©
EUROHEAT
DISTRIBUTORS (H.B.S) LTD June 2011
E & OE Instructions Part number IN1212 Ed D
30
Housing Construction, When Using An Existing Chimney Breast.
Whilst it is almost certain that the fabric of an existing fireplace and chimney will be non-combustible and
will have a hearth which conforming to the regulations, it should be inspected to ensure that it has not been
modified by an over zealous “do it yourselfer”.
The depth and width of the fireplace should be measured to confirm there is sufficient room to fit the stove,
before removing any brickwork. Many upper floor chimney breasts house not only the fire place but also the
lower floor chimneys, and the depth is often much less than those of the ground floor.
Before removing any brickwork, the covering plaster should be removed so that any lintels can be identified.
There will probably be two, the first supporting a few courses of bricks above the fire back opening and a
second, higher up, which may be in the form of arched brickwork or a reinforced concrete lintel, which spreads
the weight of the complete chimney structure onto the chimney breast side walls. Removing this lintel without
adequate replacement support may result in a catastrophic collapse of a large area of brickwork. Remove no
brickwork until the main supporting lintel is identified and is confirmed to be sound.
If the main supporting lintel is positioned high enough to accommodate the stove’s housing to give the
required stove position, with the extra height necessary if air ducts are to be fitted, the fire back, surround,
bricks and lower lintel can be removed. If no upper lintel can be observed, its condition is doubtful or it is
found to be too low, a qualified builder should be brought in to install a new lintel. This is not something to be
attempted by anyone without specialist knowledge and experience.
With the fireplace opened to its full size the chimney should be inspected. If the property is very old the cross
sectional area may permit you to instal hot air ducts at the top of the chimney breast or even to extend the
hot air ducts to another floor easily, but as before no brickwork should be removed unless you are experienced
and qualified to understand the implications of modifying supporting structures. To afford the easiest access it
is advisable to fit the flue liner before in filling the fireplace. If the flexible liner is to be lowered from the top,
it is advisable to lower enough flexible liner to allow the rigid to flexible adapter and rigid pipe to be fitted in
relative comfort. Struggling with both arms fully extended into a black void, whilst holding a torch between
you teeth is not the ideal way to ensure this joint is done perfectly which it needs to be if it is to be reliable.