The chimney and internal flue represent one of the hidden areas of a property that is difficult to access and cannot be safely assessed by the naked eye. Thankfully modern technology is now available to allow detailed surveys to be carried out quickly and efficiently.
For any property built pre 1940’s it is very unlikely that an unlined flue will be in safe working condition due to the degradation of materials over time, for example, the mortar joints between bricks failing and bricks beginning to crumble.
Undoubtedly, the overwhelming reason that homeowners will benefit from commissioning a camera survey is to identify any potential fire risks from using the flue. Properties with open fires, wood burners or gas stoves all need to be certain that the flue being used is safe and fit for purpose.
A camera survey will pinpoint the following:
· Failing mortar joints and crumbling bricks which may leak smoke into other rooms of a property
· Ledges where soot and flammable debris can accumulate
· Blockages from falling masonry or birds’ nests
· Tar build-up on the sides of the flue. Tar deposits are left by fires burning wet wood; tar is also deposited when the flue is cold due to not being properly insulated. Tar deposits are flammable and represent a fire risk.
· Timber joints. We have seen these in older properties, where they have been inserted into a flue to provide support
· Damaged liners. Stainless steel liners will corrode over time and will therefore not be safe to use
· Poorly constructed liners. If a liner isn’t constructed properly, joints may not be gas tight
· Other services that are currently using the flue. If a flue has not been used for a fire in its recent history, it may be being used as a route for other services – particularly where a large property has been used previously as offices.
When should I commission a chimney survey?
– Prior to recommissioning a flue that has not been used in recent years
– If you can smell smoke in another room of the property when the flue is being used
– If you see smoke staining around the fireplace, or skirting boards in other rooms following the length of the flue
– Following a chimney fire
Insurance – a camera survey of a flue can be requested as part of an initial assessment by insurance companies when asked to insure a property. This can happen with older properties and particularly for those properties with thatched roofs.
– Insurance companies may also request a camera survey to inspect the damage to a flue following a chimney fire.
What happens during a camera survey?
The surveyors at Turner Baker are trained to carry out camera surveys using the latest technology and we can be flexible – surveying from either the top or the bottom of the flue depending on available access.
We ask that the flue is not used at least 24 hours prior to the inspection and that the area around the flue is clear. If we are asked to survey inside a residential property, we will always ensure that the area where we are working is sealed with dust sheets.
The time taken to carry out the survey will vary depending on the length and size of the flue and the nature of any issues that we find.
All of our surveys are followed up with a written report which will detail any issues found and any remedial work required to make the flue safe. We also always supply an electronic recording of the survey.
If you would like further information or to book a Turner Baker camera survey, please contact us on 01432 839123
The benefits of carrying out pole camera surveys on chimneys
A pole camera survey is very useful for anyone that needs a close-up inspection of a chimney or an area of a roof. Previously, this part of the property has been difficult to reach and may have required ladders or scaffolding to carry out a safe inspection. However, with a pole camera the surveyor can capture all of the information from the ground.
What is a pole camera? A pole camera is exactly as it sounds, a digital recording device mounted on a very long, lightweight pole. The pole can be extended to a height of 15m, which makes it useable on a wide range of properties.
The technology has improved hugely over recent years and the poles are easy to assemble and not heavy to hold and use.
What can you see with a pole camera?
A pole camera can give an eagle-eye view of your roof and chimney – getting close-up images of areas that are difficult to access. A Turner Baker pole camera survey will be looking for the following:
· Damaged or missing flashing (the joins between the roof and the chimney)
· Weakened or missing mortar between bricks
· Damaged brickwork
· Assessment of cowls and chimney pots
· Review of flaunching (the seal around a chimney pot)
How long does a pole camera survey take?
All of the surveys that we undertake are different. The duration of the survey will depend on the number of chimneys being surveyed and whether any specific details have been requested.
Do I need to provide access inside my house for a pole camera survey?
No. All pole camera surveys are carried out on the exterior of a property. We will need access to your garden or the yard or driveway of your property.
What happens after the survey has been carried out?
The footage from the survey will be reviewed by one of our experienced engineers who will then provide a written report and a digital recording of the survey. Images can be taken from the survey to highlight any areas that need addressing. Our reports include details of any work that may need to be carried out and the cost of doing the work.
If you would like any further information on pole camera surveys or would like to make a booking please call Turner Baker on 01432 839123.