can i have a real fire?

[sezweblee]

hi i have a chimney & have just had my old gas fire taken out. i think my chimney may be blocked off but im not sure. how would i go around having a real fire rather than an other gas fire? thanks so much for all your answers in advance x

[sherrardk]

Have you thought about a wood burning stove - they are not as messy as a real fire and they are far more efficient. Obviously more expensive to install but they are nice.

[boxtops]

First, make sure your chimney hasn't been capped or otherwise sealed. If it has, get it unsealed. Second, get your chimney swept. The longer that soot and cack has been living in your chimney, the more likely it is either to fall down if you light a fire, or catch fire itself. The sweep who came to us had a smoke cone he lit in the hearth to make sure the chimney was fully clear - it wasn't, it was like the black hole of Calcutta in my dining room!

[Vagrant]

Agree - I've got a woodburner - best thing I ever bought.
Find a HETAS registered installer and get quotes.
Even if you decide against it, they'll probably be able to tell you whether your chimney is blocked or not.

[Prudie]

Someone needs to check if it is blocked off and then unblock it (builder?) and it would then be advisable to get a chimney sweep in. After that you'd be ready to go but would need some kind of fire basket I'd say.

[sezweblee]

thanks guys! i can always count on you lot for great answers!! what would i do without answerbank? :)