Smokey fireplace - not the usual reasons... HELP!

vansboy

Hi All!

Ok we're about to start putting the walls & inside, back together now, in http://www.theupsidedownhouse.9f.com & have a bit of a smoke problem.

The decrotaive York stone fireplace has long gone & we've been making do with just a grate, in the opening, to keep builders & us warm, while taking a break. The smoke wasn't too much of a problem to us then.

Now we've tidyed up the opening & made it 700 x 700 x the 600 deep. The actual flue is right at the back, about 200 diamiter (remember this is upstairs, so around 5m maxumum from floor to top of chimney.

We've had it swpt & smoke bomb test, there is a good flow up the chimney from a smoke 'bomb', but the problem is when we use a grate.

The brickwork inside the fireplace is staggered by 3 1/2 brick steps, from the sides, no doubt to support each course of brick above themselves. Result, when the fire starts going, or when it dies down & gets gentle smoke, this hits the bricks & is going ito the room, as much as going up the chimney.

We've tried raising the grate & it has helped a bit, but would like to fix the problem, if we can. & appreciate that things should be different, once we 'close up' the walls & seal all the gaps around the place - it really is just a shell, currently, plus the studwork!

Even thought of a wood burner, but would prefer just open fire, due to £$£$ & appearence!

Also thought about just using smokeless fuel, as the fire isn't the only heat source, obviously, but we've stacks of scrap timber, we've ripped out of the house!!

Any suggestions welcomed!

Thanks in advance!

VB

Canucklehead

Good evening: Get in someone from HETAS to advise... http://www.hetas.co.uk/

HTH

Canucklehead