Chimney Sweeping Safety Policy

At Smiths Chimney Sweeping, the safety of our customers, their property and the chimney or appliance always comes first.

Before beginning work, we carry out a visual assessment of the accessible parts of the fireplace, stove, chimney and flue system. If we believe that sweeping could cause damage, dislodge an unsafe component or place people or property at risk, we reserve the right to decline, postpone or stop the work.

This policy applies to open fires, solid-fuel stoves, chimney flues and associated chimney components.

Why Might We Decline to Sweep a Chimney?

Most chimneys and appliances can be swept without difficulty. However, some problems mean that it would be unsafe or inappropriate to continue.

Examples include, but are not limited to, the following.

An Unsafe or Deteriorating Chimney Stack

We may decline to sweep if the chimney stack appears to be in poor condition, particularly where there are signs of:

• Loose or unstable bricks.
• Missing or badly deteriorated mortar.
• Visible movement or structural instability.
• Sections of masonry that could fall or become dislodged.

Sweeping equipment has to travel through the full length of the chimney. If the stack is unstable, continuing with the sweep could disturb loose material and cause further damage.

A Loose or Unstable Chimney Pot

A loose chimney pot may move or become dislodged when the sweeping brush reaches the top of the chimney.

This could damage the chimney stack, roof coverings or other parts of the property. It could also create a serious risk to anyone below.

If the chimney pot appears unstable, we may advise that it is secured or repaired before the chimney is swept.

A Damaged, Corroded or Loose Chimney Cowl

Chimney cowls are exposed to rain, wind and changing temperatures throughout the year. Over time, a metal cowl or bird guard can become corroded, damaged or loose.

If a cowl appears likely to break apart or become dislodged when the brush reaches the top of the chimney, we may be unable to complete the sweep safely.

Where appropriate, we will explain the problem and advise whether the cowl should be repaired or replaced.

A Stove That Cannot Be Accessed for Sweeping

A solid-fuel stove must be installed in a way that allows the flue and chimney to be accessed and swept safely.

Some stoves have been installed without suitable access points or sufficient space to remove internal components. In more serious cases, it may be impossible to access the flue without removing the entire appliance.

Removing a complete stove is not included as part of a standard chimney sweep. Where this is necessary, the appliance may need to be removed or altered by a suitably qualified solid-fuel installer before sweeping can take place.

Unsafe or Non-Compliant Stove Installations

We may also decline or stop work if we identify a visible concern with the installation of a stove, fireplace, chimney or flue.

Possible concerns include:

• A wooden beam, mantel or combustible surround positioned too close to the appliance or flue.
• An unsuitable or substandard material used for the register or closure plate.
• A flue liner that is not suitable for the appliance or fuel being burned.
• A liner intended only for gas appliances being used with a solid-fuel stove or fire.
• An unsuitable, damaged or incorrectly fitted chimney cowl.
• An installation that cannot be swept without risking damage to the appliance or flue system.
• Other visible concerns that may affect the safe discharge of smoke and combustion gases.

Required clearances and installation arrangements can vary according to the appliance, flue system and manufacturer’s instructions. We will therefore consider the individual installation rather than applying a single rule to every stove or fireplace.

Where we believe that an installation may be unsafe, the appliance should not be used until it has been assessed and, where necessary, corrected by a suitably qualified professional.

Incorrect Chimney Cowls

Incorrect cowls are a common issue and do not automatically mean that a chimney cannot be swept.

If the cowl is stable and it is safe to proceed, we may be able to complete the sweep before explaining why the existing cowl may not be suitable. We can then advise on, or where appropriate replace it with, a more suitable chimney cowl.

However, we may decline or stop the sweep if the cowl:

• Appears loose, badly corroded or likely to break.
• Could become dislodged by the sweeping brush.
• Prevents the chimney from being swept properly.
• Appears to restrict the safe escape of combustion gases.

What Happens If We Cannot Complete the Sweep?

If we decide that it is unsafe to begin or continue sweeping, we will explain the reason as clearly as possible.

Depending on the problem, we may recommend that you contact an appropriate professional, such as:

• A suitably qualified solid-fuel appliance installer.
• A chimney repair specialist.
• A roofer or builder.
• Your local authority’s Building Control service.

Once the fault has been investigated and the necessary repairs or alterations have been completed, a new chimney sweeping appointment can be arranged.

If we advise that the fireplace or appliance is unsafe to use, it should remain out of use until the problem has been properly assessed and corrected.

Limits of Our Initial Assessment

The assessment carried out before sweeping is a practical visual safety check of the areas that can be accessed or seen during the appointment.

It is not a full structural survey, roof inspection, installation certificate or formal Building Regulations inspection. Some defects may be hidden inside the chimney, behind the appliance or in areas that cannot be seen without further investigation.

Where appropriate, we may recommend a CCTV chimney inspection or assessment by another qualified professional.

Any advice given will be based on the condition of the chimney, fireplace and appliance that is visible at the time of our visit.

Our Right to Make the Final Safety Decision

Customers must not ask or expect us to continue with work that we consider unsafe.

By booking a chimney sweeping appointment with Smiths Chimney Sweeping, the customer acknowledges that the final decision about whether the chimney can be swept safely rests with the chimney sweep attending the property.

We will not knowingly use a sweeping method that is likely to damage an unsafe chimney, liner, cowl, appliance or surrounding property.

Building Regulations and Professional Advice

Solid-fuel appliances, fireplaces, flues and chimneys must be installed so that combustion gases can escape safely and the building is protected from excessive heat and fire.

Further information is available in Approved Document J: Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems.

Comments made during a chimney sweeping appointment should not be treated as confirmation that an installation fully complies with all current regulations or manufacturer requirements.

Contact Smiths Chimney Sweeping

If you are concerned about the condition of your chimney, stove, liner or cowl, please mention this when booking your appointment.

Smiths Chimney Sweeping provides professional chimney sweeping and inspection services across Chorley, Wigan, Bolton, Blackburn and surrounding areas.

For advice or to arrange an appointment, call Andrew on 07504 745787 or email andrew@smithschimneysweeping.co.uk.

Last updated: July 2026.