It is necessary for your chimney to undergo regular inspection and maintenance. This is the best way to avoid chimney fires which is fairly common in Irish homes. Reports indicate that there are over a thousand chimney-related fire incidents in Ireland yearly.
The National Fire Safety Association (NFSA) says that a chimney survey must be done at least once a year. This is just the minimum, though. If you use your chimney often, then it is best to have it frequently inspected.
To add, surveys are not just only for chimneys which are regularly used. They are also recommended for those which have been idle for a long time. Even new properties with chimneys should be inspected for buyers to ensure that the structure is safe and properly built.
How Are Chimneys Inspected?
Nowadays, chimney surveys are done using a CCTV or a Closed-Circuit TV. This is currently the standard around the world. Most reputable chimney services providers in Dublin like Access Chimneys offer CCTV chimney surveys.
In CCTV chimney inspections, a mini camera takes footages of the flue or inside the chimney as it passes through it. The survey may proceed from the chimney pot down or from the fireplace up. The video recording is reviewed after the inspection by the chimney specialist. Then, a certified detailed report is given to homeowners like you. You may also view or get a copy of the video depending on the procedure of the company you commissioned to do the survey.
What Is the Importance of CCTV Chimney Surveys?
Spot Hard-to-Find Problems: Before the advent of digital surveys, chimney interiors were primarily checked using a mirror and a flashlight. In some cases, part of the chimney is disassembled which is time-consuming and expensive.
Undeniably, spotting hard-to-find chimney problems like broken hairline cracks on the flue can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, using the methods above.
This is no longer an issue with CCTV chimney inspections.
With the help of the camera with a 360° rotation capability, a thorough inspection of the chimney flue is possible. The inspector gets to view every nook and cranny, thereby, minimising the chances of missing any problem.
Accurate Diagnosis: Another advantage of chimney surveys using CCTV is that problems are accurately diagnosed. As stated earlier, this type of inspection provides a clear and complete picture of the interior of the chimney. With this, the root cause of the problem is identified.
Consequently, when the real culprit behind a chimney problem is known, the right course of action can be taken to resolve the issue.
How does this benefit you?
You end up saving money. You do not have to deal with band-aid solutions or quick-fixes which rarely last long. This means that you do not have to repeatedly spend just to get the problem resolved.
Verify the Issue: With CCTV chimney inspections, you simply won’t have to take the word of your chimney specialist. You would be able to verify with your own two eyes if a problem in the flue really exists.
Providers of CCTV chimney surveys give clients a copy of the video. Some even let their clients watch the inspection real time. Remember, as the camera passes through the flue, the specialist is able to view from a monitor what the camera is capturing.
Quick Inspection: Prior to the use of cameras, chimney surveys took a lot of time. This is understandable given how inspections were done before. Just imagine how much time inspectors spend checking a certain section of the flue!
Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Thanks to CCTVs, chimney inspections are no longer time-consuming! In most cases, the job is accomplished in an hour.
So, if your chimney is due for an inspection, don’t settle for anything less than a CCTV survey. Also, for best results, make sure you hire a trusted chimney services provider.
Looking for the best CCTV chimney surveys Dublin has to offer? You’ve come to the right place! Access Chimneys is a reputable chimney services provider in Ireland. Call us today at +353 872805825.
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