Pre-Stove & Pre-Gas Fire Installation Inspections
Pre-Installation Chimney Inspections in London, Hertfordshire & Essex
Whether you're having a wood burner, multi-fuel stove, or gas fire fitted, the chimney needs checking first. It doesn't matter how good the appliance is. If the flue isn't structurally sound, clear of obstructions, and correctly sized, the installation won't work safely.
SweepSmart carries out pre-installation chimney inspections across London, Hertfordshire and Essex for both solid fuel and gas appliances. We're a HETAS approved stove installer, Guild of Master Sweeps member, and Which? Trusted Trader. We'll check the chimney, give you a detailed report, and make sure your installer (whether that's us or someone else) has everything they need to proceed with confidence.
Pre-Stove Installation Chimney Inspection
You've decided on a stove. Now the question is whether your chimney is ready for it. Before any stove goes in, the chimney needs sweeping and inspecting. We check for structural issues, obstructions, combustible material, and make sure the flue dimensions are right for the new liner. It's the bit that happens before the exciting bit, but getting it right here avoids problems on installation day.
What's Included in a Pre-stove fire installation Inspection?
- Full visual inspection of the pot, stack, hearth, ventilation, and lintel
- Chimney swept in accordance with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps' code of practice
- Chimney height and cross-section measured for the new flue liner
- Any obstructions or damage noted and photographed
- A detailed quote for the complete works
- Fireplace area covered with protective dust sheets (we provide these)
- Debris examined
- Internal chimney camera inspection
- A detailed digital inspection report with photos
- Advice on the stove installation, stove recommendations, and finish suggestions
Do I have to use SweepSmart for the installation?
No. There's no obligation. You'll receive a detailed report with all the measurements, findings, and required work noted so that any installer has everything they need. No surprises on installation day. That said, we are HETAS qualified stove installers and we'd be happy to quote for the full job. Read about our stove installations here.
A record of chimney sweeping is also required for HETAS or building control registration, so this inspection covers that requirement too.
Pre-Gas Fire Installation Chimney Inspection
Most people assume that because it's gas, the chimney is less of a concern. It's an understandable assumption. Gas is cleaner than wood, there's no soot buildup, and no creosote to worry about. But a gas fire still produces combustion gases, and those gases still need a clear, structurally sound flue to vent safely.
If the chimney has been sitting unused, or the property has been through renovations, there could be problems inside the flue that nobody has checked. We've seen fireplaces sealed with expanding foam (which releases toxic fumes when heated), flues blocked by building debris, and ventilation removed entirely during refurbishments. None of that shows up without a camera inspection.
What's Included in a Pre-gas fire installation Inspection?
- Full visual inspection of the pot, stack, hearth, ventilation, fireplace or stove fitting, and lintel
- Chimney swept in accordance with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps' code of practice
- A draught test performed using a smoke pellet
- Smoke and CO alarm check, confirming they're present and correctly positioned
- Allow approximately 60 minutes per flue
- Fireplace area covered with protective dust sheets (we provide these)
- Debris examined
- Advice on fireplace use and fuels
- Chimney camera inspection and findings reported
- A Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps sweeping and servicing certificate
You'll receive a report with CCTV screenshots detailing everything we've found. If any remedial work is needed, the report gives your gas engineer everything they need to proceed safely. If there's any doubt over the condition of the flue, a leakage test must be performed.
Read more about leakage tests here.
FAQs
Do I need a chimney inspection before installing a stove?
Yes. Before any stove goes in, the chimney must be swept and inspected. We need to check for structural issues, obstructions, combustible material, and make sure the flue dimensions are right for the new liner. Skipping this step risks problems on installation day or — worse — after the stove is in use.
What if the chimney isn't suitable for a stove?
We'll tell you. The report will explain what's wrong and what options you have — whether that's lining the chimney, removing an obstruction, or an alternative approach. We'd rather give you the honest picture upfront than let you discover a problem after installation.
Does a chimney sweeping record matter for stove installation?
Yes. A record of chimney sweeping is required as part of HETAS registration or building control sign-off for the stove installation. The pre-stove inspection ticks that box.
What measurements do you take during the inspection?
We measure the chimney height and cross-section to ensure the correct flue liner can be fitted. We also assess the hearth, ventilation, and lintel to confirm everything meets requirements for the stove installation.
Do I have to use SweepSmart for the stove installation?
No. You'll receive a detailed report with all measurements, findings, and required work noted — any qualified installer can use it. No obligation. That said, we are HETAS registered stove installers, so we're happy to quote for the full job if you'd like.
Do I have to use SweepSmart for the stove installation?
No. You'll receive a detailed report with all measurements, findings, and required work noted — any qualified installer can use it. No obligation. That said, we are HETAS registered stove installers, so we're happy to quote for the full job if you'd like.
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