coal fire

[susandemetri]

We have a coal fire that is not in use also we still have a back boiler which is not in use as we have central heating, but love the effect of a real fire. ? there is a couple of bricks missing that go through into the back boiler, can we block this hole with bricks and cement and use the fire after we sweep the chimley?

[The Builder]

shouldn't be a problem susan.............some have a metal flap that you can open to direct the heat to the boiler. This is closed when the boiler is not needed - so blocking the opening will have the same effect. Alternatively, remove the boiler and have a larger fireplace :o)