COMPLETE CHIMNEY SAFETY INSPECTIONS

If you move in to a property and there is already a fireplace there - is it safe ? We can check your chimney and identify any potential or dangerous situations that may be present which may be harmful to you, your property or that of your neighbours. This can be either on an existing installation that has suddenly developed a fault, or a fireplace and chimney that you have never used before. We can harness our vast experience and library of chimney faults to diagnose virtually any chimney related problem and produce a full report 'in plain English' for you to act upon.

New owners were concerned about the dirty marks around the fireplace, they asked us to investigate, an inspection revealed that these marks are due to the spillage of combustion gasses from the 'still operative' gas fire. These combustion gasses contain Carbon Monoxide and the spillage was due to the chimney being capped off, all of the fumes from the fire were discharging into the room. The gas fire was made safe and we provided a report to be used as evidence.

A routine safety inspection revealed that although the chimney concerned had been relined - whoever did the reline did not do a very good job !

PLEASE BE : CARBON MONOXIDE AWARE

You can't see it, smell it or taste it, but it can kill quickly and without warning. All appliances, whether they burn gas, smokeless fuel, coal, wood or oil all make carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide (C0) can result in death as well as serious long term health problems.

The six main symptoms are :-

carbon monoxide aware 1) headaches
2) dizziness
3) nausea
4) breathlessness
5) collapse
6) loss of consciousness

What is Carbon Monoxide (Co) ?

Carbon Monoxide (Co ) is a highly poisonous gas produced during incomplete combustion. It can be caused by a faulty appliances, incorrect chimney cowl and terminals, a blocked or partially blocked chimney flue or if air vents are sealed or blocked.

What should I do If I suspect that I am subjected to Co poisoning ?

Get to fresh air immediately, open doors and windows, turn off or shut down appliances and leave the property.
You should see your Doctor or visit Hospital and let them know that you suspect that you have been subjected to Carbon Monoxide. A blood or breath test should show conclusively.

We were asked to sweep the flue serving the fireplace above. Initial inspection from the opening suggested a poorly fitted cast iron fireplace. When I removed the wooden fireplace surround to investigate further, it was clear that this was bad workmanship of the worst kind, with our evidence the customer received compensation from the previous owners, as the property had been 'sold' with a working fireplace.

velux

The chimney visible from the velux window shows that the chimney outlet is within an area not permitted by current Building Regulations. A previous chimney sweep had told the customer that this chimney was OK for use, only when we were called in to carry out a smoke test for the fireplace installers was the problem brought to the customers attention, we issued a 'Warning Notice' prohibiting the use of the chimney.

Apex Chimney Sweeps can carry out chimney sweeping, chimney testing and chimney CCTV inspections and by harnessing our vast knowledge and our extensive library of chimney / fireplace faults we will identify any problem and suggest a remedy for you.