Having an old damp wall insulated ( internally ) there was a slight issue of how to insulate around the old fireplace. Which I hope to use with an open fire / wood burning stove. It is only a very smalll fire place, actual opening measures just 400 by 500 mm

The builder was conerned that the insulation above it might be vulnerable to the rising heat ,( chimney ? ) even though there is a good stone frame of eigth inches, above and to the sides, between the wall and the fireplace opening.

When I phoned an intello supplier today , ( Ref – Vapour barrier ) he suggested, for extra protection, the addition of a simple galvanised metal plate, in front of the insulation, above the fireplace. The builder seems, in general, to be happy with the idea of the metal plate, but at the same time he queries the heat retention of the metal..

Should this be a problem.attatched to the final surface insulated gypsum plaster board , or, in addition to this, possibly, some Insulating plaster applied to the top of the gypsum board , to help further boost u- values .. ???

Many thanks, Owlman for the offer, but I think I will stick with the heat resistant plaster board that the builder has advised. I have already, today, been in contact with Promat, I was particularly interested in their Dura steel, but, I am told, it is extremely difficult to cut. I approached another similar company, who stated, it was advisable to go to a builders merchant rather than go for anything too specialised. I don't know why it is, but I am working flat out, every day, endeavouring to source the best of the wonderful materials that be. Using something straightforward, that the builder is familiar will be one less thing to stress about. He insists that this plasterboard will be more than adequate for the application.