Chimney & Fireplace

URGENT: how to remove a Gas inset Fire and surround and create Opening for Decorative purposes

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 2.58 PM

Hi. i currently have a Paragon 2000 inset Gas fire (natural Gas) and fire surround/hearth which I've tired of. I want to remove it and create a larger opening (approx 1m - 1.2m wide) but only use it as a decorative opening (eg: stack logs in it). It is current in a Brick/Block Chimney which is external and the Fire sits on a flat wall internally However i do want the opening to be able to accommodate in the future a Hole in Wall Gas Fire if I change my mind so taking into consideration: Height from floor, Height/width and depth of opening and min allowance for a TV to be mounted above. At present my TV is above the fireplace but above a Mantel and quite high up but i want to lower it and understand it cannot be directly above a Gas fire unless it is inset into a wall or there is a shelf/Mantel or trim around the Gas Fire to protect the TV. So taking into consideration the above I would like my builder to do the Temporary Hole and Corgi registered Gas fitter to Cap off the Gas supply, so I can at least lower the TV and get rid of the current fire now. If I come to install a NEW Gas fire (hole in Wall type) then I will of course use a specialist Fire company/installer So please can you advise on how best to do this and if at all possible. The Chimneys measurements and the widest point/section externally are: 1.79m wide x 2.30m high x 56cm deep. The house is 3 storey and of Brick/block Cavity wall construction and 16 years old. There is an airbrick in the room and the Chimney has a T Cowl at the top with cages at each open end to stop Birds etc getting in. Urgent request as builders are in now doing other work. thanks in advance