Chimney Sweep, Powys, Gwynedd & Ceridigion
Why use a NVQ qualified Chimney Sweep?
All solid fuel and wood burning installations need inspection, service and maintenance annually. This is good practice to minimise problems when the fire is in use and can be an insurance company requirement for continued cover, or to show compliance to your responsibilities as a landlord.
This work could be done by anyone but to ensure that you are getting the correct standard of care, you must employ a NVQ qualified chimney sweep. These tradespeople have been trained and assessed to show that they meet the competence level needed to give you a true picture of the condition of your appliance and flue system.
Check your using an NVQ qualified Sweep
It is important to note that the NVQ qualification certifies professionals , not companies. Companies may advertise that they have NVQ Qualified people on staff, we of course are NVQ qualified and further more we are a CSCS card holder which gives further assurance to our credentials.
If you have any questions regarding our qualifications and credentials then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Overview
What level of inspection do you need?
As an NVQ QUALIFIED chimney sweep we offer three levels of chimney inspection. These are based on the guidelines set out below and will include cleaning and inspecting the appliance and flue system.
Level 1: Inspection: — Readily Accessible
Level 1: Inspection of readily accessible areas: Readily accessible means areas that are quickly or easily reached for inspection without the need for removal of access panels and doors and do not need anything more than hand tools to access. The appliance and flue system will be cleaned, initially to allow the inspection to be done. External assessment of the chimney is made from the ground without getting up on the roof. The internal areas of the flue system are checked with a brief camera inspection with photos taken to show any obvious defects.
Level 2: Inspection — All Accessible
Level 2: Inspection of all accessible areas: This level of inspection will include the removal of any access panels, inspection covers or doors to gain access to the flue system provided there is minimal damage to the finish and decoration of the areas involved. Access to the roof and also crawl spaces, basements and lofts will be needed as will access to any adjoining houses or flats. In addition to the work done for a level 1 inspection, the flue system will be checked for structural stability and integrity, a full camera inspection will be done and all external surfaces of the flue system will be visually inspected.
Level 3: Inspection — Invasive Inspection
Level 3 inspection: This will involve breaking into the flue system in some way to check something that can’t be accessed any other way. It may need significant building work to complete and may rely on other specialists to give their expertise. Typically, parts of the appliance installation or chimney walls will need to be removed. Provided any defects can be repaired, subsequent reinstatement, reinstallation and commissioning will also be done. If defects can not be repaired, recommendations will be made to provide a solution.
Whats the recommended inspection level?
This depends on the reason for the inspection. Normally, a level 1 inspection is adequate and will give the NVQ chimney sweep enough information to deem your installation suitable for continued use. Should any defects be found, you will be advised as to whether these need addressing immediately or can be left until a future date. Sometimes defects can not be fully examined and an escalation to a level 2 or level 3 inspection will be suggested. Level 1 inspections are also recommended for changes of owners and tenants with existing installations and also prior to a new appliance or flue system being installed. Level 2 and 3 inspections are often required following structural building work, chimney fires or other catastrophic events. Events that could have adversely effected the structure or integrity of the flue system.
What type of report can I expect?
You will receive a written report detailing the appliance and flue system, the work done and any defects found with recommendations for timescales for repairs to be done. Further investigation may also be suggested. A statement on continued use will also be given.
Should you need a more formal report, your NVQ chimney sweep will be able to provide this, but there is likely to be an additional fee. NVQ chimney sweeps use a standard format for producing formal reports. The format is designed to be accessible to those with experience of appliances and flue systems as well as those less familiar.
Have a job in mind? Please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a free no obligation quotation for the work, contact us on 01654 700585 / 07824 150016 or email us at info@mastercleansweep.co.uk we look forward to hearing from you.