Old Fireplace

[fionalawlor]

We have moved into an 18th century house with an open fireplace on the ground floor. Although it has not been boarded up, it has not been recently used. Some time ago the chimney stack was removed as it was very large and the owner felt it posed a danger. I would like to use the fireplace and wonder if I can do so without a chimney stack. A draught come down the chimney and even spots of rain, as would happen in any open fireplace. I have burned paper balls to check where the smoke went . It disappeared straight up the chimney. On the first floor of the house we have a gas stove, installed by the previous owner, which has a metal flue. Would it be possible for me to burn solid fuel in my ground floor fireplace?

[Clanad]

Several concerns... If you mean by "chimney stack" the chimney extension beyond the roof line, then, above all don't use the fireplace. Additionally, if there is sufficient chimney above the roof line, you need to check if it is lined. Should be clay or stainless steel liner. Next, the smoke ledge just into the fireplace should be checked for security. If the fireplace hasn't been cleaned for many years, the chance of a chimney fire from built up creosote is high. Such a fire in an old, unlined chimney would probably result in the house burning down. Have it checked by competent professionals before using...