Open Fire to Log Burner
Discussion
We live in a 300yr cottage and it has a massive open fire, which is great. Unfortunately its really dirty too and we have found that the cream carpets, which are only 3 months old, are getting really dirty very quickly, no matter how often we hoover. The chimney is swept regularly and the fire is used almost every day.
I want to replace the fire, with a closed log burner but what’s involved? Is it a simple one in one out, or are there special things which need to be done to the chimney?
I want to replace the fire, with a closed log burner but what’s involved? Is it a simple one in one out, or are there special things which need to be done to the chimney?
Extra 300 Driver said:
We live in a 300yr cottage and it has a massive open fire, which is great. Unfortunately its really dirty too and we have found that the cream carpets, which are only 3 months old, are getting really dirty very quickly, no matter how often we hoover. The chimney is swept regularly and the fire is used almost every day.
I want to replace the fire, with a closed log burner but what’s involved? Is it a simple one in one out, or are there special things which need to be done to the chimney?
A log burner will need a flue putting up. and a different cap on the top. Very unlikely a chimney couldn't take a flue.I want to replace the fire, with a closed log burner but what’s involved? Is it a simple one in one out, or are there special things which need to be done to the chimney?
I looked into costs and a local guy wanted £1000 to fit including all parts. I was to supply the stove. They can be £300 or £5k!
Older properties sometimes have a crooked chimney which can be tricky to get a flue liner into. Decent flue is very important to proper functioning of stove though.
A log burner is a brilliant thing and you'll notice a much warmer room for less wood burned. Stick a kettle on top or a casserole dish and you can use the heat for other things. It's still a dirty thing compared to other forms of heating but better than an open fire. Ours was the best thing we ever bought.
A log burner is a brilliant thing and you'll notice a much warmer room for less wood burned. Stick a kettle on top or a casserole dish and you can use the heat for other things. It's still a dirty thing compared to other forms of heating but better than an open fire. Ours was the best thing we ever bought.
captainzep said:
Decent flue is very important to proper functioning of stove though.
Depends on the chimney. Mine is clay pots, no flue, and works fine. But I agree that on an older property where the internal structure of the chimney could be a bit shaky, and the cross sectional area larger, a flue would be wise.illmonkey said:
A log burner will need a flue putting up. and a different cap on the top. Very unlikely a chimney couldn't take a flue.
Not strictly true. The OP could get away with just fitting a registry plate. If the fire is used every day and cleaned regularly then chances are the draw will be fine.
I'd get a local chimney sweep out and ask his opinion - he'll check the draw, etc.
Don't ask the local wood burner shop out - they'll almos always say that you 'must' have a flue.
We didn't have a flue fitted in our old Victorian terraced house (got the local chimney sweep out who did a smoke test and stuck his head up the chimney with a torch!).
He said there was no need, and we happily used our wood burner for 4 years before moving.
My in-laws have a 70's built bungalow that they have extensively renovated and they have just removed the open fire and replaced with a wood burner - again with no flue liner.
Works perfectly.
Simpo Two said:
Depends on the chimney. Mine is clay pots, no flue, and works fine. But I agree that on an older property where the internal structure of the chimney could be a bit shaky, and the cross sectional area larger, a flue would be wise.
I didn't specifically mean a flue must be lined, just draw effectively and work well with the stove. My Mum bought precisely the same model of stove as me after liking ours, but the flue is different and consequently they work very differently (prefer the functioning of ours). Our fitter straightened out a nasty dogleg in the chimney and used used a pumice liner with vermiculite clay ball stuff. It cost a bit more but it'll last forever (well, longer than me) and I know that I won't have staining or gases coming through where they shouldn't. It's up to the individual of course, but whilst I do plenty of jobs on the cheap, I'm glad we lined our flue in the way we did.
What's the roof made of? How high is the chimney above the roof? You can by the high grade double liners way cheaper on t'internet than a 'fitting a wood burner people' will sell you. Do that, have woodburner fitted. Depends on your budget/willingness to do it yourself. All you need is a liner, vermiculite, register plate and woodburner. Still going to cost, min £1000 for all of that, though. There's a guy on here somewhere that does woodburners, Jas something? Not sure
Rosscow said:
illmonkey said:
A log burner will need a flue putting up. and a different cap on the top. Very unlikely a chimney couldn't take a flue.
Not strictly true. The OP could get away with just fitting a registry plate. If the fire is used every day and cleaned regularly then chances are the draw will be fine.
I'd get a local chimney sweep out and ask his opinion - he'll check the draw, etc.
Don't ask the local wood burner shop out - they'll almos always say that you 'must' have a flue.
We didn't have a flue fitted in our old Victorian terraced house (got the local chimney sweep out who did a smoke test and stuck his head up the chimney with a torch!).
He said there was no need, and we happily used our wood burner for 4 years before moving.
My in-laws have a 70's built bungalow that they have extensively renovated and they have just removed the open fire and replaced with a wood burner - again with no flue liner.
Works perfectly.
I have just had my second Wood Burner quote and both guys when on site said "I don't need a flue", but after speaking to their specialist fitters, insist "I do need a flue" and up the price goes by a grand! I am a bit cheesed off and liken the process to double glazing salesman, ie the bigger the house the bigger the bill!!
Anyway I can't see why I am not able to buy a log burner and install it, the house is 1988 and had a gas fire previously.
Anyone else done it themsleve's, looks like you need it signed off, or is this only if you move?
I am looking at the RIVA Stoves as they look good and have good reviews.
I was about to start my own thread, but I thin the OP and I are looking for the same info....
Cheers,
Jon
BrightYellowTVR said:
Anyone else done it themsleve's, looks like you need it signed off, or is this only if you move?
The problem I found is that stove fitters are not builders, and builders are not stove fitters. I needed both, so I got a builder to do the building work and then fitted the bugger myself with the aid of a strong friend. It is only a metal box in a hole full of air with a tube out of the top. But you do need to be competent at DIY and intelligent.I have no intention of moving so will add the missing bit of HETAS paper to the missing bit of FENSA paper and let the difference pile up in the bank.
Sorry for the crap pic... And it is fitted the right way up!
That's my DIY instal Charnwood country 4. A good scaffolder friend put a tower up and the wife and I did it ourselves. Dropped a rope down, tied it to the liner, one fed the other pulled. Fitted the bird guard cowel and connected up inside. Did a cold smoke test and another when hot. Zero leakage and good draw. We have CO alarms in the lounge and all upstairs bedrooms and airing cupboard where the boiler is. Never been any trouble and never been inspected or signed off by the building inspector. It should be though I'm told and would have to be if we sold the property, or simply remove the stove and put in the garage.
That's my DIY instal Charnwood country 4. A good scaffolder friend put a tower up and the wife and I did it ourselves. Dropped a rope down, tied it to the liner, one fed the other pulled. Fitted the bird guard cowel and connected up inside. Did a cold smoke test and another when hot. Zero leakage and good draw. We have CO alarms in the lounge and all upstairs bedrooms and airing cupboard where the boiler is. Never been any trouble and never been inspected or signed off by the building inspector. It should be though I'm told and would have to be if we sold the property, or simply remove the stove and put in the garage.
Simpo Two said:
The problem I found is that stove fitters are not builders, and builders are not stove fitters. I needed both, so I got a builder to do the building work and then fitted the bugger myself with the aid of a strong friend. It is only a metal box in a hole full of air with a tube out of the top. But you do need to be competent at DIY and intelligent.
I have no intention of moving so will add the missing bit of HETAS paper to the missing bit of FENSA paper and let the difference pile up in the bank.
"It is only a metal box in a hole full of air with a tube out of the top" Exactly I can't see the issue with doing it myself, will do some more digging but am tempted to get the fire and fit it asap I have no intention of moving so will add the missing bit of HETAS paper to the missing bit of FENSA paper and let the difference pile up in the bank.
BFG TERRANO said:
or simply remove the stove and put in the garage.
Exactly.I did call a building inspector, after it was completed, to see if he would like to come and inspect it. But I had no idea how he could tell, once it was fitted, whether it had been fitted properly and/or what was going on inside. He said he had to see the plans before it was fitted. As it was already fitted and I had no plans, I thanked him and hung up.
I would have no qualms about DIY (but, to add, I've had two fitted by builders of ill repute). My advice, get the chimney properly cleaned out. Like, properly. Jackdaws will build a nest in any available shelf = £50.
Measure flue length and buy appropriate steel lining (can't remember the grade, think it's 316 for longevity) = £12 x length of chimney + 1 for cock ups.
Buy wood burner = muchos. Latest house we went for a Contura. It's excellent. I think there's a guy on here who will do you a deal.
You also need the following:
Register plate - to attach burner to flue (you want to check the size 5in is normal, but not across the board)
Chimney plate, if you need it
Vermiculate, depending how big your chimney is, you'll need some of this. Our last house took 32 (unusual) but at £money per bar bag, it added up
HETAS certificate - your insurance/sale of house will be invalid without it.
Also, if the burner is more than 5KW, you'll need an inlet vent, and building control say so.
But don't let it put you off
Just so you don't go in with your eyes closed. I'd say clean chimney, decent woodburner, installation, it'll be £1200 min.
Measure flue length and buy appropriate steel lining (can't remember the grade, think it's 316 for longevity) = £12 x length of chimney + 1 for cock ups.
Buy wood burner = muchos. Latest house we went for a Contura. It's excellent. I think there's a guy on here who will do you a deal.
You also need the following:
Register plate - to attach burner to flue (you want to check the size 5in is normal, but not across the board)
Chimney plate, if you need it
Vermiculate, depending how big your chimney is, you'll need some of this. Our last house took 32 (unusual) but at £money per bar bag, it added up
HETAS certificate - your insurance/sale of house will be invalid without it.
Also, if the burner is more than 5KW, you'll need an inlet vent, and building control say so.
But don't let it put you off
Just so you don't go in with your eyes closed. I'd say clean chimney, decent woodburner, installation, it'll be £1200 min.
skintemma said:
I would have no qualms about DIY (but, to add, I've had two fitted by builders of ill repute). My advice, get the chimney properly cleaned out.
Definitely. My chimney had never been used but it had a rogue brick in it, so it's essential you get a sweep to stick a camera up it first.I love the idea that the sale of one's house is 'invalid' without a HETAS bit of paper. Oh f
k did I really just lose £200K? I don't think so.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff