Coal Hole Cover Leaks

[Gastineau Girl]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new here and wonder if there is advice on what to do about a leaking coal hole cover.

We have an Arts & Crafts house built about 1908. Fortunately it has many original features, including its original coal chute cover. We do use smokeless coal and want to continue storing it in the cellar via the coal chute. However we are not keen on the accompanying rain ingress.

Can anyone advise on a way of waterproofing the chute without sealing it up? It is on our own property so there are no issues with the local government highways department. Whilst we are about it, we could maybe also make it better at keeping out any other unwanted incomers. Ideas welcome. I am thinking about an additional cover over the existing one - but the cast iron would not be visible if we did this, I suppose.

 

[Cubist]

Is the area around the coal chute cover prone to puddling, even to very shallow depths?

It may be an idea to consider elevating the exposed surface of the chute above any such.

 

[Gastineau Girl]

Is the area around the coal chute cover prone to puddling, even to very shallow depths?

It may be an idea to consider elevating the exposed surface of the chute above any such.

Thanks. The coal hole is next to the wall of the house and there is a slight slope from there down to the road. The coal hole and its surround are slightly raised above the surrounding area. I'll check whether there is puddling around it. It could be an idea to raise it more and then replace the chute cover. I won't be doing it myself but I know a local builder who could.

 

[Cubist]

If the chute is located on a public footpath you should consult your local Building Control team and seek their advice. There may be issues concerning 'trip hazards' when raising the height of the chute cover.

 

[Gastineau Girl]

If the chute is located on a public footpath you should consult your local Building Control team and seek their advice. There may be issues concerning 'trip hazards' when raising the height of the chute cover.

Thanks - good advice. It's not located on a public footpath or right of way. However it would not be good to make a trip hazard even for ourselves so that's something to consider.