Independent Public Loss Assessors
Independent Public Loss Assessors
CASTLE CLAIMS · REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND · C561519
A chimney fire burns at intense temperatures, causing severe thermal shock to the hidden internal flue network. While the outer breast may look untouched, cracked clay liners, breached masonry joints, and heat-damaged roof timbers present serious structural and fire-safety hazards. We negotiate directly with your insurer’s loss adjuster to present the full technical evidence needed to restore your chimney safely.
While a chimney fire may be extinguished quickly, extreme heat exceeding 1,000°C causes hidden internal damage that cannot be spotted from a living room hearth. Thermal shock fractures clay flue liners, breaks down brick mortar, and melts stove connections, allowing toxic combustion gases, carbon monoxide, and smoke particulates to escape into adjacent cavity walls, bedrooms, and roof spaces.
High-temperature heat transfer often scorches surrounding roof trusses and floor joists keyed directly into the chimney stack. Without an independent technical assessment, initial scope proposals can focus strictly on sweeping the flue or painting soot-damaged walls, missing dangerous internal liner fractures or compromised brickwork.
Our comprehensive chimney fire assessment covers all direct and secondary losses.
Pushing for independent CCTV flue camera surveys and smoke pressure testing to assess internal liner cracking, stack masonry, and terminal pots.
Identifying heat-affected roof timbers, ceiling joists and gable ends adjoining the stack so necessary structural repairs can be submitted.
Including the replacement of heat-damaged stove inserts, flexi-liners, flue pipes and hearth surrounds in your building claim scope.
Scoping allowances for professional chemical washdowns, soot-sealing primers, thermal fogging, and full room redecoration across all affected areas.
Itemising soot-stained curtains, carpets, furniture and personal belongings for cleaning or replacement under your contents cover.
We review site safety, advise against using compromised flues, and request interim payouts where urgent repairs are needed.
We coordinate technical camera inspections to document every cracked liner, compromised brick joint, and soot-damaged room.
We represent your interests in all site meetings, defending against wear-and-tear arguments.
We compile a detailed, itemised schedule of loss for both building structure and contents, negotiating the complete payout permitted under your policy.
No. Sweeping removes debris but does not detect thermal cracking. A full CCTV inspection and smoke test should be conducted to ensure toxic gases cannot leak into bedrooms or living spaces.
Insurers frequently argue wear and tear. We present technical survey evidence to demonstrate the clear difference between age-related wear and acute thermal fracturing caused directly by the intense heat of a chimney fire.
Free, no-obligation inspection across Laois, Kilkenny, Waterford, Kildare, Carlow, Offaly and Tipperary.
Castle Claims is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as an Insurance Intermediary under registration number C561519. · Ross, Cullohill, Co. Laois · 085 818 6980 · info@castleclaims.ie