID 71859
11/02/2010 by Woody
You may also wish to refer to the British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association:
http://www.feta.co.uk/bfcma/index.htm
Half-way down the page is a section for obtaining technical advice on a chimney installation from BFMCA members.
Reply ID 71874
11/02/2010 by mjgame
you don't say what you intend to do with the opening. Most good builders would be more than capable of opening it up and making good. Then depending on what you want to put there various people would be able to check the chimney for integrity.
Reply ID 71915
13/02/2010 by Ilovehertford
Dan,
Just ensure you have it swept and smoke tested first, before you light your first fire.[;)]
6 replies