Service
Wood burners, stoves and flues in the Cotswolds
Short answer
A new wood burner or stove is notifiable under Part J of the Building Regulations. A HETAS-registered installer can self-certify the work. Otherwise you must tell building control. The room also needs a carbon monoxide alarm. This page explains the job and the rules, and lists Cotswold firms that fit stoves.
Firms found on a trade register first, then A to Z.
| Firm | Based in | Does | Checks | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corinium StovesLtd company 01951977 | South Cerney GL7 Covers Cirencester, Witney, Winchcombe +4 |
Stoves and flues, Gas heating, LPG heating | 01285 861099Website | |
| Cotswold Green Energy LtdLtd company 07620519 | Blockley GL56 Covers Moreton-in-Marsh |
Heat pumps, Biomass, Solar thermal, Stoves and flues | 01386 701259Website | |
| Mark Pollard Heating ServicesLtd company 06132530 | Nailsworth GL6 Covers Cirencester, Stroud, Nailsworth |
Boiler installation, Boiler servicing, Boiler repairs, Gas heating, +8 | 01453 835180Website | |
| Clear Chimney Services | Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 Covers Moreton-in-Marsh |
Stoves and flues | 07852 862009Website | |
| Cotswold Stoves and Chimneys LtdLtd company 10608770 | Chipping Norton OX7 Covers Chipping Norton |
Stoves and flues | 07956 188415Website | |
| Fosse Fires Ltd | Greet GL54 Covers Stroud, Chipping Norton, Winchcombe +3 |
Stoves and flues | 01242 620662Website | |
| Love Your StoveLtd company 11510960 | Stroud GL5 Covers Stroud |
Stoves and flues | 01453 700611Website | |
| Raybould Fireplaces | Chipping Campden GL55 Covers Chipping Campden |
Stoves and flues, Gas heating, Boiler servicing | 07976 008149Website | |
| The Stove Store | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester, Stroud, Tetbury +3 |
Stoves and flues | 01285 653514Website | |
| Walkers Stoves | Burford OX18 Covers Burford |
Stoves and flues | 01993 823246Website | |
| Wood Stove Fitters LtdLtd company 08572967 | Eastcombe GL6 Covers Cirencester, Stroud, Tetbury +2 |
Stoves and flues | 07848 804896Website |
No firms match. Clear a filter to see more.
What a stove installation involves
The installer first surveys the fireplace and the chimney. They check the size, condition and route of the flue, and the hearth.
Most old chimneys need a flue liner. The liner keeps smoke and gases inside and helps the stove draw well. Where there is no chimney, the installer fits a twin-wall flue system.
The installer then fits the stove, the hearth and any air vent the room needs. At the end, they test the flue and give you a certificate.
Local factors in the Cotswolds
Many Cotswold cottages have old stone chimneys and inglenook fireplaces. Old chimneys can have cracks, shared flues or soft mortar, so a survey matters.
A new flue or a change to a chimney on a listed building can need listed building consent. A flue on a wall that faces the street can need permission in a conservation area. Ask the council before you order.
Stroud District Council says there are no formal smoke control zones in the district. For other areas, check with your district council.
Signs you need an installer or a sweep
Call an installer if smoke comes into the room when the stove is lit. Other signs are below.
- The stove does not draw, or the glass blackens fast.
- There are cracks in the stove body, the flue pipe or the chimney.
- The carbon monoxide alarm sounds. Let the fire die, open windows and go outside.
- You plan a new stove where there was an open fire.
The rules
Approved Document J covers solid fuel appliances, flues and hearths. A new stove is notifiable building work. A HETAS-registered installer can self-certify it. Otherwise you must notify building control before work starts.
When a new or replacement solid fuel appliance goes in, the room needs a carbon monoxide alarm.
In a smoke control area, you can burn only authorised fuel, or use a Defra-exempt appliance. Councils can fine up to £300 for smoke from a chimney.
In England, wood sold in volumes under 2 cubic metres must be Ready to Burn. This means a moisture content of 20% or less.
What to ask a firm
Ask each firm the same questions, so you can compare quotes.
- Are you HETAS registered, and will you self-certify the work?
- Does my chimney need a liner? Is a liner in the price?
- Will you fit a carbon monoxide alarm and any air vent the room needs?
- Is the stove a Defra-exempt appliance, in case I live in a smoke control area?
- Does the price include the hearth and a chimney sweep?
Questions
Can I fit a wood burner myself?
You can, but it is notifiable building work. You must tell building control before you start. A HETAS-registered installer can self-certify instead.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm with a stove?
Yes. Approved Document J says a room with a new or replacement solid fuel appliance needs a carbon monoxide alarm.
Can I burn wet wood?
You should not. Wet wood makes more smoke and soot. In England, wood sold in small volumes must have 20% moisture or less.