Home health check
Restore and maintain original fireplaces so that you can enjoy their lovely period details, and as the days draw in, the warming effects of crackling flames
Expert Roger Hunt advises on restoring original fireplaces
Cosy and comforting, an original fireplace alight with burning coals or logs is the ultimate period feature. Fireplaces come in many forms, ranging from the large inglenooks found in early homes, to the cast-iron, marble and wooden surrounds of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Neglect, and the whims of fashion, have taken their toll on many, with components damaged or missing and design details obscured by layers of paint but, with a little care and effort, they can be brought back to life.
Aesthetics are not the only consideration: ensuring the fire burns safely and efficiently is equally important to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. This results from any form of combustion, has no smell and can potentially kill.
Repairing and overhauling
Where advice or expert help is needed, specialist fireplace shops are usually a good starting point and, as well as supplying essentials, such as firebacks, grates and repair materials, some offer a renovation service. When searching for replacement items take measurements and photographs of the existing fireplace, as well as making cardboard templates to ensure a good fit.
Cast iron
Although strong, cast iron can crack when stressed, especially when subjected to intense heat. In addition, parts may be rusted, distorted or missing. Blacksmiths are sometimes able to help with repairs as are fireplace shops and salvage yards.
Protect surrounding surfaces before removing loose material and rust with a wire brush or wire wool. Where necessary, use a chemical rust remover. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, finish the metal with black stove grate polish and burnish with a brush or soft cloth. A heat-resistant paint is another option.
Wood
A good joiner can generally make repairs to a timber fire surround using like-for-like materials and construction methods. Where necessary, wax polishes may be suitable for finishing.
Paint removal
Removing paint from a cast-iron or wooden fireplace is relatively easy but requires time and elbow grease. Surrounding areas should be well
protected with newspaper or plastic sheeting before any work is started.
Proprietary gel strippers or poulticing systems that peel away, taking the paint with them, are generally successful. A toothbrush and tooth picks help with paint removal from fine details. Do not use heat guns with cast iron as the metal dissipates the heat. Also, shot or grit blasting should not be attempted as this may spoil the finish.
Marble and stone
Marble and stone fire surrounds need particularly careful treatment as they are easily damaged.
While it may be possible to remove paint, stripping products should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area first. For cleaning and polishing use specialist marble and stone cleaners. Rust, red wine and soot stains are a particular problem, but poultices of white paper kitchen towels soaked in distilled water may remove some stains.
If in any doubt, or where the piece is valuable, consult a specialist conservator before undertaking repairs or cleaning. Some ‘marble’ fireplaces are in fact scagliola, a mixture of plaster and aggregates that imitates marble, and which is easily damaged.
Firebacks
Clay and concrete firebacks crack due to heat, and gaps may open up between them and the fire surround itself. This can allow smoke and harmful combustion gases to leak out and may also result in hot embers escaping into the building’s fabric.
Minor cracks can usually be patched with fireproof cement but, where the damage is severe, replacement of the fireback may be necessary. To allow for expansion and contraction between the different elements, gaps between the fireback and fire surround should be plugged with some fireproof rope.
Maintenance checklist
● Have the chimney regularly swept by a professional sweep.
● Regularly clear ash and debris from grates.
● Carry out a monthly check that carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working properly.
● Fill any cracks and gaps that appear in the fireback and surround.
● Clean and polish decorative elements.
Fit for the future
Considerable heat loss and draughts occur through fireplace openings, so it is worth considering a draught excluder that can be temporarily inserted into the bottom of the flue when the fireplace is not in use. These come in a number of forms and it is important to use the one most suitable for the shape, size and type of opening.