I visited the property in question with Dave Walsh of Celtic Developments Ireland to investigate the current condition of a chimney as a result of some concerning chimney cracks which were flagged at the start of May 2024 due to previous fire. The property is a 2 storey country house and appears over 100 years old.

This survey covers a stand alone 2 storey chimney located to the left hand side from front and also services a solid fuel stove in the kitchen area within the property. The main structure is constructed in what appears to be a cast iron and this is connected to a concrete base.

There are a number of cracks to the top of the concrete base where it connects with the cast iron flue and it appears that the excessive heat from past chimney fire is directly linked with these cracks. An internal camera survey was carried out on the chimney structure during this survey and the concrete base was identified in having some cracks where the concrete base and cast iron flue meet. I can confirm the main cracks were as a result of damage from a severe chimney fire previously.

As a result the whole chimney is partially unstable and there is a high probability of the chimney topping over. The chimney has a number of support brackets connected to the main house masonry but these are currently not connected/in disrepair and are linked with the over all deterioration of the chimney as a result cracks to the concrete base.

I also suspect there is probably some residual movement/swaying effect of overall cast iron flue structure which i believe is linked to broken wall brackets. The cracks and lack of failed supports have completed destabilised the whole chimney structure and there is a very high risk of the chimney collapsing.

In summary the entire chimney structure is fully compromised and will require a full replacement. It is recommended to fully remove the entire chimney structure to foundations.

Dave Walsh and his crew of excellent workers recently rebuilt two chimneys in my home. They arrived on time, worked exceptionally hard in dreadful weather and completed the job to the highest standard on time and in budget. Of particular importance was that their work did not disrupt me or my family. The site was always neat and tidy and when the job was done everything was cleaned down and left as new. Dave did an excellent job and I highly recommend him.

I know Dave Walsh for many years, he has done many chimneys and other concrete works for myself, family, and friends. I recently had a friend of mine who had a chimney repaired by others and still had a problem. In conversation, I mentioned Dave to him, I spoke to Dave and he called the following day to inspect the chimney. Dave informed the Kelly’s that the chimney was only patched up and needed a full re-build. Dave explained everything in detail that needed to be carried out using his up to date equipment. He also gave them a full estimate of the cost.

Dave took on the job and looked after every aspect of the re-build of the chimney and also looked after all the dealings with the insurance company. The Kelly family would highly recommend Dave, they had very little disruption to their family home with a top class job done and the place left spotless.

On my own behalf, Dave has done many jobs, he is very trustworthy and old-style, everything is carried out to perfection and explained in detail. I would highly recommend Dave to my own family and friends.

I recently had a chimney fire in my home. I called upon the services of Dave Chimney’s, to assess the damage. He explained the problem to me in detail and told me how he was going to fix the problem. Dave took on a mammoth task of having to completely known and rebuild two walls in the house. He also organised the ‘clean up’ after the job, ensuring the house was redecorated. He arranged to do this job when we were out of the country, and we came back after no problems, to a completely decorated new home. I highly recommend the services of Dave Chimney’s, who made a difficult time for us, a lot easier.