Chimneys can also become blocked by soot and tar, debris from birds or masonry which may lead to smoke and dangerous gases remaining in your home instead of being expelled.
Chimney fires can occur also as a result of a build-up of soot and tar which in turn can damage the structure of your chimney. Chimney fires in Co Roscommon Mayo and Galway have increased over the years as people going out to work often don’t have the time our parents had, to tend to the chimney sweeping job that was part of the annual tradition in many homes, with the brushes and the dust! Nowadays even with advances in chimney cleaning techniques and improved Chimney services my people forget this necessary maintenance and chimney fires occur.
In the older homes the chimney structure can begin to deteriorate and the wet weather we experience in Galway, Roscommon and Mayo adds risk to a damaged chimney stack.
Rain water and soot combine to form sulphuric acid which is corrosive to the chimney flue.
Up until recently every chimney in Mayo, Galway and Roscommon had an aerial attached for tv signals and many chimney structures have cracks as a result. This allows rain to enter and causes weeping soot and tar to form. Caps are also a common problem area where rain water can enter if chimney caps are loose or damaged.
Issues of Concern may include
Soot Or Tar leaking
This may occur due to rain water leaks via the chimney pot, cap or stack. In counties Roscommon, Mayo and Galway we are known for having chimneys with a poor draw. Many people can’t light a fire unless the window is open a little to help prevent down draught. A chimney with a poor draw can cause slow moving fumes to condense in the chimney and leads to the build-up of soot.
Fumes that build up can contain dangerous gases which can be detrimental to the health of those in the house.
Soot and rainwater combined form sulphuric acid which damages the structure of the chimney Soot and Tar can block the exit of smoke and dangerous fumes.
Soot and tar are a fire hazard to our homes in Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and throughout Ireland. Deposits can ignite and burn very hot. High temperatures stress the chimney causing damage to the chimney flue ,stack, cap or indeed to the roof of the house and fire can break out through cracks in the chimney structure. This is a huge cause of fire , people should be aware of the condition of their chimneys and repair damaged chimneys promptly.
It really is not something that should be put off for another time as lives can be in danger.
The earlier a problem is identified and a solution implemented the less likelihood extensive damage occurring or safety compromised for people in the house
Cracks visible on exterior of chimney structure.
We in the West of Ireland are great at filling cracks when painting our homes. We should however investigate all cracks on chimney stacks as potential hazards. It’s no use having a lovely paint job but poor structure underneath.
Chimney not preforming well may have a poor draw, smell of smoke or tar evident within the home. Smoke can be subtle but if you internal walls are very discoloured this can indicate chimney problems.
Debris evident in fireplace this may include twigs mortar or lumps of soot/tar. In Roscommon, Mayo and Galway birds attempting to build nests in dormant or used chimneys is not uncommon and contribute to fire hazard and poor chimney draw. Loose mortar indicates a damaged structure and needs to be inspected and addressed.
Once a problem has been identified we will discuss solutions with you, the home owner.
Some chimneys may require simple solutions while others need more extensive damage repaired.