Suddenly cracks have appeared on the fireplace plaster facade, the bit enclosing the chimney, above the fire box.
Who do I call to diagnose what is wrong and hopefully fix it?
So far I have called:
The local Kaminfeiger, who only clean and test fireplaces, does not repair them.
The local Kaminbau firm, who only install fireplaces, they do not repair them.
(The firm who installed this fireplace years ago seems to no longer be in business.)
I assume I am looking for something like a Kaminsanierung - but that term does not seem to return helpful results.
If any of you know the correct term for the guy who fixes fireplaces - or better yet have a recommendation for Ausserschwz/Einsiedeln area, - I would be most grateful.
Afternooon..
Just asked the Wife (Swiss) She says to do a local search (Web) for a Kaminbau firmen. (Fireplace builders).
Hope this helps
and She just called out that the Chimneysweep should be able to inform you of a Firm as well.
'av a nice day
GREG
https://www.josefkesslerag.ch/ mentions Kaminsanierung on their website
https://www.kaminfeger-landolt.ch/ a Kaminfeger who also does Kaminsanierung
Maybe you will have more luck if you use the Swiss German word (which is french) "cheminee" instead of Kamin (the German German word).
I tried "Reperatur Cheminee Schwyz" and found some companies. They are, however, all in the canton of Zurich.
Hope that helps.
Should you need help with calling in German, PM me. But I think your German might be way better than you give yourself credit for
It may depend on the details but a Hafner or Cheminéebauer is probably a useful start.
Hafner mostly do KachelÖfen (those [very] large heat-storing fireplaces houses used to be built around) plus everything around them, that should include chimneys that are built to handle the temperatures. If they can't help they should know someone who can, as they'll know their competitors as well as professionals they work together with.
To update this thread, with a recommendation for anyone on the 'left side' of the lake who finds themselves needing fire place repairs:
Gisler Ofenbau in Samstagern (and Wädenswil) did an excellent job repairing my fireplace. The owner came soon after I called him, quickly determined what the problem was. One of his guys came out the next day to fix the fireplace and plaster the facade. Fireplace looks as good as new.
https://gisler-ofenbau.ch/wp/home/
So why did I choose this company? On their website, under 'Sanierungen', they say:
“Wer sich zu schade ist für eine kleine Arbeit, ist auch nicht qualifiziert für grosse Arbeiten.”
What a breath of fresh air! Nowadays it's often difficult to find someone willilng to do smaller repair jobs. Not these guys! Even though it turned out to be a small job they made room in their schedule, did outstanding work, quickly and efficiently. Price reasonable - and exactly as quoted.
Hafner I believe. But surely your chiney-sweep would know and recommend someone.
Im glad that was settled! But im curious. What was the problem exactly? What caused the cracks?
Must make sure the work is not just superficial and looking good from outside, and just 'papering over the cracks'.
Love the French name, but they are getting rarer and rarer, the real properly qualified and experienced 'poêlier-fumiste'.