chiminea in a conservatory

[nykkieberry]

Probably a VERY daft question that everyone will have a chuckle about but if we were to burn a small amount of smokeless fuel in a chiminea in a conservatory (glass roofed with brick walls) - what would happen?

[woofgang]

how little fuel? how big a conservatory?

One thing that MIGHT happen is the invalidation of that part of your household insurance relating to fire damage!!

[nykkieberry]

The conservatory is 3 x 4 metre square but a lot higher than a standard conservatory - it's 2.5 to the top of the supporting walls and the roof apex is obviously a good metre or more above that.

The chiminea (small one) will be positioned on slate in front of a solid brick wall under a glass roof but well away from any uPVC fittings.

We were going to get a woodburner installed (with flue) but a/ it's complicated with building regs and b/ it will generate too much heat.

I just want the feel of a real fire rather than the heat from one. I know you can burn gel in Chimineas but I was wondering what the affect of smokeless coal would be!

It is probably a stupid idea but if we reduce the risk of the conservatory catching fire...what are the other risks? Could the roof crack with the upwards heat from the Chiminea? Would there be fumes from the fuel?

Thanks!

[woofgang]

looks like carbon monoxide might be a problem

http://www.solidfuel.co.uk/frame/main.html

these guys would know. Imho I would still be concerned about my insurance

[jake-the-peg]

This is a bad idea in so many ways. Not only exhaust but also providing a big enough air supply and insurance.

Have a look at this: http://www.stovesonline.co.uk/wood_burning_stoves/Esse-Electric-Stoves.html

I'd strongly recommend something like this - but give them a call anyway I've used them and recommended them before and they've always been very helpful

[Tim B]

Can't see why a flue would involve building regs.  Get a flue, improve air inflow to the room for the fire to breath, don't forget water vapour and CO and CO2 will be evolved.

[jake-the-peg]

Flues do come under building regulations. Part J to be specific you can read them here:

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_buildreg/documents/downloadable/odpm_breg_600285.pdf