Log Burner regs - in chimney recess

[TCruise]

I am so confused with conflicting advice about log burners I'd be grateful for your help!!

The log burner will go in a Victorian chimney recesa.

Dimensions of chimney recess
W 82cm
H 94cm
D 37cm

Hearth extends from the front of the recess by 22.5cm
So depth of hearth is 59.5cm

The sides of the heart (ie either side of the recess are 30cm

What I'd like to understand is what is the largest log burner I could have in this space please

[TCruise]

A terrible drawing



Height of the recess is 94cm

[TCruise]

No flue, at present, just a victorian chimney

[Dr_Rick]

Depends on the material makeup of the recess. Your local Building Standards will have a stipulated distance from combustible material to the stove. A brick lined fireplace will no doubt be fine (as incombustible), but if it's a lined recess, it'll need to be fireproof. That goes for whatever is above the stove and what the flue pipe connects to.

Same for the hearth. We had one on a glass hearth, which was fine apparently.

[Dr_Rick]

TCruise said:

No flue, at present, just a victorian chimney

The flue pipe will need a register plate adding to seal it to the chimney liner that you'll need to have fitted. And then another register plate at the top of the chimney.

[Mr Pointy]

I think your issue is mainly with the 225 depth of the hearth into the room as it limits you to a stove that is 820x370 less any clearances required by the manufacturers, assuming all the surroundings are non-combustible. You'll get better reults if you can bring the hearth out which will allow you to bring the stove forward - basically you need 300mm from the front of the stove to the edge of the hearth, although some sources quote 225mm for a closed stove.

Have you looked at Document J?

[TCruise]

Thanks gents.

It is pretty confusing Doc J, alongside recommendations, manufacturer recommendations and what is actually required.

It gets more confusing when you have a 150 year brick chimney, as many of the rules/recommendations seem to drop away as it is non-combustible.

Given the brick built chimney that has had fires throughout 150years without burning the house down, it does slightly amaze me how confusing and contradictory the advice is!

But think I've got there in the end

Regulatory
- no minimum distances required on sides or back, as it's in a brick built chimney recess.
- sides or back, may need 5cm, manufacturer or installer recommended.

Hearth
- 22.5cm from front seems fine, as it will be a hearth that has significant concrete depth, the stove won't heat the hearth above 100c

Well at least that's the way I read it!

[Mr Pointy]

If the stove you pick is compatibe with a 12mm hearth then requirements get easier but the 225/300mm measurement is from the front of the stove, not the front of the chimney breast.

[Simpo Two]

Also look at the stove installation instructions - that will have clearance distances too.

[Simpo Two]

TCruise said:

the stove won't heat the hearth above 100c

Hearths don't get as hot as you think - most of the heat goes up and out.

[TCruise]

.

Edited by TCruise on Monday 14th October 14:16

[TCruise]

Thanks Simpo, and Mr Pointy,much appreciated.

Indeed. The stoves we are looking at a couple have wood storage underneath them! So the 225mm from front of log burner to hearth should be fine

[aspirin]

Have you got a local supplier?
We’ve just had a burner fitted and our supplier had a handy form you filled in beforehand. They then told us which stoves would fit.