Solid Fuel Fire; Help

happyhooker

Last December I had a new solid fuel fire and surround fitted. The fire is very nice until I light it.
There are bars across the front of the fire with a gap of approximately 2" between bars, this gap allows burning coals and debris to easily fall through causing a mess and a considerable danger. I went back to the shop with my complaint and was told that the fireplace could not be adjusted as it would then contravine building regulations, they told me a solution would be for me to fit some wire mesh to solve the problem.
Having spent over £1,000 on this fire I am reluctant to do a bodge wire mesh job and feel that this fireplace cannot be fit for purpose.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to my next course of action?:mad:

lowbrim

Personaly I would go with the advice given I dont think it is a bodge job done properly and with the correct mesh and you will not notice it once it has been in there a couple of nights and blackened up. I had a similar problem.

mpython

Sounds as though it may contravene building regulations if it could cause a fire or personal injury. Most of the building regulations for open fires are to do with room ventilation, flue fireproofing, exhust fumes above roof line etc. Who installed the fireplace for you?

I think its possible to buy mesh frames to fit the front of fires, perhaps a google or ebay search will help.

Just a thought, you could ask the local council building officer to come and check the installation (all building works are supposed to be approved) and if they agree the fire is unsafe you can use that in your dispute with the installer. (Downside of involving the council is that they may prevent you from reusing the fire until its made safe). Of course the council may say that it is safe and agree with the mesh idea or might have other ideas. I've always found my local council building officers very friendly.