Chimney inspection and repair in Berkshire

[lindy]

Hello

Does anyone know of any reputable company/person that can undertake a chimney inspection/survey and make any necessary repairs in the Wokingham area of Berkshire.

I have just bought a house with two fires (in the downstairs front and middle rooms). The fireplaces have been boarded up in the rooms above them. There is only one chimney visible (for the fire in the middle room)so I assume the front fire is not working.

I would like both chimneys inspected to see if they are Ok and if not to get repairs to them both done so they can be used. I would also like to put back in the fireplaces upstairs but would prob not use them. So far the only numbers I can get from my local authority and yellow pages are for chimney sweeps. Both have told me a quick sweep will sort them both out! Think I will give them a miss!

thanks

 

[ajbaker]

Hi lindy.

I was in a similar position both when I moved in to my house, and now with another fireplace in the house.

The fireplace in my lounge had not been used for several years, and was not known to be working. We checked the draw with a small fire, saw that it was ok and then lit a real fire! In hindsight, getting it swept first would have been sensible.

The fireplace in my bedroom has just been opened up. I want to install and use a cast iron insert. The proper, expensive route will be to pay someone accredited with NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps) to perform a 'soundness test'. From what I can gather this involves sealing the flue, filling with smoke and checking it is not leaking anywhere. This is expensive.

If you want to do it properly, find a sweep on the NACS website http://www.chimneyworks.co.uk/ who is willing to perform a test. Should cost around £140 including a sweep.

To be honest, finding a sweep which said "give them a sweep and try them" is lucky for you - most I spoke said all they could advise was having the chimney lined!!! At a huge cost no doubt. That was clearly pointless.