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What To Consider Before Opening Up A Fireplace

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  • 12-01-2024
What To Consider Before Opening Up A Fireplace

Find out what to consider before opening up a fireplace. From safety considerations and design choices to budgeting and maintenance, explore key insights to make informed decisions that align with your vision. Transform your living space into a cosy haven.

 What will you use it for?

The decision to open up a fireplace can have a transformative effect, significantly altering the ambience and aesthetic charm of any room. However, there is a crucial consideration which should be made before venturing into this project - what will be its primary use? Knowing the answer to this query can greatly assist in settling on the type of fireplace that is most appropriate for your particular needs.

For some, the sheer delight of basking in the gentle warmth and visual appeal of a real flame is irresistible. In such instances, an open fireplace may be the ideal solution. Not only does it produce essential heat, but the dancing flickers and crackling sounds from burning logs add to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the room.

Conversely, there are those who may lean towards an electric or gas fire. This could be due to their convenience, or the fact they require less maintenance in comparison with an open fireplace. There is also the scenario where the fireplace is simply being renovated for aesthetic purposes, without any desire to set an actual fire. Such cases call for options that can enhance the visual appeal of the room, such as the addition of decorative items within the firebox or the installation of a striking fireplace screen. 

The primary use of the fireplace serves as a guide in the planning stage, shaping decisions such as maintenance efforts and the type of chimney required. Importantly, safety must not be overlooked where the fireplace will be used for fires. This includes ensuring the regular removal of soot and periodic checks for blockages. These precautions are non-negotiable, as they play a critical role in maintaining safe usage of the fireplace. 

 What type of chimney do you have?

Before establishing a fireplace in your home, crucially, it's vital to understand your chimney type. This is fundamentally determined by identifying the chimney breast.

This is the part of your wall that protrudes out and safely contains your chimney. If the investigation reveals an old-fashioned brick chimney, you're in luck, as a suitable vent for your future fireplace is already present.

However, bear in mind that due to renovations or alterations over time, the vent may have been blocked off or modified in some way. So, you'd then start to meticulously extract any brickwork to expose the fireplace opening.

Safety is paramount at this point - as such, be mindful of any loose debris or soot that might come tumbling out. Given the risk, it's advisably safer to hire a professional for this part of the process.

What To Consider Before Opening Up A Fireplace

On the other hand, if your dwelling features a pre-cast flue, this would have been intentionally designed to accommodate a particular type of fire, such as gas or electric. This type of flue is significantly narrower, and potentially may not have the capacity to contain an open fire, heavily depending on the exact type of flue fitted. Therefore, it's always sensible to check the compatibility before commencing any refurbishment work on your fireplace.

Notably, whether you have a traditional brick chimney or a modern pre-cast flue, careful inspection, assessment and making appropriate choices form the cornerstone of setting up a safe, efficient and aesthetically pleasing fireplace. Thus, understanding the type of chimney you possess is the critical first step when thinking about opening up a fireplace in your home. And, as always, seeking professional advice is recommended to ensure safety and correct installation.

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 Consider the building regulations

When planning to open a fireplace in your property, one crucial aspect to factor into consideration is building regulations. These are indispensable guidelines that one should strictly adhere to for safety reasons. 

The requirements may differ, depending on the type of fireplace you wish to install and any subsequent modifications which you may opt to carry out. These building regulations exist to ensure that any work done aligns with set standards towards averting potential hazards such as fires. Fire-related accidents can occur if your fireplace fails to meet these expected regulations, hence they should not be neglected.

One paramount safety measure involves the issues surrounding smoke and associated risks. Establishing and maintaining control over your fireplace's smoke output is vital. It's one way to guarantee that your fireplace is operating appropriately and safely. This process usually entails the lightening of a small and controlled fire, allowing you to monitor the direction of the emitted smoke. 

If you notice any irregularities with the venting process or if the smoke seems problematic, seeking the advice of a professional is highly advised. These professionals can help identify underlying issues and recommend solutions such as the installation of a chimney liner. Such an addition guides the path of the smoke in an effective manner hence ensuring safe and efficient use of your fireplace.

 How do you know if you have a fireplace to reopen?

Uncovering an old fireplace hidden behind a wall can be quite an exhilarating experience. This forgotten architectural feature can add a touch of character and historical interest to your home.

But how do you recognise if you have an old fireplace secretly hiding in your property? One of the simplest ways to get a hint of its existence is by finding a chimney breast or a blocked-off flue in your house.

These are often still visible, even if the fireplace itself has been closed up. A chimney breast is simply the part of the chimney that projects forward from a wall to accommodate a fireplace beneath it. So, if you spot one of these, there's a good chance an old fireplace could be hidden behind it.

How Do You Know If You Have A Fireplace To Reopen?

Similarly, if there is a filled-in hearth or an unusually thick wall, this can also suggest an old fireplace beneath the surface. Don't be surprised if you see unexplained features on your wall or floor, such as a bump in the wall or unusual floor protrusions. These could be giveaways that there is indeed a fireplace concealed in your home, just waiting to be discovered. Another discovery method involves something a bit more hands-on.

By gently tapping the suspect walls, you can listen for a hollow sound. A hollow sound indicates the presence of an empty space behind the wall, which could be an unused fireplace. However, uncovering such a hidden treasure is not a task to approach lightly or without the proper guidance.

It's always best to get a professional involved when you suspect there may be an old fireplace in your home. Experts have the knowledge and experience to safely expose and renovate these hidden gems. They can ensure any necessary alterations are conducted safely and appropriately, preserving the structure and integrity of your home while also breathing new life into these concealed historical features.

 Future maintenance

It's fundamental to remember that all fireplaces, irrespective of their type, necessitate regular maintenance. Mainly due to safety reasons, especially where there is an operational fire involved. The range of maintenance tasks includes inspections for any potential blockages, chimney cleaning, as well as ensuring that the hearth and surrounding region stay fire-resistant. The frequency and level of required maintenance can differ, taking into account the type of fireplace one has.

Open fireplaces, for instance, are notorious for producing a considerable amount of soot. This soot needs to be frequently cleaned to prevent accumulation. If this is not looked after properly, the soot can build up in the flue which potentially could lead to disastrous chimney fires or result in inefficient burning.

Choosing an open fireplace means embracing the necessary upkeep associated with it. It is crucial to understand this responsibility before making a choice. Always remember, whether your fireplace is a source of warmth during dreary winters or simply an aesthetic addition to your home, its maintenance should never be overlooked. After all, safety is paramount.


Do you have a fireplace which needs repair or restoration? If you live in the Hastings and East Sussex area, our expert antique fireplace restoration services can help.