Comprehensive Chimney Integrity Test
A smoke integrity test is imperative to ensure harmful fumes are not leaking from your chimney.
Nothing beats peace of mind. So whether you are opening up an old fireplace, or are unaware of previous maintenance and possible damage to your existing chimney, an integrity test will determine whether your chimney is safe and does not present a severe hazard.
An unsafe chimney could expose you or others to Carbon Monoxide. This colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas is toxic and can be fatal because of our inability to detect its presence. A safe chimney is a safe household.
The integrity test is different from a smoke evacuation check that forms part of our standard sweeps. The smoke evacuation check identifies that the flue pulls and that there is an adequate draw present. The chimney safety test differs as described below.
Our Method
The smoke test for open fireplaces, room sealed appliances and fuel types vary. In essence, the integrity test is the process of filling the flue with smoke produced by smoke pellets and monitoring the entire length of the property for any leakage.
To carry out the safety test we will require access to the roof/chimney terminal and to the chimney itself throughout the property (and possibly others) in order to fully investigate potential leakage.
Once the test is complete, you will be provided with a report to confirm your flue has been tested and passed to BS 5871-3/BS EN 15287. Should your chimney fail, it will require repairs or lining before we can deem it safe for use.
A chimney integrity test is essential when replacing or installing a new fireplace, gas fire or open basket. Unfortunately, your working fireplace cannot be installed/commissioned without adequate proof of a recent chimney integrity test.
When should you integrity test your chimney?
There are a number of reasons why it would be advisable to undertake a chimney integrity test outside of a general health and safety audit. If you have recently moved, or installed a fireplace, then it will aid your own peace of mind to know that everything is working as it should. Below are the reasons we recommend for undertaking the chimney test.
Unknown chimney history
If you have moved into a property or are planning to re-open a fireplace and the history of the chimney/flue is unknown.
Historic building works have taken place in the proximity of your chimney with no record of testing before or afterwards.
A small hole can be made in the chimney breast to carry out the smoke test should you not have an existing fireplace opening.
Installing a new fireplace
A chimney integrity test is vital when installing a new gas or solid fuel fire to an existing chimney. A fireplace will not be commissioned as safe to use without this proof.
Building works
If you have recently undertaken renovation works to your property, we highly recommend a test to ensure no damage has occurred to your property or adjacent properties, as it can often provoke disturbance to a chimney. Causes are often from vibration weakening the structure to the flue accidentally being breached.
Chimney Problems
You may be experiencing ongoing problems with your chimney and not have any determinable reason as to why. Equally, issues may have been noted during one of your routine sweeps.
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With over twenty years of experience working on both leading large-scale commercial construction projects in London to bespoke residential fireplace projects with individual clients, our work carries with it a quality and care that only a company of our skill and depth of knowledge are able to provide.
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