solid fuel concrete lined flue

arroli

Currently restoring an old stone single storey cottage and would like a solid fuel open fire
Over the years the existing chimney has deteriorated and at some point previous owner fitted metal liner for gas fire
ive had a couple of chimney experts to examine and quote for repair etc..
Options are line chimney with concrete using "balloon" method for solid fuel use..
Or a new metal liner for gas fire use

if I go with option one, in future would I be able to change from solid fuel to gas and use this concrete lined flue ok for gas without need for further metal lining?

does a cost of approx £1000 plus vat sound fair for concrete chimney lining, bearing in mind its a single storey cottage?

Thankyou for any advice.

paddy's_mum

There is an intermediate flue. I've got a twin-walled steel chimney liner, guaranteed for 25 years, to serve my woodburner. It didn't come to anywhere near £1k.

Might be worth a quick ring round to see what other specialists have to say before agreeing to go with the quote you've had.

You can buy it by the metre and install it yourself - not too big a drop from the roof of a single storey cottage !

arroli

I think you can use metal walled liner for solid fuel stove, but not open fire.
ive had 2 quotes and both very similar..

The old chimney in the cottage is made out of old stone, with lots of stones missing from chimney wall in the attic, would cost more to repair and point the stone

Installer tells me they will use method of putting "balloon" type liner down chimney, which they inflate to required diameter, then pour concrete down and around this which they allow to set to form the flue, then make a shoulder to connect to top of concrete fire back

I wondered if I can use this concrete flue for gas fire use in future?

Using a Hetas installer, as now required by building regs, unless we do ourselves and have buildings inspector (will poss work out just as much)

Leif

Given the price it sounds like it would not be more expensive to have it lined for a wood burning stove. Although you would have the extra cost of the stove, it is much more efficient than an open wood/coal fire, so you would get the money back if you used it enough. Also for a stove you do not need a slabbed hearth, so that will save some money too. I paid about £1800 for a multi fuel stove (£700), a granite outer and inner hearth, and a stainless steel liner for my bungalow. As far as I know you will not be able to convert this to gas easily. The advantage of gas is you do not need to refuel, it just works. But it lacks the charm!

arroli

Hi Leif, unfortunately dont want a wood burning stove, and already have the fireplace and fire surround that I wish to install.

I realise the lesser efficiency in open fire, just want the "look"! its only for additional heating in the lounge, not our main source.

My thoughts on gas are purely that if we wish to change/sell in future, how difficult or expensive will it be to revert to gas fire?

rustyboy21

If you reline the flue, with the concrete ' Ballooning' system, you can burn whatever you like in future, gas or solid fuel.

You are in effect renewing your flue, so it is back to being as good as new.

I think link below is what you are on about. There are a few other options listed there too.

http://www.chimneylinings.co.uk/Concrete%20Pumped%20Linings.html