removing a Gas fire and surround

Question

I want to completely remove a gas fire from my lounge downstairs and cap the gas feed supplying it. it has a metal chimney tube through to the roof. its a 1960/70s house. has not been used for 7 years.

Whats involved in doing this to leave the house safe and damp free, with no signs of the fire left, and likely costs to consider.

Ben · Accepted Answer

Hi, I've specialized in fires and fireplaces for most of my gas career. It looks like you've got a couple of identical ai generated answers there.

The gas would need to be capped and tested in conjunction with the new igem four guidelines.

The flue liner can be left in or removed, but I would recommend leaving air flow via an air brick or vent at the bottom to stop damp gathering in the chimney. The top of the flue shouldn't be capped either, or damp air has nowhere to go.
*Damp might not be an issue, as the chimney is lined, but I can't speak for the age of the liner and its integrity. 
Cost to remove the fireplace and cap the gas supply would depend on the type of fireplace. If it's a timber surround with marble or cast iron back panel, it would probably be around £130 plus vat. If it's a limestone or marble fireplace, or one of the original concrete and tile types from the sixties and seventies, it would be more like £220 plus vat as they weigh so much, and take a lot of knocking to detach from the wall.
If you wanted the opening bricking up and plastering afterwards, that would bring additional costs.
Also, the fireplace wouldn't be taken away. A lot of gas engineers won't take anything other than scrap metal, as we're charged per ton for trade waste.

Hope that helps.

Ben.

Herbert · Answer

From what you have said i would split this into three main steps and usually estimated to cost between £500 and £1,200 total. Step to may or may not be necessary.

Safety & Disconnection (£150–£250): A Gas Safe engineer must legally disconnect and permanently cap off the pipework. They will trace the pipe back under the floorboards to hide it completely. Because of the age they should ideally check for asbestos and any rotting.

Preventing Damp (£150–£300): You can't just seal the metal tube completely, or you're likely to get condensation. A roofer needs to put a vented cowl on top of the roof pipe to keep rain out, and a small, flush air vent must be left on your lounge wall to keep air flowing and dry.

The Finish (£250–£550): The old surround is ripped out, the hole is built up and insulated, and then plaster boarded and skimmed flat so the wall looks seamless.

Christopher · Answer

Should o my be done by a gas registered person! 
Probably looking about £600 costs to remove

Mark · Answer

The gas would have to be isolated, capped off and let by tested. With regard to the flue liner, you have a choice, just leave it there  and let the chimney be, or I personally would cap the chimney off to stop damp, pests ect

Ross · Answer

"The gas would have to be isolated, capped off and let by tested. With regard to the flue liner, you have a choice, just leave it there and let the chimney be, or I personally would cap the chimney off to stop damp, pests ect"

removing a Gas fire and surround

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