Chimney sweeping

ronnyb_2

I've recently bought a house with an open fire and intend to install a multifuel stove after I've taken the fireplace out. I've got the brush and poles and intended to sweep the chimney myself. I was told the other day that you need a certificate off a registered chimney sweep after he's cleaned the chimney otherwise in the event of a chimney fire insurance companies won't pay out. Anyone any knowledge or experience of this?

Ken68

Not sure if HETAS should be informed about your DIY project, but they also oversee chimney sweeping.
http://www.hetas.co.uk/
Might be something in the permanent posts above. (stickies)

pboae

I've never had a certificate off a chimney sweep.

Cardew

Some friends I know were considering buying some chimney sweeping equipment so it could be used in several houses - but the cost put them off.

To get a proper vacuum cleaner was several hundred pounds. There are supposed to be dangers in the soot - although I suppose a normal cylinder cleaner would do.

emilyt

Yes it is true. For the first time this year i recieved a certificate stating that our chimney had been swept by a qualified chimney sweep. The first time in 19 years of us having our chimney swept twice a year.

Just to add it costs us £35.00 to have it cleaned and takes about hour and a half. Hope this helps.

Irony

Had ours swept this year(& last)no cert.Never heard of this requirement.

Troubleatmill_2

Gas fire company refused to installed fire until I had a certificate to prove chimney was safe.

It's not just the sweeping, it's a smoke test to ensure that "draw" is satisfactory.

Best
Troubleatmill

ronnyb_2

Been reading up on the building regs since I posted this. To install a stove yourself you've got to comply with building regs and inform building control, no doubt a £60 odd fee. Otherwise it can be installed by a hetas qualified engineer. After installation it must be regularly serviced by a hetas engineer and the chimney swept otherwise house insurance may be invalid.

ronnyb_2

Forgot to add this applies to installations after April 2002.

Poppycat

A neighbour of mine is a chimney sweeper I aked him how much it costs for a chimney to be swept he said £30.

hermon

ronnyb wrote:

I've recently bought a house with an open fire and intend to install a multifuel stove after I've taken the fireplace out. I've got the brush and poles and intended to sweep the chimney myself. I was told the other day that you need a certificate off a registered chimney sweep after he's cleaned the chimney otherwise in the event of a chimney fire insurance companies won't pay out. Anyone any knowledge or experience of this?

phone the chimnet doctor you will get his tel number in yellow pages and he will sort it out for you he offers a very good and kean prices