Major Contributor
OT: Has anyone ever built a fireplace?
I know its well OT but thought I'd give it a go! We have ripped out our old 1930's fireplace (no gas pipes disturbed!) and are left with a big hole that goes all the way to the floor. What I plan to do is level the base off with concrete and build a face wall with bricks so it essentially becomes a hole in the wall about 1.5 feet above the floor. I was going to fill the gap behind the new bricks with breeze blocks so eventually it becomes a solid surface. While its being built I will feed a gas pipe through the structure so I can get a fire installed later (the pipe will be disconnected both sides initially).
The only problem is I have never built a wall before so wanted some tips on what mix to use for the mortar for the base, bricks and breeze blocks. Are there any special considerations for the mortar due to the heat such as using this type of stuff:
http://www.thecastironfireplacecompa...atId=80&Id=523
I will get the whole thing plastered up professionally which will be the outer layer so if the plaster is going over the top does the mortar for the underlying structure make any difference? Any other tips before I embark? Thanks!
UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe
Grand Master
You have to be careful with mortar, but only usually when exposed to direct heat... An enclosed gas fire vents warm air up the flue, but an open gas fire will heat up the mortar directly above it.
Ever throw stones into a bbq as a kid, then nearly get your head blown off when they exploded?
Kinda the same **** really.
3 Grand Master
Have actually done this. I didnt use special mortar but it makes sense if you want to. If the old fireplace didnt support the chimney breast then just brick up the hole. It will be covered with plaster and I bet the old brickwork isnt too pretty anyway. Put a vent in the middle to stop condensation and cap the chimney. If you are going to install a fire later, dont brick up the back just yet- you need to install a flue liner that goes inside your old chimney.
(For f. sake cover everything as that soot gets everywhere!) You will also need to ensure you have an air brick somewhere-your new fire wont gas you but it could burn all the oxygen in the room and suffocate you. Hope that helps
4 Grand Master
If I understand you correctly, you ripped out the "entire" chimney that is originally inside the house... not the one that is on the outside of your house. Most old houses have entire chimney inside the house.
If so, then why not just build up the wall with 2x4 and blue board sheetrock? As for the floor, rebuild it with joist, plywood and hardwood floor to match? It is so much easier and there is another reason to this.
Most new gas fireplace don't require any special surround as they already have a firebox built in and it is framed up with regular 2x4 and sheetrock or some concrete board... then the best one to get is the direct vent where there is two pipes in one... one for exhaust and one for fresh air intake.
No matter which fireplace you get, you are going to have to modify that structure again.
Major Contributor
Yep I've done it too, it's just how Whiskychaser says, standard mortar mix will be fine. If you are plastering over the new brickwork then just check it's all plumb. Nowt to worry about. Check out the ventilation requirements for the new fire before you start on any demo or brick work, just in case you need to do something a bit special. If in doubt, check it with the gas man who'll connect the new fire up.Originally Posted by whiskychaser
Have actually done this. I didnt use special mortar but it makes sense if you want to. If the old fireplace didnt support the chimney breast then just brick up the hole. It will be covered with plaster and I bet the old brickwork isnt too pretty anyway. Put a vent in the middle to stop condensation and cap the chimney. If you are going to install a fire later, dont brick up the back just yet- you need to install a flue liner that goes inside your old chimney.
(For f. sake cover everything as that soot gets everywhere!) You will also need to ensure you have an air brick somewhere-your new fire wont gas you but it could burn all the oxygen in the room and suffocate you. Hope that helps
HTH,
Shaun M
3 Grand Master
He is talking about removing something like these:
http://www.britainsheritage.co.uk/19...fireplaces.htm
And if they are anything like them they may be worth a bob or two
Major Contributor
Just to clarify, the chimney breast is still there, the concrete fireplace was built into this, it has come out with no chimney damage, just a bit of superficial plaster. There is also a concrete beam supporting the hole so none of my structure will be load bearing.
We don't know what fire we are going to put in yet but my missus going on about the mess so I have to do something otherwise I'll never get any peace! We went to the fireplace shop and it seemed to me they were charging a lot for what is essentially a simple job, a builder could do it with his eyes closed!
The chimney will need to stay open as a fire will be installed eventually (when we agree on one we both like), I will get it cleaned and cleared if required beforehand. So I need to line the sides and back of the hole with a flue liner or do I need to do the chimney all the way up? Can you buy flue liner paint or does this not exist? I will not be bricking the back or sides of the hole, the current chimney bricks are in good nik in this area it will just be plastered so does the flue liner go under the plaster? The top of the hole will need to be left open as a fire will go in at some point.
Where would you recommend I put the vent brick(s)? On the base of my new platform (where the fire will sit) or in the new 'wall' facing the room? I may have to make some minor changes based on which fire we pick but I am willing to accept that, I just wouldn't want to have to rip the whole thing out and start again! Thanks for all your help guys, a wealth of knowledge and not just for cars!
UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe
Major Contributor
Yes exactly, it was similar to the art deco type ones, maybe was worth a few quid before it came out in a thousand pieces! Looking back the tiles may have been worth something but they were just set in concrete, it wasn't like a complete separate removable thing. No matter, I have 3 more so I will be a bit more careful with those!He is talking about removing something like these:
http://www.britainsheritage.co.uk/19...fireplaces.htm
And if they are anything like them they may be worth a bob or two
UK 1997 e34 540iA Touring, 1989 535i Sport - now sold, 1998 Mercedes CLK 200 Coupe
3 Grand Master
A flue liner is basically a long flexible metal tube that goes from the back of your fire up out of the top of the chimney:
http://www.fluesystems.com/liners/in...egulations.htm
The air brick can be anywhere you like as long as its in the same room as the fire. You may have one already-its just a vent that lets in air from the outside. Sure she would appreciate it if you didnt go knocking any more holes in walls than absolutely necessary
Edit: I may be out of date so as suggested check with the fire people-you might get a fire with a special 'balanced flue' liner so you dont need an airbrick. I doubt you can get away without a liner altogether though
Last edited by whiskychaser; 10-05-2007 at 11:40 AM. Reason: Forgot something
Major Contributor
Flue pipes are bloody expensive! Look for a "catylitic-siq" gas fire that requires no flue, will save you money. Alternatively try an electric one, not as expensive to run as you would think.
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