Flue lining costs?

[Hiriaeth]

I made the stupid mistake of being conned into having a thermal concrete flue installed, mainly because the guy selling it seemed to know his stuff whereas the guy who tried to sell me a flexi liner was definitely prehistoric!

I now wish that I had gone Prehistoric! We had a storm which damaged the top of the chimney stack and ever since have had water seeping down and following the edge of the liner. It cannot get out other than through my newly lime plastered internal walls carrying soot stains with it. The new plaster is now blowing and will need replacing. I now realise too late that chimneys need to have air circulation of some sort. What a dunce ! Send me to the corner of the class!

Dont get concrete!

 

[Penners]

What a dunce ! Send me to the corner of the class!

You certainly aren't a dunce. There is no reason why you should have the very specialist knowledge that you would have needed to foresee this problem, so you (quite reasonably) relied on the recommendations of a "specialist".

It's not your fault if he didn't do the job properly. Does the company still exist? If so, he should be obliged to come back and make good the fault.

 

[Hiriaeth]

Yes the firm still exists and at least guarantees the linings for 25years but at the end of the day I chose to go down that route, I could have done more research. It was merely a comment to someone else so they don't fall into the trap that filling a chimney with concrete is a good idea because it isn't. Metal linings are cheap easy and can be removed easily concrete cannot.

Okay maybe I'll come out of the Dunce corner thanks Penner!

 

[Penners]

A welcome timely warning to others. However, if you've got a 25 year guarantee from a company that's till trading, they should be obliged to come back and sort out your problem (unless the work was done 25 years and 1 day ago!).

 

[Nemesis]

Is this the 'pumped' type lining?

I was warned against them a number of years' ago as a local pub had one and had damp problems, water getting between the liner and the flue.

 

[Flyfisher]

I agree with Penners; you should dig out the guarantee. Unfortunately, your mention of 'storm damage' might well be something that's excluded, but it's certainly worth checking.

 

[Hiriaeth]

Of course once again always read guarantees, they usually have so many exclusions that they become void in anycase. Mine is voided by the storm damage and also because I didnt have each chimney flue swept every 6 months which is a condition of the guarantee. Anyway it looks like for me the insurers will be sorting out my storm damage so maybe i am saved!

 

[Flyfisher]

Mine is voided . . . . because I didnt have each chimney flue swept every 6 months which is a condition of the guarantee.

I can imagine an interesting discussion concerning this condition - how could either side ever prove it one way or the other?

Whatever next - certification for sweeping a chimney? :roll:

 

[Nemesis]

Yes.

http://www.chimneyworks.co.uk/

Code of Conduct:

01 The objectives of a chimney sweep is to serve the public politely, reliably and efficiently and so uphold the dignity of the Association
02 A Member of the Association is expected to operate with cleanliness and conform to the NACS Code of Practice (see back of NACS Certificate)
03 Members must hold public liability insurance cover
04 A chimney sweep should be trained in the profession and the public is entitled to ask for references
05 In the event of any dispute between a member of the public and a Member of the Association, the disciplinary procedure of the Association, as agreed in April 1994, shall be adhered to
06 Members of the Association should use the identity card provided by the Association
07 NACS logo stickers should be used on vehicles advertising membership, where applicable
08 The public will be advised of the necessity for regular chimney sweeping and will be invited to ask for a list of Members
09 Members must use the NACS Certificate of Chimney Sweeping on completion of a sweeping contract
10 At all times, Members will be expected to be loyal to the aims and objectives of the Association
11 Members shall not form a franchise operation or similar scheme
12 Members shall not be members of other chimney sweeping organisations, establishments or companies that may cause a conflict or threat to the interests of the NACS
13 Members are bound by the rules and regulations of membership of the Association
which are contained in the Articles of Association of The National Association of Chimney Sweeps Limited, a copy of which is available on request
14 On ceasing to be a Member of the Association, Members must return their identity cards and remove all references on stationery, premises, vehicles etc to the Association, the words NACS and its logo. Any future use of the name of the Association or any of its logos is strictly prohibited

Updated MPG/BD 26/03/2007


And presumably a receipt for payment?

 

[Hiriaeth]

Well apparently I need to have receipts showing that the chimneys are swept regularly yes.... what a world!

 

[Nemesis]

Well, if it's part of the guarantee, then I suppose you are required to keep your side of the bargain!

 

[Flyfisher]

Well, I sweep my own chimneys . . . . perhaps that doesn't count in the nanny state?

 

[Nemesis]

We sweep ours, but it isn't nanny state is it, it's a part of the guarantee conditions that the chimney is swept and I'm afraid it's life that they will expect it to be done by someone who is supposed to know what they are doing if they require a statement/certificate/receipt to say it has been done.

I don't think the training is onerous and possibly you could join the appropriate organisation and self-certify?

 

[Flyfisher]

Give me strength :roll:

 

[Nemesis]

Or a sense of humour?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6GufEKaD8eU&feature=related

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OzLLFuh-QkI&feature=related

Gor blimey guv.

 

[Hiriaeth]

Here Here Give me Strength

I have been fighting insurers for over a year now for a simple leak that could have been fixed in a week max. This has now expanded into a job that has involved wrecking my house and our lives. Here here to give me strength, and always keeping copies of letters!

lol

 

[Penners]

Well, I sweep my own chimneys . . . . perhaps that doesn't count in the nanny state?

Ooooh - you can't go doing that. You're not a Competent Person.

Next thing, you'll be painting your own walls.

 

[Flyfisher]

Paint the walls? I think that's some way in the future yet!