Fire Places and Chimneys
As autumn sets in, it’s the time to not only service boilers and heating systems, but also to check that ‘real fires’ are safe and well-maintained.
The Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 2015, further amended in October 2022 introduced the requirement for Carbon Monoxide detectors to places where there is ‘solid fuel’ and therefore, it is of paramount importance to ensure that the safety of wood-burners and ‘live’ fires is high on the agenda of landlords and property managers.
WHY DOES A CHIMNEY HAVE TO BE SWEPT?
A thorough inspection of a chimney can avoid a great deal of issues. Chimneys need to allow the free passage of dangerous combustion gasses. Regular sweeping will remove soot, bird nests, cobwebs and any other blockages. It also removes creosote, which will help to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Chimney Sweeping will also increase the efficiency of some appliances.
HOW OFTEN DOES A CHIMNEY NEED SWEEPING?
Frequency will depend on a number of factors which include the type of fuel used, appliance, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel, and the type of chimney in place. A chimney sweep will be able to recognise any issues that a chimney has, for example, detecting chimney obstruction. Several things that might obstruct a chimney:-
Leaves and twigs
Bird nests
Birds
Fuel debris and soot
A clean chimney will lead to a more efficient chimney and a poorly maintained chimney can lead to extra consumption of fuel. This can be as a result of blockages in the chimney that do not let the smoke properly escape.
An unclean and poorly maintained chimney can cause potential hazards like fires. The combustion of fireplace fuel generates soot which is highly inflammable. If not cleaned well, this can result in accidental fire damage.
A thorough inspection of a home chimney is the first step to resolving any issues.
Better Air Quality
Chimney blockages can impact home air quality, and improper and poor fuel burning can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This will lead to health complications, for example, breathing issues and lung problems. A well-maintained chimney can ensure good air quality for the home.
Chimneys and the Tenant Fee Ban
Under the ban, landlords or letting agents cannot require tenants to pay for the services of a third party, including chimney sweeping services. If the tenants prefer to employ the services of a third party, they will be responsible for any associated costs.
Landlords have a duty to ensure the property is maintained safely and should consider the potential risks associated with chimneys. If the tenancy agreement prohibits tenants from using a fireplace or to have the chimney swept and the tenants failed to comply with the restriction or obligation and this constitutes a loss to the landlord i.e. causes damage or additional expense, the landlord may seek to recoup this loss from the tenancy deposit.