(10 May 2013, 22:50)BDG Wrote: Can you put a picture on of where the fire place is in relation to other things, sounds a bit strange with an extension next to it, like it is the secondary fireplace - I have an unused chimney like that (I have 4) but would not recommission that one.
It wouldn't help you, BDG, since it's currently behind a built in bookcase.
I know it's bonkers, but so is much else about this house, which has been extended three times before we bought it. I think the original chimney was knocked down when the side extension was built, and they slammed up another right on the corner of the new far wall.
(10 May 2013, 22:50)BDG Wrote: You say opening up the fireplace would reduce the price of your house, but then state you do not have the cash to move? One kinda cancels out the other really.
No, it doesn't. Reducing the value of the house is a long-term issue which would affect us if we were ever able to move in the future. That matters less to me (since I have doubts that future will ever come) but as I said above, my husband is not on board with prepping, and he won't take kindly to a Home Improvement that lessens value rather than adding it.
So far I have used only my own money in my secret preps, but the house is in joint names and I can't just go bashing holes in it without my husband's knowledge and approval.
(10 May 2013, 22:50)BDG Wrote: If you were that bothered about prepping it all for TSHTF, open the chimney, make it good, clean and line the chimney, put a stove in and then plasterboard over it. You can soon sort that out should you need too. Or just run a stove now.
You see, this is exactly why I haven't posted much since I joined. It's true that I'm a long way behind many here, and I'm very conscious of learning from the more experienced preppers, but I don't see why that would make you think I'm 'not bothered'.
Steve's information has shown me what needs to be done, and GrannyMike has been able to assure me it's safe. I know now what I need to do, but it is going to cost a lot of money and I don't personally have £1500 plus just sitting about. I'm still determined to do it, but it isn't going to happen overnight.
(10 May 2013, 22:50)BDG Wrote: How good you are at managing a fire also has an impact. Friend lives in a smokeless zone, has has a none DEFRA approved stove but uses enough tinder and sticks to get the thing hot hot hot before putting seasoned wood on. Makes very little smoke for the first 5-10 minutes while the stove is on.
Yes, absolutely. But now I know I can get the kind of stove I need that IS approved, there seems little point in getting one that isn't. Leaving rules and regulations aside, it's in my interests to have as clean a burning stove as I can get, since smoke will be a major giveaway after TSHTF.
(11 May 2013, 01:06)Timelord Wrote: It really is pretty simple, but you have to get it right and unfortunately there is usually no end of incorrect advice given with good intentions. You can look it up on the net how the installation should be constructed.
It will cost a few pennies, unless you can do or have friends who can do some of it for you. I got the cost of the equipment back in the first 12 months and since then have been saving a fortune. I shudder when I think what the bills would have been now if I was still running the gas central heating daily and a useless gas fire at times.
Thanks, Timelord - that's very encouraging. The info about saving money will be really helpful in persuading my husband.
(11 May 2013, 01:06)Timelord Wrote: The stove really is a preppers friend and is a source of heat, light & cooking. If you buy one of the smaller ones, you could yank it out in an emergency and take it with you in a vehicle if you had to relocate.
Try "Country Kiln Stoves". They are far cheaper for good quality stoves. Made in Scotland and delivered to your door. V.helpful too. Flues & accessories can be bought cheaper elsewhere.
And thanks for this too. That's an excellent point about getting a smaller one we could take with us - I'd never thought of that, and will certainly bear it in mind.
The 'storing fuel' issue is one that's come up a lot on the websites I've consulted, but I think we'll be OK for that. I have space to build a little bunker, and a good supplier nearby. We can also use some of our own wood (we're cutting down two trees to make room for fruit and veg), but I know it'll need to be properly dried before we can burn it effectively.
Thanks every much for the advice, everyone. I was going round and round on this one, but you've now given me a definite course of action and I feel a lot better about the whole thing.
Regards to all,
Louise
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