removing solid fuel fire

[mishy]

anyone any idea about how easy/hard it would be to remove a solid fuel fire. we have just purchased a house and the previous occupants had solid fuel heating but the replaced it with gas central heating however the fire is left in the livingroom. would we need to get a builder into remove it? i'm just wanting it blocked up

thanks

[raysparx1]

Hi mishy,

Was it just an ordinary fire with back boiler ?

They aren't difficult to take out, you will need a Club Hammer, A Bolster chisel, and if you can get hold of a jemmy bar,it will make it easier,it is a dirty job (get chimney swept first) you will get rotten dirty and your arms will ache,
once removed call in a builder to brick up the opening, if you are bricking it up yourselves don't forget you will need a vent putting in, but If you are in the least unsure of any aspect of the job, Please call in a Builder,it won't cost a fortune,and he will have all the proper tools,good luck, Ray

Also make sure the Back boiler is sealed off away from fireplace and drained down properly.

[raysparx1]

HI mishy,

Iv'e just had a thought you do mean just removing the fire itself don't you ? Not the whole Chimney Breast, If you mean the whole Breast,then for Gods sake DON'T you will have big problems if you don't know what you are doing , Ray

[mishy]

yeah its just the fire. my uncles a builder, think i'll just call him in!

[raysparx1]

Hi mishy, it is a dirty job,it won't take him long, Ray