What do I need to have a real wood fire in my fireplace once it has been unboarded.

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Request for Question Clarification by revbrenda1st-ga on 24 Feb 2003 07:21 PST

Hi Lisa50, 

How long has the fireplace been boarded up? How old would you say the
fireplace is? Was its use originally discontinued by you or is this a
case such as you've purchased a home and are renovating?

Thanks,

revbrenda1st

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Clarification of Question by lisa50-ga on 24 Feb 2003 08:34 PST

My flat is part of a victorian house.  The house was converted into
flats in 1981 so I should think it's been boarded up since then.  I
moved in and it was already boarded up, but I would like to have a
real fire there.  The floor is brick and the sides are the same black
hardboard that has been used to board the chimney up.  I don't even
know if I need a fire basket etc for a wood fire???

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Request for Question Clarification by revbrenda1st-ga on 24 Feb 2003 08:51 PST

Hi again,

If my assumption is correct, you are renting this flat? If that's the
case, I think your landlord, not you, would need to do what's
necessary to reactivate the fireplace. There is more to consider than
just striking a match to some kindling. Building codes, fire
marshall's regulations, sufficient property insurance coverage are
things that need to be looked into. Also, the age of the building and
the fireplace itself will probably necessitate that someone come in to
inspect for faults in the piping and chimney. At best, you'd need a
chimney sweep, I think. I watched a house I lived in burn to the
ground years ago -- I'd not wish that on anyone.

Perhaps another researcher can offer more immediate and positive help.

I wish you well,

revbrenda1st

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Clarification of Question by lisa50-ga on 24 Feb 2003 13:47 PST

I live in the flat, I bought it two years ago.  I am going to check
out the insurance etc and the feasibility of being able to unboard the
fireplace, I was just wondering, if it is all okay and it is possible
to unboard the chimney what is needed for the actual fire, i.e special
flooring (it is brick at the moment), special sides, fire basket etc.

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Request for Question Clarification by revbrenda1st-ga on 24 Feb 2003 14:47 PST

One more question, please. Are you in the UK? If so (or not), where in
general? I'll try to find out if there are any regulations which
directly affect the building of a fire in an inspected, approved
fireplace and/or tell you how to go about building said blaze.

rev

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Clarification of Question by lisa50-ga on 25 Feb 2003 01:35 PST

Yes, I am in the UK.  I live in Hertfordshire.

Lisa50:

There is nothing like a wood burning fireplace to make a room cozy and
evenings in the firelight can't be beat.

Before we get started go here -
http://www.dulley.com/firepl/firepl04.shtml - to see the 'anatomy' of
fireplace.

Fireplaces are not always the best way to heat a house (or flat). They
need air, lots of air, to burn efficiently and the chimney flue is
designed to create a draft, drawing air from the room for combustion.
It is that draft that fuels the fire and exhausts the smoke. That same
draft draws the heated air out of the house and that air is replaced
by air drawn into the house from outside through cracks around doors
and windows.

Modern fireplaces have a duct to the outside that feed directly into
the firebox and glass doors that can be closed to prevent the air from
being pulled out of the house.

I mention this as a possible reason why the fireplace was boarded up.
The other reason is a problem with the fireplace or chimney (i.e.
cracks in the masonry, bad flue design, broken chimney).

That being said - and considering the risk - it is essential to have a
qualified professional inspect the chimney before you attempt to use
it. Following are a couple of associations that certify Chimney
Sweeps:

http://www.guild-of-master-sweeps.co.uk/default.htm

http://www.chimneyworks.co.uk/

I would recommend contacting the associations first and ask them what
to look for in a qualified Sweep. Then ask them for a recommendation
in your area.

If the Sweep suggests that your chimney needs costly repairs pin him
down on exactly what needs to be done. Have him show you - where
possible - exactly what needs repair, how he intends to repair it, and
get it in writing. Then get a second, and if possible, third opinion.

This kind of worries me - "The floor is brick and the sides are the
same black
hardboard that has been used to board the chimney up." One would think
that a Victorian era fireplace would have a brick firebox. I would
want to know what the 'hardboard' is covering up - possibly failed
mortar.

  
I'm hoping your fireplace just needs a good looking over and you can
go right to using these fireplace tips.

"I don't even know if I need a fire basket etc for a wood fire???" 

The fire basket or grate allows air to circulate below the wood and
aids combustion. Remember, fire needs air (oxygen) to burn and plenty
of it. So when your building a fire, make sure that air can circulate
around wood. I stack the wood two pieces at a time in alternating
directions - like building a log cabin - and put the kindling in the
center. For kindling I use torn strips of newspaper that I separate
and loosely bundle - remember, lots of air.

Don't forget to open the damper before you start the fire, its
difficult and sometimes painfully to do it after the fire has started.
The damper helps prevent the warm air from going out of the chimney
when there is no fire. Warm air rises and you will feel the 'draft' if
the damper isn't closed.

Which brings me to a trick I have learned. On a cold day before you
have lit the fire the chimney fills up with cold air - cold air is
heavier than warm air - and when you open the damper cold air pours
into the room. To avoid this I place a candle in the fire box and
after it has warmed the air in the fire box then I open the damper.


More anatomy and tips 
http://www.chimneys.com/burnsec/

Another useful site
http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/frame/main.html

Many happy evenings in front of the fire.

Waldo