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Renovating Fireplaces

My builder removed 2 chimney breasts

2 months ago

last modified: 2 months ago

2 chimney breasts have been removed, the team didnt clean out the soot or seal it, didnt fill the gap and just put plasterboards dot and dab over it? i was very angry when i found out and asked them to stop working on my house as what they did was dangerous and could potentially cause chemical harm. did i over react?

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Comments (7)

Jonathan
2 months ago
Yes
Vanessa Barriball
2 months ago
No
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Jonathan
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
https://publications.iarc.fr/_publications/media/download/3076/73443059d4ec0adde733204bab30939c7470dd2b.pdf

This explains that your concern about the soot from your chimney is not supported by clinical evidence.

It is unrealistic of you to expect them to seal the inside of your chimney or to fill it in. Since they would not have agreed to do that for the quoted amount what makes you think they should have? Since you appear to have kicked them off the job you should check that they have building regs for the work then you should just pay them and move on.
User thanked Jonathan
User
Original Author
2 months ago
Jonathan thanks for your input and the clinical evidence, seems like you were part of the conversation. There are plenty of evidence to also support the harm that can be caused by inhalation of soot particles. if someone is going to quote for chimney breast removal with it comes making the area good. If this is not going to be done, then it should be explained before under taking the job.
Jen
2 months ago
Wow, that’s an extraordinarily detailed and valuable resource, Jonathan - many thanks for sharing. I see that there’s a section (from page 209) reviewing the studies of the occupational risk to chimney sweeps from soot exposure, but couldn’t easily find information specifically addressing Sameera Saeed’s concern. Sometimes I can’t see for looking! Could you give a pointer?
Jonathan
2 months ago
Data that links cancer to occupational exposure to soot by chimney sweeps must not be confused with your situation Sameera. The data says that there is an increased risk for people who disturb this soot when cleaning chimneys and then because of their job breath this stuff in high concentrations for decades.

If you think you have an alternative resource that backs up your claims Sameera then by all means post it.

I think we all have to be pragmatic. We are all exposed to the same carcinogens every time there is an open fire at the pub or when the neighbors have a barbecue but generally speaking no one can point at any quantifiable risk of going into the pub!

I think that if your expectation was to have swept chimneys as well as building work you should have booked a chimney sweep as well as a builder.
Dee
2 months ago
Ok you did over react by feeling them to stop working on your house. Was it detailed in the quote that you wanted them to take special measures with the soot? If something is critical to you it’s always make sure it is always detailed first and agreed upon with the trades involved. I just hope you pay them for their work.

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