chimneysweep.ie specialise in Chimney repairs and chimney relining
Chimney Relining
Chimneys may need relining for many reasons, due to deterioration, improper size or simply they are not working properly. We can also install a chimney liner in older homes that still have an unlined chimney. A properly sized liner in good condition is recommended for the safe operation of any commercial or home chimney, whether venting a furnace, woodstove or fireplace. A faulty liner can lead to interior carbon monoxide build-up and could also be a fire hazard. Many homes and businesses have chimney liners that either are too small or too large. A new furnace installation often should be accompanied by chimney relining to properly vent the new equipment. A water heater venting only into the chimney also should include a chimney liner. In the event your chimney needs to be relined we use quality, listed and warranted STAINLESS STEEL & ALUMINIUM chimney liners and components in both flexible, rigid and insulated models We reline chimneys for wood, gas, and oil burning equipment. Relining can prevent early deterioration of flues & prolong the life of your chimney. Highly recommended for masonry flues venting oil or gas appliances Chimneys have to be swept of all soot, creosote & debris before and relining can commence. If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call us today for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, we will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a new liner system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution.
Proper Maintenance
Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Make sure a Certified Chimney Sweep inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and cleans and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. We at chimneysweep.ie are regularly tested on our understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting system. Prevention is better than cure!
How Chimney Fires Hurt Chimneys
Masonry Chimneys
When a chimney fire occurs in a masonry chimney the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000°F) can “melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material”. Most often, thermal shock occurs and tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. This event is extremely dangerous, call the emergency services immediately.
Pre-fabricated, factory-built, metal chimneys
Factory built, metal chimneys that are designed to vent wood burning stoves or pre-fabricated metal fireplaces must pass special tests. Most tests require the chimney to withstand flue temperatures up to 2100°F – without sustaining damage. Under chimney fire conditions, damage to these systems still may occur. When pre-fabricated, factory-built metal chimneys are damaged by a chimney fire, they should no longer be used and must be replaced.
Special Effects on Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are made to contain hot fires. The connector pipes that run from the stove to the chimney are another matter. They cannot withstand the high temperatures produced during a chimney fire and can warp, buckle and even separate from the vibrations created by air turbulence during a fire. If damaged by a chimney fire, they must be replaced.
Eight signs that you have had a Chimney Fire
“Puffy” or “honey combed” creosote
Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
Cracked or collapsed flue tiles or tiles with large chunks missing
Heat-damaged TV aerial attached to the chimney
Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
Roofing material damaged from hot creosote
Cracks in exterior masonry
Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners
Avoid Doubt
If you think you have had a chimney fire and need an inspection or if you have had structural damage and need some repair or relining work carried out get in touch today.
