Coal effect gas fires advice

[womanofdulwich]

WHenver I ask about installing one of these in an existing fireplace I am told I have to have a 2 " deep hearth- or have a fender built around the hearth. My slate hearth is only 1" deep, and I cannot make it any deeper.

I have seen lots of gas fires in houses that do not appear to meet these requirements- am I missing a trick?

Is there a way round it?

Thanks

[Lowlander]

Apparently these are new regulations, so gas fires you see elsewhere were probably fitted prior to that. I suppose the easy way around it is to fit a fender? A decent one will be around ?100 although Argos do one for ?30 or so.

You can always use solid fuel, i.e. smokeless coal.

Casa Fireplaces in Bellenden Road told me that my solid coal fireplace was non-compliant with today's regulations...we still use it, as it's been used that way for over 120 years!

[womanofdulwich]

We have had smokeless coal for 20 years- but although there are plenty of volunteers and feed a fire, there is only one person that cleans it out- and she is fed up!!Especially all that dust!

[Lowlander]

If it's got to that stage I've heard good things about these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/First4Spares-Debris-Collector-Cleaner-Collection/dp/B007ADELQY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_diy_1

I take it simply refusing to clean up is not an option? I was forced to as a child, so it's second nature to me!

[womanofdulwich]

Lowlander that looks really good (wish I had the room) but my mind is made up- this is the summer/spring I get a gas fire and draft proof windows!!

[Sue]

I once lived in a house where all the ash fell into a container beneath the hearth, and just had to be lifted out every now and then to empty it.

Bliss!