Need chimney help

[cj]

What do you all know about chimneys? I have a nice big fire places in my house which used to house a gas fire. That has gone and I'd love to put in a proper fire. If I look up the chimney I see a large piece of metal blocking it off with maybe 6 large holes in it (20mm diameter). It looks like on the other side to this is a load of newspaper! Is this usual and could I just pull it down. If I do pull it down do I need to then text the chimney in some way to make sure there is nothing else up there. How much will a prffessional charge to do this for me?

[baxter basics]

if you are confident its not structural, pull it down (it will; make a 'kin awefull mess BTW)

if you are not, call a builder!

If the fire place is already open then it should have a lintel so I doubt its structural BUT I cant see it...

[Stuart B]

So what are you going to say to the chimney when you send it a text ?

" Is there anyone or anything up there ? "

:-)

[Rednadnerb]

Hi CJ

It looks like the metal plate has been put there to block the flue and stop all of the warm air in the room from disappearing up there, the holes will allow a trickle of air to keep the flue ventilated. I don't know how the newspaper could have gotten up there.

Yes, you can take it down. Use smoke pellets (or anything that makes a bit of smoke) to make sure that the flue isn't blocked off somewhere further up.

Brendan.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Indeed. But be careful with old flues. Lining may be appropriate..can get expensive..but worth it saftey wise.