Professional Chimney Inspection in Bristol UK with CCTV Surveys
- simongrimwood
- Jul 21
- 7 min read
Table of Contents
Why Book a CCTV Chimney Inspection in Bristol UK?
Hi, I’m Simon from Simon Sweeps South West, and I provide expert chimney inspection services across Bristol UK using high-definition CCTV cameras. Whether you have a wood burner, open fireplace, or stove, my CCTV Survey service allows me to carry out a detailed internal inspection of your chimney and flue – from top to bottom.
These chimney inspections are essential for spotting hidden damage that could otherwise go unnoticed. If you've recently moved house, had a chimney fire, or suspect something’s not quite right, a CCTV chimney inspection is the safest way to get peace of mind.
What Damage Can a CCTV Chimney Inspection Detect?
A CCTV chimney inspection in Bristol UK is one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden faults and safety issues inside your chimney flue. With specialist camera equipment, I’m able to inspect every inch of your chimney from the fireplace up to the chimney pot – without invasive work or guesswork.
Even if your chimney looks fine from the outside, there could be serious problems lurking inside. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of damage I detect during a CCTV chimney inspection:
🧱 Cracked or Broken Flue Linings
Over time, the internal lining of your chimney can crack, split, or even collapse. This can be caused by age, chimney fires, poor installation, or thermal stress from repeated heating and cooling. Damaged liners allow heat, smoke, and gases to escape into the building structure, putting your home at risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
🐦 Bird Nests and Animal Blockages
It’s not uncommon to find bird nests, especially in spring and summer when birds are nesting. These blockages can restrict airflow, cause smoke to back up, and pose a fire risk. I often discover nests or animal debris that homeowners didn’t realise was there – even if the chimney seemed to be working fine. If needed, I also offer a professional bird nest removal service.
🌫️ Soot, Tar, and Creosote Build-up
Solid fuel appliances, especially wood burners, create deposits of soot and creosote which cling to the inside of the flue. While sweeping removes most of this, a CCTV inspection helps me identify areas where these deposits have built up dangerously – especially in bends or awkward sections of the flue. Tar and creosote are highly flammable and are a common cause of chimney fires.
💧 Signs of Water Ingress and Damp
Using CCTV, I can spot early signs of moisture damage, such as staining, corrosion, and moss or algae growth. Water entering through a damaged cowl or flashing can travel down the flue and cause internal decay. Left untreated, this can lead to damp patches on walls and ceilings or even structural damage.
🧱 Dislodged or Fallen Masonry
Sometimes pieces of the chimney lining or internal brickwork can break away and fall inside the flue. These loose bricks or mortar fragments can partially or completely block the flue, reducing airflow and making your appliance unsafe to use. A camera inspection picks up these hidden hazards instantly.
🔥 Fire Damage
After a chimney fire – even one that was small or unnoticed – the inner flue lining is often compromised. I frequently find heat-scorched areas, cracked tiles, and melted joint seals during post-fire inspections. If you’ve had a fire or suspect one, a CCTV survey is the safest way to assess the extent of the damage.
🔧 Installation Faults and Safety Concerns
A CCTV inspection is also useful for spotting installation issues like incorrect flue sizes, poor joins between liner sections, or incompatible materials. These issues are often missed during routine sweeping but can cause long-term safety problems if not corrected.
By using CCTV technology, I can provide you with a complete visual report of your chimney’s condition – along with expert advice on the next steps if any repairs or safety concerns are found. If you want total peace of mind, a CCTV chimney inspection in Bristol UK is the way to go.
Why Catching Chimney Damage Early Matters
Catching chimney damage early through a professional CCTV chimney inspection can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
If cracks or leaks are spotted before they grow worse, repairs are often simpler and more affordable. More importantly, early detection helps prevent serious risks such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and smoke damage.
For homeowners in Bristol UK, a regular chimney inspection is a smart investment – especially if you use your fire regularly or have just moved into a new property and are unsure of the chimney’s condition.
What Happens If Chimney Damage Is Missed?
If chimney damage goes undetected, it can lead to a wide range of serious – and sometimes dangerous – consequences. Unfortunately, many homeowners only realise there’s a problem when it’s too late. That’s why having a CCTV chimney inspection in Bristol UK is so important – it helps catch issues early before they turn into costly repairs or safety hazards.
Here’s what can happen if chimney damage is left untreated:
🔥 Chimney Fires
One of the most common risks of unseen chimney damage is a chimney fire. If cracks, gaps, or broken flue linings go unnoticed, they can allow heat and sparks to reach surrounding timbers and insulation. Combine this with a build-up of creosote or soot – especially in wood-burning chimneys – and you’ve got a fire risk sitting right in your home. These fires often start silently and can cause significant structural damage before you even notice them.
☠️ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Cracked flue liners or blocked flues can cause carbon monoxide – a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas – to leak back into your home instead of safely venting outside. Even a small leak can pose a serious risk to your health and your family's wellbeing. Regular chimney inspections are essential for detecting these invisible dangers.
💧 Water Leaks and Damp
Unnoticed damage can also allow rainwater to penetrate the chimney stack. Over time, this leads to internal damp, staining on walls and ceilings, and even mould growth. Moisture can also cause further decay of the chimney’s internal structure, accelerating damage and leading to expensive restoration work.
🧱 Structural Instability
Small cracks or gaps may seem minor at first, but they can weaken the chimney’s internal structure over time. This could eventually result in bricks coming loose, internal collapse, or even chimney stack failure, especially during high winds or storms. A thorough CCTV chimney inspection can identify early signs of these issues and allow repairs before they become dangerous.
🧰 Increased Repair Costs
The longer damage goes unnoticed, the more extensive and costly the repair work becomes. What might have been a simple patch or flue repair could turn into a full chimney rebuild if left unchecked. A routine chimney inspection in Bristol UK is a smart, cost-effective step that can help you avoid a hefty repair bill later.
🚫 Appliance Inefficiency
If you're using a wood burner, stove, or open fire, chimney damage can affect how well your appliance draws. Poor airflow due to blockages or damage means your fire won’t burn efficiently, you'll use more fuel, and the risk of smoke spillage increases. This not only affects your heating system’s performance but can also shorten the life of your appliance.
Why Call Simon Sweeps for a Chimney Inspection in Bristol UK
With years of experience and a reputation for thorough, honest work, I take pride in offering a full range of chimney sweep and inspection services across the South West. My chimney sweeping service is trusted by homeowners, landlords and letting agents alike.
When you book a CCTV chimney inspection with me, you get:
✅ A full visual survey with live footage✅ Clear explanations and honest advice✅ Recommendations for any remedial work✅ Flexible appointments across Bristol and the South West✅ A personal, friendly service
Just check out what others say on my testimonials page.
More Services from Simon Sweeps South West
Alongside my chimney inspection services in Bristol UK, I also provide:
Chimney sweeping – for all fuel types, including wood, coal and oil
Bird nest removal – safe, humane, and fully compliant
Fire brick & fire rope replacement – restore your stove’s efficiency and safety
All work is carried out by me, Simon – fully qualified, fully insured, and always reliable.
FAQ: Chimney Inspections in Bristol UK
Q: Do I need a CCTV chimney inspection if I’ve had my chimney swept?
A: Yes. Sweeping removes soot and debris, but it doesn’t show the condition of the flue liner, joints or inner brickwork. A CCTV chimney inspection gives you a full picture.
Q: How often should I get a chimney inspection in Bristol UK?
A: I recommend annually for most homes, especially if you’re burning wood or solid fuels. More frequent checks may be needed if you’ve had a chimney fire or major storm damage.
Q: Is a chimney inspection suitable for wood burners and stoves?
A: Absolutely. I inspect everything from open fires to modern stoves. I also provide Fire Brick and Fire Rope Replacement for log burners.
Q: How do I book a CCTV chimney survey?
A: You can email me directly at simon.grimwood@yahoo.co.uk – I’ll be happy to book you in and answer any other questions.
Key Takeaway
A CCTV chimney inspection in Bristol UK is one of the best ways to keep your home safe and your chimney in top condition. Whether you’ve just moved house, had a chimney fire, or simply want peace of mind – I can help.
👉 To book your chimney inspection, just drop me an email at simon.grimwood@yahoo.co.uk📍 For more info, visit the full CCTV survey page
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to helping you keep your chimney safe and sound!
— Simon GrimwoodSimon Sweeps South West
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