I got a new open fire installed a few years ago. I only light a fire at the weekends in the winter. I have had to replace the grate twice already as it has become warped and cracked. The back of the fire is really bad too. Many cracks in it. I have repaired it several times with fire clay but now the chimney sweep says I need a new back fitted. Can anyone explain why it's so bad. Is it a dud back and grate and if so can you recommend a good manufacturer. I burn a mixture of coal and timber logs. Occasionally burn peat when I can get it too.
2006-10-16 05:00:30 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It was expensive and when I went back to the shop he said it was some chemical in coal that did it. Never happened to my old fireplace.
2006-10-16 05:10:05 · update #1
Coal burns much hotter then wood, so this may be causing you problems with your grate and back of your fireplace. If you have to replace, ask someone about what materials to use that can stand the additional temperatures.
2006-10-16 06:16:36 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do a bit of homework Groid, visit a few fireplace shops ask their opinion. I have never come across fire grates warping/cracking, but then I'm no spring chicken so I'm only familiar with old original fireplaces,......from the days when they were made properly from the right materials :-) If you can I would look out for an old grate to fit anyway. Firebacks do crack up in time but they do need to be fitted properly, with rubble behind them etc. If you have to have a new fireback be sure to get a competent fitter and make sure you tell them of the problems you've had, and that you don't want them repeated.
2006-10-16 12:51:58 · answer #2 · answered by Dick s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coal burns hotter than wood and the air supply to the coal fire has to be regulated to ensure it doesn't get too hot (or as you found out, it will damage the fireplace). A glass enclosure will help to regulate the air flow and cool down the coal fire. Check with a knowledgable coal supplier.
2006-10-16 07:15:49 · answer #3 · answered by Answer King 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get on the phone with the manufacturer and raise hell, wood burns at a much higher temperature than coal, if the fire bricks are cracking, then you got a cheap fireplace. Make enough noise at the place you bought it at along with the mfg. and you will get some action out of.
2006-10-16 05:49:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your fires are "too" hot. That's the only thing that would warp the grate like that. The extreme heat would also account for the back firewall cracking. Cool it down alittle bid dude!!!!!
2006-10-16 05:41:25 · answer #5 · answered by bugear001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alas i had that problem, i overcame mine by fitting a wood burner that burns both wood & coal, a lot less mess, also looks nice, not only that the kettle gets hot on it for a quick cuppa first thing in the morning
2006-10-17 07:03:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like bad luck 2 me, was it an expensive fireplace? If so, complain to shop/manufacturer,
Failing that buy another one.
2006-10-16 05:04:12 · answer #7 · answered by splandastic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with a gentle fire, just warm for half an hour.
Cool it naturally, don't spray with water of anything.
Shoudl be ok.
2006-10-16 05:04:58 · answer #8 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think your fires might be to hot.
2006-10-16 05:10:44 · answer #9 · answered by blushlilac 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would invest on a oil heater their great for one room.
2006-10-16 05:09:07 · answer #10 · answered by gino d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋