Why do i have an hole in my wall where Fire as been?

Question

i had my coal fire removed and replaced with a electric fire what we dont use, i removed my electric fire from the wall so i could get it plastered but the workmen who took out my coal fire have left a 3 inch hole in the middle of the wall, what for i dont know, im guessing its for air circulation or something or the workman didnt have enough time to cut a little brick to fill the hole. does anyone know and can i fill it in?

Answer 1

maybe a pipe went through that hole from the old unit.....the workers do not repair walls, unless they make a hole

Answer 2

It has been left there in case you use a gas fire.

Answer 3

You should fit a hit and miss plastic grille (any diy superstore will have one) to ventilate the flue. Even with the top capped moisture can form in the flue and the bit of ventilation provided will allow an air flow through the grille (the stack effect) and carry away any moisture to avoid nasty damp patches from appearing.

Answer 4

You and dels are right. It is for ventilation. Make sure you keep some means of ventilation going in to the chimney or you will get damp problems.

Several times i have seen colonies of bees setting up in blocked off chimneys - but they don't go for ones with an air flow, so VENTILATE.

Answer 5

yes a chimney should not be completely sealed unless the    pot or  roof   aperture is sealed too  .  Or you will have damp problems  from behind the  old firebreast.