Open Fireplace Question

HellsBelles

Thanks everyone for your advice. I'll report back when I've had a sweep out, and investigated the costs of installing a gas fire too.

grahamc2003

While an open Victorian fireplace sounds (and would look and smell) idyllic, I would seriously consider the hassle, running cost and dirt of doing so if combined with a central heating system.

I really wouldn't expect a restored Victorian fireplace to look restored for very long if actually used. Wood and coal are pretty messy in practice(or have others found a way of burning them without any mess?).

As regards the heat - remember that, if your room is quite warm from being centrally heated, much of that heat is going to go straight up the chimney, and much moire so when the open fire is lit. (Stoves gain their efficiency in part by limiting the amount of air to just enough to supply enough oxygen for complete conbustion - an open fire allows about 7 times as much air to escape.) Under certain circumstances, lighting an open fire can actually cool a room rather than heat it (if for instance the room temp is controlled by a thermostat set high linked to CH).

So, although I think an open fireplace is really great in many respects, It also has pretty severe downsides in practice. I'd certainly consider getting the fireplace in use (meaning a good chimney clean and leak check by a chimney sweep, and the minimum necessary repairs to the fireplace without removal), and using it for a few months before restoration - that way, I think you'd be in a much better position to see the way forward (i.e. whether to restore it and have it as an unused feature with the chimney sealed, or whether to actually use the restored fireplace).

Regarding the chimney lining - I don't know whether it's necessary for an open fire, but if you need to line the chmney, all I know is that it's very expensive (something like £100 per metre).

WillowCat

I'd look to see if it could be renovated in situ. I can't see the point in risking damage by removing it to then replace in the same position.

I've stripped the paint off of a cast iron insert with a wire brush attachment in a drill/angle grinder before, it's quite easy though a little messy (need dust sheets). Does it need repairs, or is any damage just adding 'character'? (surprised cast iron would need repairs anyway unless broken - after stripping off a hundred years of paint our fireplace came out looking brand new)

So if you renovate the insert, and perhaps just get 'the fitting company' to put in a fireback, install a hearth and supply you with the new bits and pieces it would be better value and less risk of losing your fireplace altogether.

crphillips

We do this kinda thing regularly. Prices sound reasonable. Also there aren't many people around who have the knowledge and experience to do this kinda thing so you'll pretty much have to pay whatever they want (within reason) as they'll be busy with other work.

The fireplace will have to be removed to install a new fireback so they may as well take it to the workshop. A least it will all get properly sand blasted and stripped back to fresh metal and any cracks welded and threads re tapped.

Go for it......it'll look great. Stoves are way more efficient but if you just want it for ambiance and to retain the period feature of the house then restoration is the only way forward.