Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: A Dunsley Highlander 5 Installation in Harden, West Yorkshire
Updated: Sep 8
The Importance of Proper Installation
A homeowner in Harden, West Yorkshire, reached out to Bingley Chimney for an inspection of their Dunsley Highlander 5 stove. This installation was completed by a previous installer who is no longer in business.
While the stove itself was still functional, our inspection revealed serious concerns regarding its installation. This local job highlights why the components hidden above the appliance and inside the chimney are just as crucial as the visible parts of the fireplace.
What the Inspection Uncovered
During our inspection, we discovered that the closure plate directly above the stove was made from combustible plasterboard. This closure plate plays a vital role in the fireplace, separating the room from the chimney void above. Using an unsuitable combustible material here raised significant fire-safety concerns.
Additionally, we found that the 5-inch stove pipe was connected to a much larger 9-inch clay-lined flue without a proper sump adaptor. This arrangement not only posed an installation issue but also made the chimney extremely difficult to sweep and maintain effectively.
Why the Chimney Could Not Be Maintained Properly
Soot and debris could fall down the large clay flue and collect on top of the plasterboard closure plate. Since the original setup lacked a proper means of accessing and removing this material, it could remain hidden above the stove, even after the chimney was swept.
A stove and chimney must be serviceable after installation. If deposits cannot be safely reached and removed, routine maintenance cannot achieve its intended purpose.
Sweeping and CCTV Inspection Before Remedial Work
Before making any changes to the installation, we thoroughly swept the chimney and conducted a CCTV camera inspection of the flue. This camera inspection allowed us to assess the existing route and condition before determining how to proceed with the remedial work.
While a full CCTV inspection is not part of every routine chimney sweep, it is particularly beneficial when the condition or construction of an existing installation is uncertain or when planning remedial work.
Replacing the Combustible Closure Plate
We removed the combustible plasterboard closure plate and replaced it with a bespoke 1.2 mm steel closure plate. The new plate was securely fixed with concrete screws and properly sealed around the opening. This ensured a robust, non-combustible, and serviceable arrangement above the stove.
Installing a UK-Manufactured Flexible Flue Liner
Next, we lined the existing clay flue with a high-quality UK-manufactured flexible stainless-steel flue liner.
At chimney level, we finished the liner with a quality UK-manufactured Midtec pot-hanging cowl. This cowl secures and terminates the flexible liner at the chimney pot while also helping to protect the flue opening.
Using the correct components created a properly connected flue system that can be swept and maintained in the future.
Keeping and Servicing the Existing Stove
The Dunsley Highlander 5 itself did not require replacement. We thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and fully serviced the appliance before carefully refitting it. The completed installation was then checked and recommissioned, and we lit the stove to confirm the finished result.
This approach avoided the unnecessary replacement of a serviceable appliance. What the stove needed was a safe, properly serviceable flue system around it, using suitable materials and correct installation methods.
The Parts You Cannot See Matter
A stove installation involves more than just making everything look good in the fireplace. The closure plate, connection to the flue, liner, and chimney-top components are largely hidden once the work is complete. However, they determine whether the system can be used, swept, and maintained effectively.
This job in Harden concluded with the original Dunsley Highlander 5 retained, a bespoke steel closure plate installed, the chimney lined with a UK-manufactured flexible stainless-steel liner, and a Midtec pot-hanging cowl fitted at chimney level.
The result was a much safer and properly serviceable installation, ready for the heating season.
What the Customer Said
The homeowner later left the following five-star Google review:
“Fantastic service, came when agreed, polite, efficient, and tidy job. I would thoroughly recommend Bingley Chimney.”
Conclusion
Bingley Chimney provides professional chimney sweeping, CCTV chimney inspection, stove servicing, and selected remedial installation work in Bingley, Harden, and surrounding parts of West Yorkshire.
Chimney sweeping and inspection work is carried out by a Guild Certified Chimney Sweep. Stove installation and recommissioning work is performed by a HETAS-registered stove installer.
For homeowners seeking reliable chimney services, remember that the hidden components of your installation are just as crucial as the visible ones. Ensuring they are properly installed can make all the difference in safety and efficiency.
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a thorough inspection and service.
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