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Chimney Problem advice please
blondette31
Posts: 46 Forumite
Hi Everyone,
Hope I'm posting in the correct place. We have had a problem with our chimney for the past few weeks. From Christmas on after lighting a fire we noticed pieces of what looked like orange brickwork/mortar were coming down the chimney these were between 2-4 inches in size and quite a lot come down. Also we noticed a bubbling effect (only in one area and about 4 inches in diameter) on the chimney brest wall that runs through our daughters bedroom. The house is 8 years old and come with NHBC buildmark cover. We contacted NHBC who arranged a cctv survey, this showed that there was damage and a crack running through both liners (they say this caused during a recent chimney fire) and there is a joint that is slightly open. After carrying out a smoke test they have said the flue is not safe to use. I am ready to approach NHBC again but the guy who done the survey thought NHBC will not cover this and we would have to go through our insurance. Can anyone tell me would a chimney fire easily crack flue and cause this sort of damage?? Should this be something that NHBC should cover, as it is part of the building or has anyone had a similar experience? Could the poor make up and consistency of the mortar/materials in the chimney at the time of building have possibly created this? (we know now that these houses have been put up as cheaply and quickly as possible and lots of people in our estate have had various problems with plumbing, heating etc. taking into account the house has been up 8 years I feel NHBC will use the fact we haven't had any trouble with the chimney before now however we have only over the past year started lighting the fire more regularly prior to this we only lit the fire for Christmas. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hope I'm posting in the correct place. We have had a problem with our chimney for the past few weeks. From Christmas on after lighting a fire we noticed pieces of what looked like orange brickwork/mortar were coming down the chimney these were between 2-4 inches in size and quite a lot come down. Also we noticed a bubbling effect (only in one area and about 4 inches in diameter) on the chimney brest wall that runs through our daughters bedroom. The house is 8 years old and come with NHBC buildmark cover. We contacted NHBC who arranged a cctv survey, this showed that there was damage and a crack running through both liners (they say this caused during a recent chimney fire) and there is a joint that is slightly open. After carrying out a smoke test they have said the flue is not safe to use. I am ready to approach NHBC again but the guy who done the survey thought NHBC will not cover this and we would have to go through our insurance. Can anyone tell me would a chimney fire easily crack flue and cause this sort of damage?? Should this be something that NHBC should cover, as it is part of the building or has anyone had a similar experience? Could the poor make up and consistency of the mortar/materials in the chimney at the time of building have possibly created this? (we know now that these houses have been put up as cheaply and quickly as possible and lots of people in our estate have had various problems with plumbing, heating etc. taking into account the house has been up 8 years I feel NHBC will use the fact we haven't had any trouble with the chimney before now however we have only over the past year started lighting the fire more regularly prior to this we only lit the fire for Christmas. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Money Saving Mummy to three little monkeys
:hello::j :hello:
It might not make sense right now but everything happens for a reason and down the line you always see why 
0
Comments
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Has the chimney been regularly swept, like once a year?0
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yes and the last sweep was may 2011Money Saving Mummy to three little monkeys:hello::j :hello:It might not make sense right now but everything happens for a reason and down the line you always see why0
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I wouldn't think NHBC would cover your flue, especially if you have had a chimney fire. You buildings and contents insurance on your house may.
It is not normal to have a chimney fire. It is down to a number of factors, why they are caused.
Unseasoned wood
wrong type of fuel used
burning things not designed to be burned on a stove
over filling you stove
poor chimney cleanliness ( not sweeping regularly)
etc
I would say they would class it as misuse. I would say you are clutching at straws here.0 -
Ok thanks really appreciate your response, just wanted to get my head around it and what may have caused it, if NHBC can't help then hopefully my insurance canMoney Saving Mummy to three little monkeys:hello::j :hello:It might not make sense right now but everything happens for a reason and down the line you always see why0
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