Unsecure chicken perches

[abwsco]

We have a similar fireplace to this one in our lounge. Are they suitable for a woodburner? At the moment it has a disconnected living gas flame fire in situ.

 

 

Altered title as change of plan. See later posts

Edited December 15, 2010 by Guest

[Charlottechicken]

That is similar to the room I have an open fire in. I don't think the gap is big enough for a woodburner, but am happy to be corrected. Wonder if you can get inset stoves, like the old Parkray fires?

[abwsco]

Thanks Claire

[..lay a little egg for me]

My guess is that if you can find one the right size all you need is a suitable flue. At a guess I would say the flue must be about 5 inches in diameter. What is behind your fireplace? Is there a chimney or is there an external wall? Both would be suitable for fixing a flue. Whether you can also find a woodburner that fits the space is another question! We used to have a similar (but not so nice) fireplace at our previous house. We took it out and put in a woodburner instead.

[abwsco]

Thanks Caroline, we have a chimney

 

I should take a pic of our fireplace as it's much nicer than that one. Well, I think it is anyway-lol

[Charlottechicken]

Found ***this*** interesting reading!

[abwsco]

Thanks Claire Off for a read.

[The Dogmother]

I would ask your chimney sweep to assess it for you, it depends largely on the state of your chimney. You can get back-venting stoves, which stand in front of hearths with smaller openings - that would solve your space problem.

[Charlottechicken]

I should take a pic of our fireplace as it's much nicer than that one. Well, I think it is anyway-lol

 

Ooh, you should!

 

The pic you posted is much nicer than mine, I already have fireplace envy

[abwsco]

Claire, just for you

 

[Charlottechicken]

Oh wow

 

That is a beauty! I love those fins in the back of the fireplace too.

 

It looks in excellent condition as well!

[abwsco]

Thanks Claire Sadly, the left hand front "corner" piece is cracked but you don't see it unless you know it's there. Was damaged many years ago by a workman

 

Two brothers built the houses on the road and then lived in them. We're lucky enough to live in one of their houses so have extras Wooden flooring downstairs when it should have been concrete and we also have leaded lights although not coloured glass. We've been able to keep some of them by having them sandwiched in between the double glazing but for the others we had copies made.

[abwsco]

OK, having spoken to my sister who has just had one installed I think a woodburner may be out for the forseeable due to the cost

 

However, I fancy the idea of an open fire as that's what would have been there years ago. Anyone have pros and cons please? Can you burn wood or coal I know I'll have to find a chimney sweep to give it a clean and a smoke test but what else? ta

[Christian]

We have an open fire in our lounge. I love it!

 

You can usually burn wood and coal, depending on where you live. We burn both as we aren't in a smokeless area.

 

We usually get the chimney swept twice a year, just to be on the safe side. We have loads of birds around here that have a habit of nesting in awkward places!

I would invest in a spark guard with an open fire, better than a fire guard, the mesh is finer, so if any logs spit, the guard stops the pieces landing on your carpet. A rug in front of the fire is a worthwhile investment to protect you carpet.

 

Our fire is only small, so we clean it out every 3 fires or so. It takes minutes to do and isn't really too much of a faff. Most have a tray underneath that catches most of the ash.

 

[abwsco]

OK, no flies on me. I rang a chimney sweep and he's been tonight. Chimney being swept and smoke tested on Thursday morning. Just waiting for my plumber now to let me know when he can take out the remains of the gas fire that is in the fireplace. Keep your fingers crossed he can come soon otherwise I'll be ringing around to see who can-lol

 

Chimney sweep also said we'd spoil a fabulous fireplace if we put a woodburner in.

 

Thanks for your post Christain, I was typing as you were -lol Your fire looks lovely We've restored original floorboards so no carpet. Do you still think a rug would be a good idea?

[abwsco]

Plumber coming Thursday after the chimney sweep Am I sad for being hyper about a fire

[Christian]

Yep, would still use a rug. Any burn marks are easier to replace on a rug than a wooden floor.

[Charlottechicken]

Enjoy your open fire!

 

I love my open fire, although I now have a stove to compare with and the stove wins on heat output.

 

To see if you are in a smoke control area look on the ***DEFRA*** website

[abwsco]

Thanks for the link Claire. Says some parts are but the council website is useless!

[Charlottechicken]

It might be safer to buy the smokeless fuel then. It burns clean and long and you can often resurrect a fire the following day from the embers No spitting from smokeless fuel either I use the hexagonal cushion shaped briquettes.

 

You will also need a good toasting fork and a nice little shovel you can roast chestnuts on too, ooh, maybe a companion set if you don't already have one

[abwsco]

It might be safer to buy the smokeless fuel then. It burns clean and long and you can often resurrect a fire the following day from the embers No spitting from smokeless fuel either I use the hexagonal cushion shaped briquettes.

 

You will also need a good toasting fork and a nice little shovel you can roast chestnuts on too, ooh, maybe a companion set if you don't already have one

 

Oops, never thought of the extra's I'll need to buy-lol Found out from the council we're not in a smokeless zone so am now undecided whether to just go with logs as those fires seem easier to light.

 

All tips and hints gratefully received

[Christian]

We burn logs but chuck a few pieces of coal on when the fire is going. It helps keep the heat up and won't die down as quickly if you are busy, and not watching the fire. We really do need to find a local coal merchant, as bags from the garage are expensive.

[abwsco]

Thanks Christian I got hardwood, softwood, kindling and smokless coal plus a tutorial from a friend this afternoon on how to set one. All ready to go but am waiting for DH in case I create a monster fire:oops:

[abwsco]

Fire is lit but OMG at the price of log baskets

[Christian]

YAY!! You will love it!

 

OH regularly falls asleep in front of the fire like a spaniel Complete with drooling

 

get a large log basket, the biggest you can afford/fit in the lounge. We finally found one that was £50, but is huge and means you aren't getting logs every day. Ours does 3 days' worth of fires, but then I do light it at lunchtime if I am home. Much to OH's