![]() most modern homes built after the mid 1960's with a fireplace already have a lined chimney because of building regulations. The answer to this is no as long as the chimney stack is sound and does not leak and there is nothing that can catch fire such as timber beams etc. Your insurance may be invalid if you have a chimney fire with no proof of sweeping. More and more insurance companies are requesting this. When you have your chimney swept it is advisable that the chimney sweep gives you an invoice to prove to your insurance company in the event of a chimney fire, you have had your chimney swept. One reason for downdraught is that the chimney stack has been built to short and another could be trees, buildings or other large high objects.ĭo I need a certificate for my household insurance? If the incorrect cowl is fitted, it may make the problem worse. It is advisable to ask your chimney sweep which type of cowl to use as there are many different designs suited for the different problems. To help with this problem, a cowl can be fitted at the top. Solution- downdraught is a brief flow of air down the chimney resulting in puffs of smoke interfering with the wind flow. Initially, just burn newspaper as this will create a lot of heat quickly and will move the air upwards. Cold air is heavy and if the flue isn't heated quickly enough, the cold air will force the smoke back into the room. Solution- if the fire hasn't been lit for a while, the air up the chimney can get cold. The chimney sweep can the advise on what work will then be necessary. Solution- Having the chimney swept will either correct the problem or highlight where and what the blockage could be. It may be that only one or a combination of any of them could cause the smoke to blow back into the room. There are different reasons why your chimney may smoke. At the time of the service, the serviceman will check the draw of the chimney and, if there is a problem sweeping the chimney will almost certainly be necessary. This should be done yearly or more often if a problem occurs. You should have your gas appliances checked and serviced regularly. I have a gas fire, do I still need the fire swept? If your chimney sweep is in and out within a short period of time he is not doing the sweep properly. It takes around 45-60 minutes from start to finish to sweep the average chimney. How long does it take to sweep a chimney? Brushes must be used to sweep the soot from inside the stack. No, a vacuum is used to suck up soot that falls when sweeping the chimney. For more frequent use, you should have your fire swept once before you start having fires then once again half way though the burning season.Ĭan the chimney be cleaned properly with just a vacuum? A general guideline is, For occasional evening and weekend use, Once a year is enough. This depends on how often the fire is used and what you burn. The accumulated creosote also corrodes the flues, meaning you will need them replaced sooner. If the chimney does not have enough pull, the smoke will enter into the room, not only causing irritation to you, but can also blacken your fireplace, the walls, or the decoration above. Gradually, this will decrease the size of the flue which in turn, will lower the draw of the smoke upwards. Which will need to be replaced and the worst being you could lose your home! Fortunately, the more extreme outcome does not happen very often, but it does happen.Įach time the fire is used, soot will accumulate up the chimney. Chimney fires can cause property damage the least usually being a cracked chimney pot. Having your chimney swept regularly will drastically reduce the chances of having a chimney fire. Having your chimney swept will help make sure that the flue is sufficiently clear to allow the dangerous fumes to escape safely out of the chimney. There are 3 basic reasons why you should get your chimney sweptīreathing in the fumes from gas or solid fuel fires can cause serious damage to your health, and in the worse cases prove fatal.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |