I Can See Debris in My Fireplace, What Should I Do?

The sight of debris in your fireplace may raise concerns, but rest assured, it’s not uncommon for some debris to find its way down the chimney. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent if you have a gas or electric fire or if your fireplace is rarely used. To comprehend why debris falls, it’s essential to explore the construction of chimneys.

 

 

What is falling down my Chimney?

More commonly, bits of crunchy sandy deposit fall down the chimney – Chimneys are often lined with a material known as ‘pargeting.’ The composition of pargeting mortar can vary, depending on the age of the property and regional construction practices. Traditionally, pargeting was often made from lime mortar, which consists of lime, sand, and water. Lime mortar has excellent adhesive properties and durability, making it suitable for lining chimneys.

 

The primary purpose of chimney pargeting is to provide a protective layer for the interior surfaces of the chimney. When a fire is lit in the fireplace, the soot and combustion by products generated can be corrosive and damaging to the chimney’s structure. Pargeting acts as a barrier, absorbing and mitigating the impact of these substances, thereby preventing the chimney walls from deteriorating over time.

 

Additionally, pargeting helps to create a smoother surface within the chimney, facilitating better airflow and reducing the build-up of soot.

 

 

Is it normal for debris to fall down the chimney?

Yes, especially in older properties. Pargeting is not immune to wear and tear. Over time, especially in chimneys that are not regularly used or if a specific type of fire produces minimal soot, pargeting may crumble or degrade.
 
This crumbling material then falls down the chimney, landing on the hearth, carpet, or any surface at the base of the chimney. This process can be exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, especially heavy rain, which washes down loose mortar, turning it into powder as it dries and falls.
 

How do I stop debris from coming down my chimney?

If the pargetting has become crumbly, then stopping falling debris is not possible. You can mitigate the amount, but the bits will continue to become loose over time.
 

1. Chimney Sweep:. Even if the chimney is disused, it may have been used in the past and never swept, a chimney sweep can remove any build-up within the flue. A sweep can also clear the bends in the flue that can acclimate a build-up preventing a ‘debris dump’
2. Chimney Cap or Bird Guard Installation: The first line of defence against debris is installing a chimney cap or bird guard. Strong winds and heavy rain can cause bits to fall. A chimney cap or bird guard sits on top of the chimney, preventing rain and even animals from entering.
3. Draught excluder: A draught excluder such as chimney sheep or chimella can ‘catch’ the debris, preventing it from entering the room, but these will need to be taken down from time to time to clear the debris collected on top.
4. Use the fire: If possible, use wood or smokeless fuel in the fire. Some of the soot will be absorbed by the pargeting, strengthening it

 

 

Lots of debris all of a sudden

It’s not uncommon for birds to fall down chimneys. It’s usually during spring and summer, with pigeons and starlings being the most common culprits. Once in the chimney, they can’t get out. That doesn’t stop them trying though. And when they start flapping around, they knock mortar off the chimney walls and down the flue. If the bird is caught on a bend, then the debris fall can be considerable, given these bends can harbour a lot of dust which has naturally fallen onto them over the years.
 

Why does it sound like something is falling down my chimney?

 
If all of a sudden, the noise inside the chimney is a lot more apparent, a bird may have fallen down the chimney.  Occasionally, birds may find themselves trapped in your chimney, leading to a messy situation. Even in a chimney that typically remains clean, the presence of a trapped bird can unexpectedly result in a substantial crumbling of debris.

 

In the event of a bird falling into the chimney, it is essential to take immediate action. Cover the front of the fireplace to prevent any mess from spreading, and promptly reach out to a professional chimney sweep. A chimney sweep not only has the expertise to safely rescue the bird but can also effectively clean any remaining debris within the flue.

 

Once the bird has been safely removed, it is advisable to install a cap or bird guard. This preventative measure helps avoid a recurrence of the situation, providing a barrier that deters birds from entering the chimney. By taking these steps, you not only ensure the safety of the trapped bird but also protect your chimney from potential damage and future incidents.

 

 

Conclusion

In summary, achieving a completely debris-free fireplace may not always be feasible, but taking proactive steps, such as scheduling a chimney sweep, installing a cap or bird guard, and fitting a draught excluder, proves highly effective in minimising the amount of debris.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]