Chimney Safety Guide

The Two Biggest Chimney Safety Risks

Chimneys and fireplaces present two serious safety hazards that every homeowner must understand:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning - Silent, invisible, and deadly
• Chimney Fires - Can destroy your home in minutes

Both risks are preventable through proper maintenance, awareness, and safety equipment.

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced when fuel burns incompletely. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it - but it is deadly. CO poisoning kills around 50 people per year in the UK and causes thousands of hospital admissions.

How Chimneys Cause CO Poisoning

When your chimney is blocked or restricted, CO cannot escape properly:

• Blocked flues: Soot, bird nests, or debris block the escape route
• Poor draw: Chimney doesn't pull gases up effectively
• Structural damage: Cracks allow CO to seep into living spaces
• Inadequate ventilation: Not enough air for complete combustion

Preventing CO Poisoning

• ✅ Have your chimney swept annually by a professional
• ✅ Install working CO detectors in every room with a fuel-burning appliance
• ✅ Ensure adequate ventilation when using fires
• ✅ Never block air vents or air bricks
• ✅ If smoke enters the room, stop using the fireplace immediately
• ✅ Have CCTV chimney inspections if you suspect problems

Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Essential Safety Equipment

Every room with a fuel-burning appliance MUST have a CO detector. This includes rooms with:

• Open fireplaces
• Wood burners or multi-fuel stoves
• Gas fires
• Oil boilers

Choosing a CO Detector

• Look for BS EN 50291 certification
• Choose audible alarms (not silent types)
• Battery-powered or mains with battery backup
• Replace every 5-7 years (check manufacturer guidance)
• Test monthly using the test button

We sell carbon monoxide alarms for £20 - add one when booking your chimney sweep.

Chimney Fires

What Causes Chimney Fires?

Chimney fires occur when creosote buildup ignites. Creosote is a highly flammable tar-like substance that accumulates when wood or coal burns. A chimney fire can:

• Reach temperatures over 1,000°C
• Crack flue liners and chimney structures
• Spread to roof timbers and the rest of the house
• Cause catastrophic damage in minutes

Signs of a Chimney Fire

If you notice these signs, you may have a chimney fire - call 999 immediately:

• Loud roaring, rumbling, or train-like sounds from the chimney
• Dense smoke pouring from the chimney top
• Flames or sparks shooting from the chimney pot
• Intense heat radiating from chimney breast or walls
• Cracks appearing in chimney structure
• Smell of burning or tar

Preventing Chimney Fires

• ✅ Have your chimney swept annually (or more for heavy use)
• ✅ Burn only dry, seasoned wood (below 20% moisture)
• ✅ Never burn treated wood, painted wood, or rubbish
• ✅ Ensure good airflow for complete combustion
• ✅ Don't overload stoves with fuel
• ✅ Never leave fires unattended
• ✅ Use a fireguard with open fires

Other Chimney Hazards

Structural Damage

Chimneys can deteriorate over time, causing:

• Falling masonry (dangerous for people below)
• Water ingress leading to damp
• Weakened structures that may collapse
• Gaps allowing smoke/CO into living spaces

CCTV chimney inspections identify structural issues before they become dangerous.

Smoke and Soot Damage

Improperly maintained chimneys cause smoke to enter living spaces, resulting in:

• Respiratory problems
• Damage to furnishings and decoration
• Unpleasant odours
• Increased cleaning costs

Legal Safety Requirements in the UK

For Homeowners

UK law does not mandate chimney sweeping for owner-occupied properties. However:

• Insurance policies almost always require it
• You have a general duty of care to visitors
• Smoke control area rules apply in designated zones
• Negligence causing harm could result in legal liability

For Landlords

Landlords have stricter obligations:

• Must ensure properties are safe for tenants
• Must maintain heating appliances in working order
• Gas appliances require annual Gas Safe inspections (legal requirement)
• Chimneys should be professionally swept and maintained
• Provide safety information to tenants

When to Call a Professional

Contact a chimney professional immediately if you notice:

• Smoke entering the room when fire is lit
• Strong smells from the fireplace
• Difficulty lighting fires or maintaining them
• Black soot falling into the fireplace
• Visible cracks in chimney structure
• Bird noises or debris
• Water stains around chimney breast
• Any signs of a previous chimney fire

Chimney Safety Checklist

• ☑️ Chimney swept at least once per year by ICS-registered professional
• ☑️ Working CO detector in every room with fuel-burning appliance
• ☑️ CO detector tested monthly
• ☑️ Burning only appropriate, dry fuels
• ☑️ Adequate ventilation when using fires
• ☑️ Fire extinguisher or fire blanket accessible
• ☑️ Smoke alarms throughout property (tested monthly)
• ☑️ Chimney certificate kept for insurance records
• ☑️ Regular visual inspections for damage or deterioration
• ☑️ Professional CCTV inspection if any concerns