The chimney sweeping trade is synonymous with Victorian
England and the industrial revolution. Immortalised most famously in Mary
Poppins, the image of Victorian chimney sweeps has become a romanticised icon
of the period.
Of course, in reality, the trade was a far more dangerous
business than it is often perceived in film and literature. With far less
health and safety present at the time, it could be a deadly business. Also,
child labour and occupational death was rife within the industry and only partly
rectified in 1834 with the Chimney Sweepers Act. Previously to
this act being passed, boys as young as six years old were being used as
‘climbing boys’ who would climb up the chimney and clean the flues. This could
often lead to suffocation or being burnt to death.
Thankfully, those practices are long gone; however, the need
for chimney sweeps is still very much alive. If you live in a Victorian terrace
property or a stately home in particular then you will need the services of a
chimney sweep at some point if you plan to use your fireplace.
Chimney sweeps will often be able to help with any repair
work you need, too. Here we detail five signs you should call one out to take a
look.
What Exactly is
Efflorescence and What Does it Signify?
Efflorescence is a white residue that can build up on the
brickwork of a chimney. At first glance, this can seem like simple wear and
tear of bricks; however, it is actually a symptom of water leaking into your
chimney. If water leaks into the system through cracks in the masonry or
damaged sealant, then it evaporates on the outside of the chimney and leaves a
powdery salt residue.
If left unchecked, this water-damage can cause early ageing
and structural deterioration of the chimney. This can also be a symptom of more
serious structural problems and can precede other issues like mould on more
fragile structural materials like wood.
Keep an Eye Out for
Spalling Bricks and Mortar Joint Damage
If you’ve noticed that the bricks on your chimney are
cracked or crumbling then it likely means that you have what is called a
‘spalling’ issue. Spalling is the deterioration of the masonry-work and often
occurs when moisture gets into the bricks and mortar and expands and contracts
during changes in the temperature.
If you live in a particularly cold area, then you’re more
likely to experience this deterioration as freezing and thawing will take place
more regularly. Also, if you’ve used salvaged bricks for the construction of
your chimney, or have used a sandblaster to clean the brickwork then the
problems can be exacerbated with less natural protection against moisture. If
you leave these problems to get worse, it can have lasting effects on the
overall structure of your property.
Have You Found Tiles
in the Fireplace?
If the lining of your chimney has been damaged, then thin
slices of the interior tile can begin to fall off and pile up in the fireplace.
This is a very serious sign that you need urgent chimney work done.
The flue lining is an integral part of the safety of a
fireplace. If it’s cracked or shaling, this can result in a devastating house
fire. If shaling is occurring then you should call around local chimney sweeps
immediately and refrain from using your fireplace until the work has taken
place.
Prior to shaling, the flue lining was likely to be cracked.
This is a far harder problem to diagnose and can only really be identified with
specialist equipment and a thorough check. To prevent shaling or cracking, make
sure you schedule chimney cleaning seasonally to ensure it’s fit for purpose
before problems arise.
Is There Wallpaper or
Paint Damage Near the Chimney?
Another sign of water damage in your chimney is if you’ve
noticed that wallpaper and paint near the chimney is deteriorating. This is
very likely the result of significant moisture in the chimney and it’s
certainly worth calling out chimney professionals.
Again, too much moisture can speed the deterioration of the
chimney structure (and damaged wallpaper isn’t very nice to look at!) so it’s
worth contacting local chimney sweeps to take a look as soon as possible.
Get Regular Checks to
Diagnose a Cracked Chimney Crown
A problem that can be harder to notice without the services
of a chimney sweep is a cracked or broken chimney crown. The crown is the very
first defence against rain and moisture, so it’s important that it remains in
good condition.
Once cracks start to appear, this means that water can get
in more easily and further cracks can begin to form. The best way to figure out
whether you have a damaged chimney crown is to get regular inspections, as the
only other way to tell is once signs of a chimney leak are more obvious.
If you’ve noticed that metal components of the chimney -
like the damper or firebox - are starting to rust then this could be an
indication that a leak is occurring. In fact, any of the already stated signs
of water damage could indicate that there is a leak and this could be the
result of a cracked or broken chimney crown.
How Can a Chimney
Sweep Help?
Keeping your chimney well-maintained is imperative to the
safety and functionality of your fireplace. Without regular cleaning and
maintenance, the structural integrity of your home can be at risk and there are
real risks of a fire breaking out.
A blocked flue can cause poisonous gasses to flood your home
and a broken flue which is left unattended can result in a chimney fire. Whether
your a home or business owner, it’s imperative to ensure that your chimney is
in good working order. Whether it’s a simple inspection, chimney cleaning or
commercial chimney repair, it’s always worth getting your chimney looked at and
cleaned regularly to stop any problems before they become hard to manage.
The very best chimney sweeps will be able to handle both
commercial and domestic properties, be able to sweep all classes of fuel, fit
pots, perform inspections, test the integrity of the chimney and repair any
major or minor repairs. With all of that in mind, it’s well worth checking with
the sweep you’re dealing with to see what services they provide and set up a
plan to have your chimney regularly checked and tested. This ensures you’re not
met with a huge bill for a repair because problems were ignored or went
unnoticed.
Can I Call a Chimney
Sweep for Fireplace Restoration?
Chimney sweeps not only deal with issues that occur with the
chimney in your property; they also deal with the fireplace. As a key focal
point of a living room - especially in a Victorian property - you always want
them to look well-kept.
A chimney sweep can check the safety of a fireplace,
including a full survey, gasket replacement, servicing and glass replacement.
They will also be able to install a new fireplace, refurbish an existing
fireplace and create bespoke hearths. Some may even be able to supply the
maintenance products you need to keep it well-kept yourself, giving you a full
end-to-end service.
Who We Are
Milborrow Chimney Sweeps is one of the best chimney sweeping
companies in England. We’re a family run business providing excellent customer
service to clients across the South East. We’re honoured to hold two Royal
Warrants from HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales for our service at the
Royal Palaces in London.
Whether you live in a Victorian property, a stately home or
manage a business which uses a chimney, we can help you with any chimney
repairs, safety checks, maintenance work or fireplace repairs. From commercial
chimney repair to chimney cleaning, we have the expertise to quickly diagnose
and solve whatever problem you have. We even do wedding services
for themed weddings!
To find out more,
contact us today. You can find us at Parkfields
Farm, Hophurst Lane, Crawley Down, West Sussex, RH10 4LN or call us on 01342
717 900.
