The existing Coalbrookdale stove in this large modern single storey extension didn't operate correctly and when inspected was found to have a catalogue of problems that make it unsafe. The hearth is far too small and hot ashes could easily fall onto the wooden floor, the curtains are too close to the fire when closed, there is too much uninsulated flue pipe and the ceiling is skimmed plasterboard fitted against the flue pipe.

On closer inspection the stove top has cracked all the way around. When this happens and the stove is connected to a metal chimney system of this type it is usually an indication that there is too much weight on top of the stove or that there is no expansion room so that when everything gets hot pressure builds up on the top of the stove until it can't take it any more and fails. We need to check how the chimney is supported.

The problems continue outside where the chimney terminates only slightly above the ridge of the single storey extension which could cause operating issues from air turbulance and pressure and is only around 3m in height which could cause a lack of draught.

On starting to remove the lead slate and chimney it becomes obvious that the roof timbers have been badly cut out and not adequately trimmed. The trimming to create the chamber for the twin wall insulated chimney to pass through is fitted too close to the chimney which poses a fire risk. To make matters worse the chamber has been lined with combustible plasterboard. There are also gaps in the felt which surprisingly haven't leaked and various parts of different flue support components have been cobbled together to try and provide structural support for the chimney.

When we look at fixing a metal chimney it should be supported so that the weight does not sit on the stove it is serving and the stove should be able to be removed without dismantling the entire system. Neither of these points are satisfied here and all that was holding the chimney up was these three screws and the lid of the stove which has given way.

The roof timbers have been trimmed out to give the correct clearances to combustible material and a new chamber lined with fire resistant board created. A new lead slate has been dressed with the roof tiles cut to fit and the new chimney has been fitted using a suitable cowl for the location and a bespoke support bracket made in our workshop. This bracket supports the weight of the chimney and also gives lateral support to stop it moving around too much in the wind. It is also designed to give us scope to extend the chimney if there are any operational issues because of it's height or location.

The stove is now installed on its new granite hearth and our HETAS engineer is in the process of commissioning and explaining the operation of the stove to our client. This is an important part of the installation process and where our clients have the opportunity to ask questions and see how the stove works.

It's always nice to see the room returned to normal with all the trimmings replaced. Don't worry about the curtains, we have fabricated a fixing to prevent them from closing fully as this would be a fire risk.