Debris falling down chimney

Imelda

Hi all,

I have a question about debris falling down our chimney.

It's a victorian house, the fireplace in question was boarded over until fairly recently. Over the past few weeks an increasing amount of debris (small stones, dust) has been falling down.

What are your opinions? Do we just need the chimney swept (we're not planning on using it as a functioning fire) or will it need to be relined?
Is it urgent? Or just an inconvenience that can wait until next year when we were planning on getting 2 other fires working.

Thanks

unluckychappie

I would get the chimney swept, it will have to be done at some stage. We have the occasional drop of dust and soot, but not stones, down our operational chimney, usually when it is windy and the updraft dislodges loose items. The CS will be able to quickly assess if lining is required at a later stage.

Imelda

Thanks, will investigate getting a chimney sweep round.

If it's not one thing it's another!

Lovelyjoolz

Is the chimney capped? Because seagulls and other large birds quite like to drop stones down chimneys. Strange but true!

Gloomendoom

Lovelyjoolz wrote: »

Is the chimney capped? Because seagulls and other large birds quite like to drop stones down chimneys. Strange but true!

They do. Jackdaws are the worst culprits in my experience. It's not just stones, we've had six inch nails, barbed wire and all sorts of assorted ironmongery dropped down our chimneys.

Imelda

yes it's capped! we did it when we had the new roof put on, I have some not so fond memories of a bird getting into my Granny's house via the chimney- the mess was unbelievable!

Auntie-Dolly

You could use a carrier bag stuffed with scrunched up newspaper as a makeshift chimney ballon. This also helps with draughts.