In this shot it can be seen that the top of the chimney is not very far above the thatched roof, this is often because the height of the thatched roof has increased during re-thatching. Part of this project was to increase the height to meet the current safe minimum which required both planning and listed building consents including approving a sample brick with the Conservation Officer.

As you can see the stove was in very good condition but it had been in the property for around fifteen years and was fitted to a chimney liner. At this time liners were often installed without insulation as there was less awareness about the causes of thatched roof fires.

After the relevant consents had been obtained the first stage of the works was to arrange for the scaffolding to be erected. We used scaffolding rather than ladders or a cherry picker because of the length of time we would need to spend working on the roof and the amount of materials we would need up there.

When you see the chimney from the top it can be seen that the flaunching was in poor condition, this is the mortar on top of the chimney around the pot. You can also see how close to the ridge the top of the chimney pot is.

As we start to remove the old lining we see that all is not always as safe as it may appear with old installations. The main support for the chimney liner should be provided by a steel top plate but here a piece of plywood was used and can be seen to have been partially burnt.

With the old lining removed and the chimney swept out the rebuilding of the stack can be done. The top courses are removed and set aside. Seven courses are added with the approved bricks before the original top courses are rebuilt completing the masonry ready for re-lining.

After installation of the new lining with insulation the chimney pot is fitted to give the height we need to meet the safety requirements and satisfy the Building Control Officer when he comes to inspect. A stainless steel guard is installed which we have painted black to minimise the visual impact.

Finally the stove is refitted after refurbishment in our workshop with new flue pipes and chimney closure plate. It is then test fired to make sure that everything runs properly and draught readings taken before being handed over to our client.