Woodburner problems

spo2

Before Christmas we had a wood burning stove installed. We used a local shop that offers its own fitting and a year long warranty.

Within four weeks the fire brick had cracked (which they may argue is down to wear and tear, I think it’s a bit soon for it to crack but we’re willing to accept that it may be wear and tear), and more worryingly, the fire itself seems to be loose and moves if you touch it, and the chimney bit is loose at the join with the fire, so it kind of wobbles and rattles about when opening and closing the door. The CO monitor isn’t going off but we would like this fixed to the standard it should be.

We have contacted the shop many times and they just keep teling us that someone will come out and see it, but they don't turn up, then when we ring again they promise to ring us back which they never do. Yesterday was the second day that we were expecting someone to come out but they never did.

We were wondering what our next move should be. Recorded letter stating that if they don’t come out within the next two weeks that we get someone to fix it and bill them? Trading standards?

LadyDee

Don't know where you stand legally, but if it were me I'd write to them signed for (make sure you keep a copy) giving them a reasonable time - 7 days? to call to make good the problem, stress that you are concerned about gases/fumes, and if they don't sort it out you you will feel it necessary to contact trading standards.

In any event I'd immediately contact the local fire service if you are at all concerned for their advice.

cono1717

If you paid by credit card send a letter before action recorded delivery asking for someone to come out within 14 days. If no response get your credit card provider involved.

Any item within 6 months of purchase they have to prove (they can't just say it is) a non-manufacturing fault, i.e something you did.

spo2

Thanks, we paid everything except installation by credit card, was thinking about getting them involved but didn't want to do this unless it was the right thing to do

Poppie68

Have you actually been in and spoken to them, or just contacted them by phone? Paying a visit to the shop will always make more of an impact.

tykesi

mobov will be along any minute to advise sending an LBA

s_b

its citizens advice you need to contact over this now, not trading standards as has been suggested earlier
obviously you have given shop fair time to put you in the position you were in prior to the fire becoming unsafe to use
it might be wise to call into the shop personally and give them 5 working days to fix or you will indeed send them a registered letter of intent
maybe this shop is going bust anyway?

spo2

No we haven't been into the shop.

I did wonder about this s b, but I don't get the feeling that they're going bust (not that that means anything), just that they're very laid back about things!

Thanks for all the advice

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Wood burning stove are all very well and look nice, but they are prone to problems with regard heat, especially overheating. These can cause ancillary problems with fixtures. Try a look here.
http://www.gr8fires.co.uk/articles/solve-stove-problems

forgotmyname

I had a read of the use of log burning fires and its all quite technical.

Getting the right temperature and draft from the chimney etc. I wouldnt have given a 2nd thought. Its cold chuck more stuff on the fire.

But it seems that the fire can be raging and the thing glowind red hot yet not putting a great deal of that heat into the room. Sticking with gas and electric i think.

Hoof_Hearted

Never had any bother with ours. It's worth getting a thermometer for the stack which indicates the ideal temperature range. I presume the whole stove doesn't move if it's cast iron but I would expect the stack to make a good seal with the stove.