When Should You Book a Chimney Inspection?

A chimney inspection is a useful way to check the condition of your chimney, flue or stove before use. Many problems inside a chimney are not visible from the fireplace or stove opening, which means issues can go unnoticed until they begin to affect performance or safety. An inspection can help identify blockages, soot build-up, damage, nesting material, poor draw or signs of deterioration.

You should consider booking a chimney inspection if you have recently moved into a property, are planning to use a fireplace that has not been used for some time, or have had a stove newly installed. It is also recommended if you notice smoke entering the room, unpleasant smells, difficulty lighting the fire, poor burning performance or unusual noises from the chimney.

Camera inspections can be especially helpful when a closer look is needed inside the flue. This allows potential issues to be checked more thoroughly and gives a clearer picture of what is happening inside the chimney. It can also help before remedial work, after a chimney fire, or when investigating ongoing performance issues.

At Sooty The Sweep, we offer chimney inspections and camera checks to help homeowners understand the condition of their chimney and appliance. If any cleaning, maintenance or repair work is needed, we can provide clear, practical advice so you know the next steps.