Backdraft from fireplace All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[dalt0n]

:cry: Please can someone help? In the summer I changed my electric fire to an old cast iron fire/fireplace which has been converted to gas. The flue was removed as this was not needed. The problem is we have had some strong winds and the cowling has blown off, the drafts that are coming down are unbelievable and there doesn't seem to be any heat coming from the fire it seems that the heat is going straight up? My friend offered to get up on some scaffold and reattach it but my chiminey stack is massive and he couldn't reach? I have phoned 2 different roofing firms and they say the chiminey is to high? Can anyone advise who I should get to install a new cowling as my gas bills are going through the roof due to having the heating on constantly? Thanks in advance!

[stoneyboy]

dalt0n,
Sounds like you will have to get a scaffolding firm in to provide the access and get your mate to replace the cowl. Get the chimney and flashings checked while you have the opportunity.
end

[elwood]

Hi
Hire a cherry picker for the weekend