Chimney & Fireplace

After having a backoiler removed, what needs doing before having the fireplace closed up?

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.33 PM

I've recently had a back boiler to combi boiler conversion which has left the fireplace open and exposed. There is a gas pipe which is sealed and water pipes which are still in use. I'm wanting to get the fireplace hearth and mantle removed and the hole sealed up so it's just a flat wall but don't know what needs doing beforehand so please forgive all the questions. There's a flexible metal tube running down from the top of the chimney to where the back boiler was. It is now dangling there so does that need removing or closing? I think the general advice is to get the chimney capped since it'll no longer be in use. My chimney appears to have a gas cowl however (small, metal and cylindrical with slits around the sides) so does this need capping in some way still? Most things referencing a capped chimney use a chimney pot and not a gas cowl so I'm not sure it still applies. If it doesn't need to be capped, does anything else need doing with it? Does the chimney need cleaning/sweeping before sealing up? It appears to be lined with a bit of soot (or something similar). Presumably the metal tube may get in the way. Does the empty fireplace need any insulation before closing the space with a wall? When getting the fireplace closed, will it need a vent in the new wall, or will there be enough airflow from the top of the chimney to prevent any damp/condensation? (Taking into consideration any advice about the metal tube and gas cowl) Ideally, I'd prefer there not be a vent in the wall if at all possible. Thanks!

TS Gas Heating Plumbing

Rating: 5 out of 5

5/592 reviews

Grimsby

Needs gas pipe removal if it is not feeding anything now no fire no back Boiler that needs supplying to fire up so a long dead long not allowed and needs cutting out completely as a danger - Prior to works needs wrapping with protective sleeping in a damp area to stop corrosion / contact with flue liner / dampness to be clipped clamped - technically legally needs relocating for access and not in the void - remove all gas works out to prevent gas leakage into the chimney breast and build up in a cavity with no access - when gas piping is removed and all done consider your other works ie other water pipes removed if dead legs not working to an appliance remove then the chimney swept re soot build up causing damp on walls - needs vent low level in the room and you are aware of that by the sounds of it

Answered5 March 2023

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M.A. Skinner (Building Contractor) Limited

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

4.9/5115 reviews

Colchester

To be honest I would of expected that the tradesman responsible for removing the back boiler and all other works carried out either been asked or should have informed you what is required after the removal Kind regards Mark Skinner M A SKINNER LTD

Answered4 April 2023

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