Gas Fire Removal and Blocking up Chimney

soundslive

I have an inset gas fire, approx 9 years old, hardley ever been used since we have lived here, which i would like removed. The house is around 10 years old. I know i need a corgi fitter to do this, but this will obviously leave me with a hole in my living room wall. Can the chimney be blocked off to avoid the huge draft that currently comes down it, ideally we would put an electric fire back in place of the gas one, (it is inset and the chimney is on an outside wall), nothing to fancy as its only really for decoration, but before making any definate decisions wanted to be sure i can block off the hole left, any help and advice grafefully received, thanks

evilgoose

I'm not a builder - but I have always been under the impression that you need to keep a vent in the chimney to prevent condensation.
However - as the chinmey is on an outside wall, you could block up the inside to prevent a draft inside your house. Take out a brick on the chinmey outside stack and insert an airbrick. This will then allow an airflow in the chinmey.

zet_2

I would probably just build a really nice cover around the fire and use the cover as a mantle-peace, just in case I sold the house to a granny who wants to sit in front of a gas fire (is that just a cliche?).

Have you considered an open fire instead? If might be somewhat more involved but it would be rather more fun at parties than an electric fire.

ktuludays

i have just removed our gas fire.

i made the opening into a nice decorative hole for the wife to put candles and stuff in.

i have left a slight gap at the back on top to allow for air flow, so far we have not noticed any drafts.

System

we did ours years ago it wasnt too big a deal but you need a gas safe fitter not a corgi reg one .