Fireplace/Heath Advice

[rs3100]

Just after some advice. I have removed the old back boiler from the fireplace in my house (see pic).
The fireplace has been opened out to the bricks holding up the lintel, and all the debris removed. The base of the fireplace drops below the floor level by approximately 1-2 inches and jutting out in to the floor is a concrete hearth (~15" X 48"). I will level off, with concrete, the bottom of the fireplace to the level of the hearth with the intention of putting a slate hearth on top.

Does anyone know what the requirements are if I want to have a multifuel stove installed at a later date?

Also what is best to put on the bricks in the fireplace? I've had both Supalux and Vermiculite suggested.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mountainman]

I'd be tempted to render the brickwork.

As for the stove, check out which ones you like the look of and refer to the MI's for clearances, ventilation etc.

 

[ecowarm]

You would need to find the multi fuel stove really and look in the instructions. Usually it is 300mm from the front of the stove to edge of hearth and the hearth needs to be 125mm thick, dimensions at side and rear depend on manufacturer

 

[rs3100]

I'd be tempted to render the brickwork.

Any thoughts on what would be best to render with? Lime mortar?

 

[ecowarm]

My personal opinion is leave the bricks bare, render can come off with the heat

 

[AWheating]

you can get special fire rated render but its very expensive. It may be better to leave bare brick cleaned up.

take a look at part j of the building regulations for detailed requirements for the fire place and clearances of combustable materials. Dependant on the applaince you get you will have to have certain size construction and superimposed hearths including correct material depth.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/AD_J_wm.pdf

before any work get the chimney swept and tested by an approved chimney sweep. Its best to know beforehand if you need to fit a liner etc... as the cost will increase quite abit.

also it will need to be fitted and sign off by a Hetas register engineer, if you live in a smokeless area then make sure the appliance you buy meets the requirements.