Do I need my chimney/flue relined? *Feels* expensive

[Clive]

Hello,

I live in a Victorian (1870s) brick built cottage in North London/ Herts borders. Each of the original 4 rooms has a fire place. The lounge has a reproduction grate ( I suppose you call it) made of (cast?) iron. The basket is small and designed I guess for coal. I have had the chimney swept twice in the past two years. I burn a mixture a smokeless fuel and small logs that I chop to fit the small grate. The chimney draws well, the fuel burns down to fine ash and the fire gives a useful amount of heat even in cold evenings. All good. However, when I clean out the grate often I find two or three (2cm x

2cm) pieces of what I can only describe as plaster or maybe mortar. I am guessing this is some form of chimney lining coming through the very small opening above the fire. There is a simple pivoted metal (Cast iron?) plate that can be used to partially block the entrance to the chimney/flue so the opening above the fire is pretty small and this material, if it comes from the flue lining would have had to have dropped right down the centre. Any idea if this material is some kind of lining? I suppose if it isn't dealt with and I continue using the fire something nasty/awful/dangerous could happen? What needs to be done if I am to continue to use the fire (which I want to)? I have visions of the chimneys being demolished to be relined - which is actually a probability because I will probably initiate a total redecorate of the house over the next two years. I'm not gung-ho about the demo and re-lining but I just want to put out there it is not out of the question although it seems pretty drastic (and amazingly expensive).

Thanks

Clive

[NT]

Demolition sounds a fairly bonkers option.If relining becomes necessary it can be done from the roof.

NT

[js.b1]

I am afraid it is quite likely the chimney is in a poor state, particularly the feathers.

If you are going to redecorate, line the walls with insulated plasterboard (50-65mm celotex) and you will find a light bulb will keep it warm compared to how it is now. Plaster skim over plasterboard if wallpapering.

[Clive]

Thanks everyone for the detailed and prompt replies and suggestions.

From a post of mine (a year ago ! ) I need to get on with the wall insulation. I know external cladding would be much easier and more effective but it would ruin the effect of the mixed yellow and red external brick work - even worse a crime than pebble dashing IMO.

I will find *someone* to do the survey of the chimney - but who is competent?

I was thinking of replacing the dinky fireplace wih a stove. Not very "authentic" for a Victorian cottage, but I have been told they are much more effective and efficient than small coal grates. Also I guess the stove would be attached to a flue going straight up the chimney. The other option seems to be to stick with the reproduction coal fireplace and have a flexible stainless steel flue liner (904 grade as in Jim K's post) which is properly sealed at the bottom and the top.

Thanks

Clive

[george [dicegeorge]]

It is expensive, but not as expensive as if fire gets past the broken old lining and sets fire to wooden beams!

This is more likely with wood burners as they burn hotter than the original coal fires.

you could stick a usb camera up there?

Linings come as metal tubes, or, better and more expensive in the cementy lining like i had done by Landyvent,

involved scaffolding, then pouring their mixture down the chimney and pulling up a bung.

[g]

[NT]

I'm not convinced. If lumps are coming down, they'll be exposing other mortar in similarly bad condition, and any mortar a century or so old is most likely leaky. Also you can see leaks after a bit from the soot stains.

NT