fire place preparation for install of chimney piece 

stages to prepare fireplace for chimney piece install
​a bricked up fire place. 

this install also shows the upgrade from arch fire to the more generous square shape fire.

 jamb. register grate and Pelham chimney piece. 

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bricked up fireplace

all victorian fireplaces Ive seen to date are filled with rubble in the original building stage. including under heath half. this can be washed away from rain down chimney, this one in great conditions. clean way any loose rubble and down a minimum 150mm to a firm hard stable base.

foundation mortar with hardener, stop down 50mm of half stone height

this step take out loose bricks re mortar this is done, at this stage so dropping can be collected with ease, once dry call in chimney sweep, this is also done at this stage so ash is cleaned away with ease, and not mix with rubble of stage one

lay heath stone, ask for off cut to use so you can lay mortar to right height ~ with level from half stone, fill gaps behind skirting.

Gas fire removal 

If your fireplace has a 1960s gas heater, theres a very high chance its 'asbestos" It was the product of choice, even if ply over front for painting the asbestos will be behind.

before you move into your new home tap the fireplace see if bricked up ~ Or sealed with' board'. have it removed before moving in, even if you plan to renovate at the later stage.
if comes out in one piece 'safest' wrap in plastic including clothing masks gloves for collection. keep in large pieces don't brake it up. 
​don't put in rubbish 
You can find government numbers on web for its removal.
I've not put numbers here, its best you to go to web for most up to date information  

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