When it comes to keeping warm there are few things as cosy as sitting around a fire or stove. Whether your style of home suits the latest flat panel, wall mounted electric fire or a very traditional wood burning stove we have something for you.
The heat source you can have in your home is largely dependent on the type of chimney you have. There are three typical types of chimney and flue found in houses at the moment, these are the conventional chimney, the pre-fabricated flue and the pre-cast flue. Please check your own requirements with your fireplace retailer or installer.
Class 1
These are commonly found in older houses (pre-1960) and are identifiable by a 7″ (180mm) or greater diameter flue. Prior to installation of a new fireplace, an existing flue must be structurally sound and checked for blockages. Gas and Multi Fuel/Woodburning stoves can use this type of chimney.
Class 2 – Pre-Fabricated
These are found either in an older house where the existing flue has been lined with a proprietary steel flue or in a newer house with a steel flue built in. Identifiable by a 5″ (130mm) or greater diameter flue and a steel flue terminal. Many Gas and Multi-Fuel/Woodburning stoves can use this chimney.
No Chimney Required
Modern houses often have no chimney and one option is a balanced flue gas fire. Another option when no chimney is available is an electric fire which can be located in virtually any room in the house.
Class 2 –Pre-Cast
Many newer properties that do not have chimneys are fitted with pre-cast flues made from hollow concrete or clay blocks. These travel vertically up through the cavity wall of the property to a ridge vent or metal flue terminal on the roof. Only certain gas fires can use this type of chimney.