Professional solutions for the fireplace
Chimney renovation: Your chimney builder in Lucerne
ArtKamin with Managing Director Adrian Scherer has been an experienced chimney builder in the Lucerne region for many years. Whether new construction, chimney repair or renovation of flue gas systems - we offer you professional solutions that are customised to your building.
Are you an architect or heating professional?
Our service is aimed at heating companies in central Switzerland that install pellet, wood chip or log wood heating systems and require a new chimney to be built. We are often called upon by these companies as chimney builders. However, we also work for architects who are planning new builds and conversions of fireplaces or stove fireplaces.
Detect defects at an early stage
If it is not a new build, a chimney renovation or chimney repair is necessary. Especially when the existing chimney loses its function due to wear and tear, deposits or structural defects. ArtKamin professionally renovates old flue gas systems and brings them back up to date.
Reasons for a refurbishment
What our chimney builders check on site
- Route and accessibility of the chimney via the roof, suspended ceilings and cellar
- Connection point to the fireplace - dimensions, tightness and material
- Condition of the chimney shaft by means of camera or endoscope inspection (cracks, deposits, sooting)
- Draught and pressure conditions by measuring the negative pressure and air flow
- Material properties and fire protection distances to combustible components
- Mouth height and cross-section in relation to heat output
- Planning the refurbishment concept with suitable pipe dimensions, chrome steel lining and installation in accordance with VKF and SIA standards
We are your partner
- Pellet stoves
- Wood and wood chip fireplaces
- Oil and gas fireplaces
- Stove and fireplace fireplaces
From planning to the finished system
Quickly on site in Lucerne
With our company location in Altwis / Lucerne, we are quickly on site for our customers. ArtKamin accompanies you from the planning stage to the finished installation, according to SIA standards. We now offer a «complete chimney construction service», including installation. This saves you time and minimises risks.
What to consider
What dimensions should my fireplace have?
Size & dimension
The size and dimensions of a fireplace have a direct influence on its function. A chimney extension can be an issue. We calculate dimensions such as height, width and length, especially for new builds, in order to guarantee safe flue gas extraction. The heat output, building structure and fuels used all play a role. And the basic principle applies: an external chimney that is too small can lead to flue gas backflow, while a chimney that is too large loses efficiency.
Height, width, length
- Height: A chimney should extend at least 40 cm above the roof ridge to avoid turbulence in the air flow.
- Width and length: The cross-sectional ratio must match the heating output. Modern standards specify precise values here, which are calculated by our experts.
- Position on the roof: Position and distance to neighbouring buildings are crucial for compliance with regulations and for a stable flue.
Brands & Suppliers
We build stainless steel chimneys, but also chimney extensions. Asco Handels AG in Kriens (LU) supplies us with chimney accessories, adapters and bends that we use in construction. The company is our Swiss trading and spare parts partner. Oeko Solve AG in Plons-Mels (SG) supplies our fine dust filters and electrostatic filters for wood-burning stoves (ecological, VKF-approved), and Windhager Zentralheizung Schweiz AG supplies the draught regulator dampers Ø 130-200 mm for wood-burning stoves.
Technical details of the fireplace
Trigger performance
The flue performance of a stainless steel chimney describes how quickly and safely flue gases are channelled outside. We observe the technical specifications for new builds and renovations. A good flue performance prevents condensation and ensures trouble-free operation. It depends on
- Cross-section and height of the chimney
- Temperature difference between exhaust gases and outside air
- Smoothness and material of the inner surface
Function of the fume cupboard
Built-in filters
Risks
- Backflow of exhaust gases with risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cracking due to thermal stress
- Fire hazard with inadequate lining
- Corrosion due to inappropriate use of materials
Precautionary measures
- Use of tested materials such as chrome steel (stainless steel chimney)
- Regular maintenance and inspection by the chimney sweep
- Compliance with all building and fire protection regulations
New installation of fireplaces
New fireplace construction: We plan the installation and carry out the installation including connection to the fireplace.
Customised & professional
Chimney construction with chrome steel
Legal norms and standards
In Switzerland, there are clear legal requirements and technical guidelines, norms and standards that must be complied with when building or renovating a chimney. These relate to dimensions, materials, fire protection and emissions. If you have a fireplace built or renovated, the project will be carried out by a fireplace builder such as ArtKamin in accordance with the applicable standards. Important for you:
- Compliance with the VKF fire protection specifications. The VKF (Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers) issues binding fire protection regulations throughout Switzerland. These include standards for chimneys, smoke and heat extraction, safety distances and material specifications. Every chimney renovation or new build must fulfil these requirements.
- The EN 1856-1 standard defines requirements for metal chimney systems, in particular single-walled and multi-walled chimney products (e.g. inner pipes, fittings, end elements) made of chrome steel or similar material. It applies to diameters up to 1200 mm.
Heating companies, architects and private individuals are our customers. We take on the construction of chimneys and flue gas systems from planning to installation.