Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Chimney & Fireplace

Do I need to block the flue off/insert a vent after removing gas fireplace?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.31 PM

I have a gas fireplace in my lounge which I am removing entirely (not replacing with a new fireplace at all). A gas engineer has come already and capped the gas off, and we have removed the surround so there is just the hole in the wall left and the now disconnected gas pipe. Someone told me I need to block off the flue completely, but I've also read that it should be blocked but vented. The gas engineer seemed to think I could just brick up the wall and plaster over it. Which is best to do, and if I need to block flue or insert vent how do i go about doing this?

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

4 Answers

House and home handyman service

Rating: 5 out of 5

Ipswich

It would be wise to put in a vent , an air flow will help any damp issues the same would apply at the top of the chimney if you haven't capped it

Answered14 July 2020

Fireside Design Solutions

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bristol

Under Doc J of the building regs all flues must be vented to reduce the risk of damp entering the flue. I'd recommend a C Ccap cowl on top the stack this will prevent rain snd pests entering the stack and a vent on the chimney breast to allow air to pass through Good luck with the project 👍

Answered10 August 2020

Fixcookers

Rating: 5 out of 5

Rotherham

Agree with Handyman service, you will ideally need to fit some form of vent at a low point (It can be discreetly done) and at a high point in the chimney and also place some form of cap at the top of the chimney to prevent rain getting in and birds nesting in it (This could also double as the top vent dependant on what you use. The air flow this creates as stated will reduce the chance of the chimney getting damp

Answered16 July 2020

Cardiff chimney sweeps

Rating: 5 out of 5

Cardiff

Definitely vent the fireplace when you block it off as stated in document J of building regs . Also cap off the top of the chimney with either a cowl or chimney capper so birds can’t nest or get trapped

Answered13 August 2020