Bring Back Fireplace

May 29, 2009

By system

Many Victorian and Georgian fire surrounds were taken out and the fireplaces crudely boarded up during the enthusiasm for transformation in the 1950s. These properties commonly have broad chimney breasts so it is simple to work out where the fireplace would have been; you will probably have to do a bit more detective work in houses that have been significantly changed over the years.

In better renovations, the gap will have been bricked up and plastered over, with an air brick mounted to air out the chimney. Just like any fire, your fireplace requires oxygen for the wood to burn. By removing this you can entry the size of the opening; if there is no air brick, take out a few bricks from the axis of the chimney breast about 35 cm from the ground. However, as a chimney breast in a connected structural part of the house, ask for specialist assist if major work seems possible.

The fireplace should be made of stone or concrete faced with tiles and expand into the room by 50 cm to avoid flooring catching alight – a broken fireplace is a serious fire threat. You must also make sure that the recess is appropriately fireproofed – fractured firebricks must to be filled with fire cement. It is important to ensure the area around the fireplace is thoroughly cleaned before you turn on the fireplace for the first time. Some states and local counties have laws and regulations about these types of fireplaces.

Basically, a fireplace doesn’t really need a surround but apart from performing a decorative purpose, it also helps defend the adjacent walls from dust and damage. If you are planning to fix up an existing surround by removing the paint, keep in mind that several pipe or plaster surrounds were meant to be painted (frequently to imitate luxurious materials for instance marble or hardwood) so you may expose a surface that doesn’t bear close inspection. To get rid of paint from a wooden surround, work by hand using a substance stripper; burning off the paint may damage valued details. Experiment a small spot first, working into corners with a toothbrush.

Marble fireplaces discolor easily, which is why many were furnish a coat of paint. This can be removed with a chemical paint stripper and marble cleaner. Sandblasting is the best way to remove the paint. This is a trained job, so request a fireplace store to recommend a professional.

If somehow the surround is missing or you wish to change it, architectural salvage yards have a good selection of unique styles. Replication of fireplaces from different historical times is also available.

When selecting a surround, think about the age of your property, and the size and style of the room. Check out similar houses in your area to measure the size and style of the original surround

It is imperative to double check all the pieces such as the side supports, the frieze or lintel when buying second hand marble fireplaces. As for wooden and cast-iron fireplaces, they are commonly made as a single unit, screwed in place by special fixings.

You must check the condition of the flue and chimney first before you plan to light a fire. No fire will draw successfully unless fixed to a sound, correctly sized chimney. If the chimney hasn’t been used recently, it should be professionally swept and checked. A smoke test will tell if the flue is cracked, and imperfect flue must be relined (a fairly pricey process). If the chimney is sound but the fireplace is smoking, a chimney terminal, such as a cowl, may prevent down draughts.

When a fireplace has been blocked-off, the flue may have been plugged to avoid draughts and falling soot – all you may need to do is get into the throat of the flue and take away the board. If it is clear, check the draw of the flue by lighting rolled-up magazine and holding it in the fireplace – if the smoke goes straight up, the draw is fine, but if smoke fills the room, the chimney may be blocked higher up.

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