Top of chimney pot blown off, how big a problem?

BlondeHeadOn

I have just found the top of our chimney pot on the patio and I am wondering how big a problem this is? It's the metal thingy which sits right at the top, and which looks like an upturned metal plant pot with open bits around the side presumably to let air pass through (I didn't mean the whole chimney pot, I know that might be a rather larger problem!)

I don't even know exactly when it fell off, but I have checked an old photo of the house and it definitely used to be on top of the chimney.... I suspect it must have blown off in the last couple of days, as I did not notice it at the weekend.

We don't have a real fire, but do have a baxi back boiler in the chimney breast with a gas fire at the front. Presumably this uses the chimney as a flue, so will the missing plant pot thingy be a problem?

As you can tell, I am not the best at all things practical , so any helpful responses will be very gratefully received!!!

Debt_Free_Chick

It's only there to stop birds nesting in the chimney. I wouldn't worry about it for now, but you ought to get it replaced before the nesting season begins (March/April).

If you don't, there's a danger that a (stupid) bird will nest in the chimney, causing a blockage. Or worse, the nest fall downs the chimney and blocks the flue :eek:

Get it put back, soon - but no real hurry.

I've never fitted one, but I think they just push into the chimney. "Anyone" with a ladder/scaffold tower and sufficient confidence to perch on the roof should be able to shove it back on.

BlondeHeadOn

That's reassuring to know, thank you! We've already had sparrows nesting the roof one year (let in by broken roof tile), so nesting birds can be a problem. I can get it fixed before spring though.

I was worried that one good rain shower would flood us out, but I can get it sorted a bit less urgently now I know. No need to force a shivering OH up on the roof tonight then! (he hates heights, so I wouldn't do this really)

many thanks DFC.

:T :T :T

emilyt

We had a new chimney built last august.
Not sure if it is ok just to leave it.
I would want to get it fixed. Just my opnion though.
Anyway we had several quotes from differn't chimney specialists and it was going to cost about £3000. We just didn't have that kind of money. In the end we found a builder and he did the job for us for less than £1000.
We had to hire scaffolding and the job was done in a couple of days.
DH laboured for the briccy. Didn't like the idea of DH going up there and doing the job himself.
The builder said that as ours needed re buiding then so would everyone elses in our area. A lot of worried people now.
Think you need to get a proffessional eye to have a look.
Good luck
Emily

BlondeHeadOn

It's okay, I am planning on getting it sorted - I just wanted to find out whether I need to ring up this afternoon as an emergency call out, or whether it can be arranged for sometime in the next couple of weeks/before February.

The chimney itself looks okay, and we had that checked last year when the cracked tiles needed replacing, so I think it's just the top thingy.

We have a roofer that lives down the street, so I think if there was a general problem with our chimneys he would have been round looking for business from us all before now.....:D

BlondeHeadOn

Actually, one other point - will the work covered by the house insurance? We had a TV arial blown off a few years back and claimed that back from our insurance, so is the chimney the same? That might make life easier...

prudryden

You can generally get an excellent laborer (I use a Polish builder who is an expert brickie/carpenter/builder) to put it back on for about £8.00/hour. If it only takes 15 minutes or so - give him £20.

emilyt

Ours wasn't covered by the house insurance.
Maybe yours will be.
I do hope so.

BlondeHeadOn

I guess the Polish builder/labourer is not too concerned about scaffolding etc if he can do it for £20 ! I can feel the Health and Safety people cranking up as I type....

Ummm - lots to think about and investigate .... I will obviously have to start asking around the neighbours for contacts....

Thanks to all who replied
:T :T :T

prudryden

They never use scaffolding - straight up the ladder but tied up every which way you can think of. Scared me more than them.

BlondeHeadOn

You don't live anywhere near Farnborough do you? Sounds like I really really need a good local Polish builder !!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: