To ensure that your fireplace remains usable for years to come, repairs are necessary from time to time. But it’s not just the fireplace itself that needs to be looked after, the chimney also needs some attention. If the fireplace kit is already a few years old, the chimney will also show signs of age or wear.
The alternative to a complete new build is chimney repair. But what is that and when does it actually become necessary? You’ll find out more in the following article.
How do I know that chimney repair is necessary?
There can be many reasons for a chimney repair. We have compiled a few major reasons below;
- The existing chimney is too old, shows severe signs of wear, or suffers from chimney sooting
- A new single fireplace is to be installed for which the old flue gas extractor is not suitable
- The old chimney was built with asbestos
Now, let’s discuss these in detail.
Identifying Signs of Progressive Soot Development
If you notice discolored moisture spots on the walls around your chimney, ranging from light yellow to dark brown, or smoke coming out of small cracks and gaps, these are serious signs of progressive soot in the chimney. Immediate action is required, which may include a complete chimney repair, replacement of the chimney head, or chimney repair.
Also Read: Impact of Clean Chimneys
Impact of Soot on Older Chimneys
Older chimneys are often more susceptible to soot, where moisture penetrates the chimney and compromises its properties. This affects the chimney draught negatively and can cause damage to the building structure. Ensuring the chimney is in good condition is crucial for maintaining its functionality and structural integrity.
Adapting Chimneys to Modern Heating Devices
When installing a new fireplace or pellet stove, a chimney repair may be necessary. Older smoke systems often have a cross-section that is too large for newer models, causing flue gasses to condense in the flue and leading to soot. Adapting the chimney to match the specifications of modern heating devices ensures optimal performance and safety.
Dealing with Asbestos in Older Flues
Flues from the 1960s may contain asbestos, a carcinogenic material. In such cases, a professional asbestos remediation must be carried out. You can find the year of construction on the chimney label or in the building documents for the house. Consulting with a responsible chimney sweep can provide further guidance on the necessary steps for safe and effective chimney maintenance.
How can a chimney repair be carried out?
Several materials can be used to renew a chimney: steel, plastic, and ceramic. Depending on the type of problem, different methods are used to renovate the chimney. The good news is that most cases can be fixed quickly and easily. A very clever method is used: you simply put a new single-walled stainless steel chimney into the old brick chimney. But which material is best?
Plastic: Elegant solution for oil and gas
Even if it seems a bit strange at first glance, plastic is a very good material to use in chimney repair. It is used primarily for oil and gas fuels.
Also Read: What Are the Signs That My Chimney Flue Needs Repair?
Ceramics: Ideal for prefabricated chimneys
In principle, a ceramic chimney repair can be used anywhere where stainless steel could be used. It is therefore also a good solution for new fireplace inserts and stoves. However, the variety of molded parts is not quite as great here.
Stainless steel: The universal solution for chimney repair
Sounds simple? In principle, it is! A smaller cross-section is chosen for the new model, which works for the connected stove. Single-walled stainless steel chimney systems are usually used for this because the insulation is already there. A stainless steel chimney has the advantage that the material is quite resistant to sooting.
Repair a chimney yourself – is it possible?
Yes, it is possible to carry out chimney repairs yourself. However, you should possess the necessary skills and have the right tools for chimney repairing. Chimney repair is not easy, you need someone who is an expert in handling the job. But, if you are not in practice and you don’t know anything about it, don’t worry, we got you.
Delta Clean Air is available at your service. Contact us today and get your chimney repaired within no time.
