Chimney inspection
Discussion
We have an open fire in our living room.
Prior to buying the property, a previous extension was removed and the chimney was rebuilt between ground and the start of the first floor - we can see this as the bricks are obviously newer.
The chimney is still fully working, draws well and we've had a number of fires last year in it.
However, I am concerned that when the chimney was rebuilt it may not have been done using fire-bricks and fire cement. This concern is only due to other shortcuts the builders took.
I'd like to get the chimney inspected for piece of mind, but not sure who to ask - a regular builder, chimney sweep, surveyor?
Prior to buying the property, a previous extension was removed and the chimney was rebuilt between ground and the start of the first floor - we can see this as the bricks are obviously newer.
The chimney is still fully working, draws well and we've had a number of fires last year in it.
However, I am concerned that when the chimney was rebuilt it may not have been done using fire-bricks and fire cement. This concern is only due to other shortcuts the builders took.
I'd like to get the chimney inspected for piece of mind, but not sure who to ask - a regular builder, chimney sweep, surveyor?
I have no idea if this is a requirement now but, certainly wasn't in times gone by. Old chimneys/flues were built with whatever bricks the building was built with (if that makes sense). Same for the mortar that binds them. Personally, would get an established sweep in and go from there.
Laurel Green said:
I have no idea if this is a requirement now but, certainly wasn't in times gone by. Old chimneys/flues were built with whatever bricks the building was built with (if that makes sense). Same for the mortar that binds them. Personally, would get an established sweep in and go from there.
Nor do I really, I'm just a born worrier! We had a (very) experienced sweep last year who said it was fine. However, I lost a bit of respect for him when it turned out part of the back of the fireplace was repaired with wood (it was repaired before we took ownership as a decorative feature...) which he didn't spot, despite me asking him to inspect the whole lot!
My fault too for not spotting it of course, but he had about 50 years experience on me!
ETA the property is approx 130-160 years old.
Edited by Merlot on Saturday 4th September 13:22
Firebricks are generally only used to line fireboxes and fireplaces where there is a likelyhood of high temperatures. They are not very strong compressively, hence the use for lining only. They're also bloody expensive.
Modern flues are lined with either clay, concrete of metal liners, but away from the actual direct heat from the fire, it shouldn't really matter what the flue is. It will help stop the removal of the mortar when you sweep the chimney if the flue is lined, but that's about it.
Modern flues are lined with either clay, concrete of metal liners, but away from the actual direct heat from the fire, it shouldn't really matter what the flue is. It will help stop the removal of the mortar when you sweep the chimney if the flue is lined, but that's about it.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff