Returning to open fireplace (Australia) - liner and chimney height extension

[teebee]

Hi all, new to the forum. I've searched but can't find a conclusive answer so apologies in advance if this is obvious.

We've moved into a house built in the 70s and removed the broken gas heater, which was fitted into the original brick fireplace.

We want to occasionally use the fireplace as an open fire, as we have other daily heating covered. It's really just the novelty/charm of an open fire on occasion.

I had a chimney sweep come to inspect and clean the chimney - he cleaned it and said we'd need to extend the height of the chimney by between 1m-1.5m to get the fire to draw properly. Other than capping for rainproofing, he didn't suggest anything else we'd need to do to start using the fireplace.

I've since read about liners and am confused. It doesn't seem to be common in Australia to line an open fireplace chimney, as products are rare and seems to only relate to when fitting a stove in an existing chimney. Is this correct? I don't want to be unsafe, but from what I've been able to gather, it appears liners are important with stoves - not open fireplaces - as stoves output a different kind of heat and exhaust composition.

I will extend the chimney myself with brickwork, and cap to exclude rain. Some photos are attached for reference: the exterior (massive chimney footprint versus actual flue size; the top of chimney where I'll extend the brickwork (currently covered with some cement sheet); fireplace (with brickwork holes from gas and power to patch); and throat.

Thanks for any advice,
Tom

 

[double-d]

So after extending your chimney another 1.5 m, what does that make the height of the chimney? And the inside dimensions of the chimney flue is 30 x 30 cm?? In the States, whether it is a stove or fireplace, a stainless liner and insulation is usually required, by code for safety. As long as the chimney height, flue dimension, and fireplace size is correct, it should burn fine. Can't speak about any of your safety codes.