We were asked to inspect this old stove and installation by the new owners of the property. From a distance it all looks fairly old but quite neat. It may however have been safe to use in the short term. Unfortunately this opinion was to change very soon.

On looking at the back of the stove it was immediately apparent that there was a rather serious problem as the stove had pipework that used to connect into the heating system. As the pipework was no longer connected the boiler was devoid of water making it hollow. Running a stove like this could cause the boiler to explode or the steel back to split allowing dangerous fumes to leak out.

The old stove, flue pipes and register plate have been removed and the fun continues as the old inglenook chimney had been modified to reduce it's size. This was done to help the old stove operate more effectively as the original inglenook chimney would have been over two metres wide. The corbelled stone is all securely supported with concrete lintels below.

A small surprise was lurking just behind where the old flue pipe used to be as this brown square is a piece of wood. Wood is found in old chimneys more often than you would think, this piece was roughly 40mm behind the old flue pipe and was exposed above the old chimney register plate. Its a wonder it hasn't caught fire.

The chimney here is easy to access from the drive. A cherry picker will be used as the roof is Collyweston slate and could be damaged easily if we use scaffolding. It is also safer than ladders when you're handling a long stainless steel chimney liner which can be damaged if not handled carefully.

The new chimney closure plate has now been fitted and is in several pieces as the fireplace is over 2m wide. Stiffening angles were needed on the top to give the plate rigidity and prevent it from flexing. A hatch has been provided for future inspection above the plate and the wood has been shielded with special metal heatshields to give the clearances required under building regulations. Additional protection has been provided by wrapping the bottom of the chimney liner in an insulating blanket.

The new Woodwarm multifuel stove is now installed and everything has been repainted. The commissioning process is underway when we light the stove, get it up to operating temperature to make sure it runs correctly and explain to our clients how to use and maintain it.