BISF House Cast Iron Liner Removal.
This is a Member submitted Post
Hi guys
I have to remove a cast iron liner so I can install a new stove and liner.
It was installed over 30 years ago at least and appears to be attached to the chimney by a supporting bracket just above the old fire where it has been smashed off when the fireplace/ chimney was sealed, it is very loose and flexible.
The height to the stack is around 8 mtrs.
What is the most straight forward way to do this?
I have been told that as its cast iron it should smash with a sledge hammer as we drop it in to the old fireplace.
What do you suggest?
Great site btw loads of info.
Cheers
Stuart
Hi Guys thanks for your comments. The cast flue runs inside the existing chimney and is not exposed anywhere in the house. It appears the be in numerous lengths bolted together to a height of 8mtrs attached by brackets at the base then half way up and at the stack. A small hole has been made through a bedroom wall to fix a bracket half way up and then covered over. I can remove the brackets and drop the flue into the fireplace. When I said flexible I should have said it was old and flexible in the exisiting joints between the lengths of pipe. Inserting a new flexi liner inside is out of the question. I will remove the brackets and drop it in to the fireplace. Cheers.
Hi, do you mean you want to remove the cast iron flue pipe itself? If it’s 30 years old and flexible, it doesn’t sound like the cast iron flue pipe at all. Also, if you want to install a new stove and liner, wouldn’t it be better to put that liner inside the cast iron flue pipe, if it’s still there? It would provide protection from the heat.
The cast iron flue pipe does not need the frame around it for support, I have seen the frame and boxing-in removed and the flue left bare. It could look a bit odd, but it might be OK as a rustic look.
Ed
Hello Ed,
if the the frame is not to support the flue is the weight supported by the roof frame and concrete firebox?
Thanks,
Sean
Have you taken a look at Dougs excellent post here http://nonstandardhouse.com/removal-of-bisf-house-cast-iron-flue-tube-by-doug/
Just remember though that the cast iron flue is original and is insulated against the heat given off from the fire. If you do remove this any new flue will also need to be insulated if it runs up through the house inside the existing wall boxes / stud work.
Can you upload any images of the existing fire so that we can get a better idea?
Smashing the flue is one option which I have used before but it can be difficult as the flue is in 3 stages. The option shown by Doug is much easier and probably safer too.
Marc