If you are planning to install a new wood-burning stove, fireplace or fire, the chimney should be checked before the appliance is fitted.
A pre-installation chimney inspection establishes whether the existing chimney and flue are suitable for the appliance you are considering, and identifies problems that may need to be dealt with before installation begins.
H Firkins & Sons combines generations of chimney knowledge with modern inspection equipment to give homeowners and installers clear information before money is committed to a new appliance.
Why inspect the chimney before installing a stove or fireplace?
The appliance may be new, but the chimney it connects to could be decades or even centuries old. Its internal condition, dimensions, ventilation and previous alterations can all affect whether the proposed installation will work safely and efficiently.
Finding those issues before buying or installing an appliance can prevent expensive surprises later.
A pre-installation inspection can help establish:
- The condition of the existing chimney or flue.
- Whether the flue dimensions are suitable for the proposed appliance.
- Whether an existing liner is present and its apparent condition.
- Whether a new liner is likely to fit within the existing chimney.
- Whether the chimney contains damage, obstructions or deterioration.
- Whether the proposed location provides appropriate clearance from combustible materials.
- Whether the hearth is appropriate for the proposed appliance.
- Whether additional room ventilation may be required.
- Whether the chimney terminal and external stack show visible problems.
What does a Pre-Installation Chimney Inspection include?
Chimney sweeping
The chimney is swept where required so soot and loose debris do not obstruct the internal inspection. This gives a much clearer view of the actual flue surface and condition.
4K CCTV chimney inspection
A specialist 4K camera is used to examine the inside of the chimney or flue for cracks, deterioration, blockages, liner problems and other defects that cannot normally be seen from the fireplace.
Flue size and suitability
The existing flue is assessed in relation to the type of appliance being considered. Different appliances have different flue requirements, so this information can be important before choosing a particular stove, fireplace or fire.
Hearth and combustible materials
For stove installations, the proposed position is considered in relation to hearth requirements and safe distances from combustible materials such as timber and other vulnerable building elements.
Ventilation
We assess the ventilation requirements relevant to the proposed appliance and whether additional permanent ventilation may be necessary.
External chimney inspection
The visible chimney stack, chimney pots, cowls and terminals are checked for signs of problems. Where appropriate and legally permitted, additional external inspection methods may be used.
Stoves, open fires and gas fires have different requirements
A chimney that is suitable for one appliance is not automatically suitable for another.
For a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, factors such as flue size, lining, ventilation, hearth construction and distances to combustible materials need to be considered.
For open fires and gas fires, the dimensions of the flue, fireplace opening and terminal arrangements can all affect whether combustion products are carried away correctly.
The purpose of the inspection is to give you and your chosen installer useful information about the existing chimney before the installation is designed or started.
Before you buy the appliance
Where possible, arrange the chimney inspection before committing to a particular stove or fireplace.
If the inspection shows that the flue requires lining, repair or alteration, that information may affect both the appliance you choose and the overall cost of the installation.
It is much better to establish this at the beginning of the project than after an appliance has already been purchased.
Advice before choosing your stove or installer
H Firkins & Sons does not carry out stove installation itself. Our role is independent: we inspect the chimney, advise on its suitability for the proposed appliance and explain any work that may be required before installation.
We can also advise on appliance types and, where appropriate, point you towards an installer suited to the work required.
Because we are independent of the installation itself, our assessment is focused on the condition of the chimney, safe operation and suitability rather than selling you a particular stove or installation package.
What happens after the inspection?
We explain our findings and highlight any issues that should be considered before installation proceeds. If more extensive investigation is required, we can recommend the appropriate next step.
For particularly complex chimney problems or where detailed diagnostic evidence is required, see our Comprehensive Chimney & Flue Surveys.
Pre-Installation Chimney Inspection FAQs
Do I need a chimney inspection before installing a stove?
It is strongly advisable. The condition and dimensions of the existing chimney can affect whether a proposed stove can be installed safely and what additional work may be required.
Should I have the chimney checked before buying the stove?
Where possible, yes. An inspection may identify flue dimensions, lining requirements or other issues that influence which appliance is suitable and how much the installation will cost.
Does the inspection include a camera survey?
Yes. A 4K CCTV camera inspection is used to examine the internal condition of the chimney and identify defects that cannot normally be seen from the fireplace.
Does the chimney need to be swept first?
Where required, the chimney is swept before the internal camera inspection so that soot and loose debris do not obscure the condition of the flue.
Can you tell me whether my chimney needs a liner?
The inspection helps establish the condition and configuration of the existing flue and whether lining or other remedial work appears necessary before installation. The requirements will depend on the chimney and proposed appliance.
Do you install the stove as well?
No. H Firkins & Sons specialises in chimney sweeping, inspection and advice rather than carrying out the stove installation itself. We can help you understand what the chimney requires before you proceed with an installer.
Can you recommend an installer?
Where appropriate, we may be able to point you towards an installer suited to the work required. Our own inspection remains independent of the installation itself.
Book a Pre-Installation Chimney Inspection
If you are considering a new stove, fireplace or fire, contact H Firkins & Sons to arrange an inspection before installation begins.
We carry out chimney inspections throughout London and surrounding areas. You can also see our regular locations on the areas covered page.