Re: Central heating question/stove
Well, here's the update I promised for anyone interested.
The stove is in and working. Here's a breakdown of the work and costs-
1. Blocklayer put in a new 4" concrete head to support the chimney breast. This involved cutting a slot either side of the breast just under the existing flue retainer to allow the head go in under the flue retainer. Once the head was in place, he cut out 9 inches of blockwork either side to make a 36" opening instead of the original 18". €150.
2. Plasterer bonded plasterboard around the opening and put a skim coat on it. Finished ope is 33.5 inches. €120.
3. As we were putting the new hearth flush with the floor, I needed a carpenter to cut back the wooden floor to suit. €20!! for a tough hour's work (solid maple).
4. Fitted the polished slate hearth myself. Put it down on some lean mix sand and cement. Hearth is in two pieces and cost €220. It's very nice.
5. Due to tolerances/access being too tight, we had to forget about going out through the top flue. Fitted a stainless steel 90 degree bend and about a foot of flue to the rear exit instead. Had to spray them black to match. Previously fitted the flue adaptor and sealed it in place in the chimney (€62). Flue €30, paint €12.
6. Used four off-cuts of carpet under the legs to allow me to move the stove about on the slate without gouging it. Once in place and squared up, put in lots of fire cement/sealant in the two joins in the pipes. Messy and awkward due to the low opening.
Today is our second day with it lit. Lots of interesting smells last night, due to paint curing, fire cement hardening, (paint burning?) and assorted dust burning off. Much more pleasant today, although getting the fire just right is taking a bit of practice. Plenty of heat, but turf really blackens the glass.
I'm not sure the plasterboard is the best idea to form the ope with, and I doubt the paint on it will last. If not, I'll re-do it in the spring with something else. There's heat-resistant plaster which I might try.
So that's it. It looks lovely and really heats the rooms. Will source some good wood as soon as possible- coal is king for the moment though...