hillwalker   10 #1 Posted December 20, 2011 Hi Just a quick one , my fireplace has been bricked up , I intend to re-open it , never done anything like this before so going at it blind so to speak, is it easier to just have an open fire or is a log burner more simple , plus what does it invove , do I need my chimney checked etc , don't laugh ( I'm female ) can't wait to get the big hammer out .. any advice welcome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Mr Gobby   10 #2 Posted December 20, 2011 If it's bricked up and skimmed over then remove the plaster and you should be able to see where the bricks tie into the the original opening, you have to assume there is a lintel supporting the brickwork above it. If you have a log burner you need a flue installed or one will have to be installed inside your chimney .Tbh, it's not worth the risk, i would get someone who is competent enough to do it for you.Top marks for giving it a try though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
FORE Â Â 12 #3 Posted December 20, 2011 ..........and be careful if there is some ancient plumbing to the old fire back! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
0114owl1867   10 #4 Posted December 20, 2011 Hi Just a quick one , my fireplace has been bricked up , I intend to re-open it , never done anything like this before so going at it blind so to speak, is it easier to just have an open fire or is a log burner more simple , plus what does it invove , do I need my chimney checked etc , don't laugh ( I'm female ) can't wait to get the big hammer out .. any advice welcome  north west sheff is ok for solid fuel, other areas in sheff you are not allowed unless i believe you burn a 'clearburn' stove (or so i've been told) if your chimneys sound and not leaking with the correct terminal you will not need to have it lined either, you should use a hetas registered engineer or you are allowed to fit it yourself - you just have to have the council out to check it for you at a cost of £50 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
HarrietStar   10 #5 Posted December 20, 2011 We just took a sledgehammer to the plaster and bricks to open up the old fireplace. This is probably not recommended and I spent the whole job worrying the house was going to fall down with every hammer blow. rather than messing about with the chimney we put an electric 'mock fire' stove in which looks nice and kicks out the heat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
hillwalker   10 #6 Posted December 21, 2011 Thankyou for all the advice , I've not whacked it with the hammer yet as I'm sorting out a log burner , but all very helpful thankyou Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Sparkasaurus   10 #7 Posted December 27, 2011 Careful bashing the hell out of an old fireplace, as it will propably contain asbestos somewhere. Make sure you wear an FFP3 respirator just in case!;-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
pancho68 Â Â 10 #8 Posted December 28, 2011 chimney sweep and check if you need a liner,i make and fit stone surrounds but always have chimney checked by experts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...