Chimney services
Chimney Inspections, CCTV Inspections, Repairs & Cowls
Alongside sweeping and stove maintenance, Finch Stoves carries out chimney inspections, CCTV chimney inspections, bird nest removal, chimney repairs and chimney capping and cowl fitting for homes across King's Lynn, Downham Market, Swaffham and the surrounding West Norfolk villages.
Chimney Inspections
A visual and physical inspection of the chimney, flue, appliance connection and, where accessible, the stack and pots. We record what we find and explain what it means for you.
Chimneys are hidden structures. An inspection is the reliable way to find out whether a flue is sound, clear and suitable for the appliance connected to it.
When to consider it
- Before buying or moving into a property with a fireplace or stove
- Before bringing a chimney back into use after years unused
- After a chimney fire, storm damage or water ingress
- When smoke, smells or staining suggest something is wrong
CCTV Chimney Inspections
A camera is passed through the flue so the inside of the chimney can be seen along its length, rather than guessed at from either end.
Cracks, spalled brickwork, breaches between flues, collapsed parging and blockages sit out of sight. A camera shows the actual condition before money is spent on assumptions.
When to consider it
- When a chimney smells, smokes or stains a chimney breast
- As part of a pre-purchase check on an older property
- After a chimney fire or suspected structural damage
- Before a stove is connected to an existing flue
Bird Nest Removal
Removal of nesting material and debris from a chimney or flue, followed by a sweep and a check that the chimney is clear and drawing properly. A bird guard can be fitted afterwards to stop it happening again.
A nest is a solid blockage. It stops combustion gases escaping and is a serious fire and carbon monoxide risk if the fire is lit.
When to consider it
- When you hear scratching, rustling or bird noise in the chimney
- When twigs, straw or debris fall into the hearth
- When a fire that used to draw well suddenly smokes badly
- Before the heating season, after a spring and summer of nesting
Nesting birds are protected by law. Nests are only removed when it is lawful to do so; if a chimney is in active use by nesting birds we will explain the position and advise on timing.
Chimney Repairs
Chimney and flue-related repair work, including chimney pot replacement, flaunching repairs and renewal, repointing brickwork and stacks, rebuilding damaged or leaning stacks, and weatherproofing and flashing checks.
The top of a chimney takes the worst of the Norfolk weather. Cracked flaunching and open joints let water into the stack, which then works its way into the brickwork and the rooms below.
When to consider it
- When flaunching is cracked or crumbling, or a pot is loose
- When mortar joints are open, soft or washed out
- When damp patches appear on a chimney breast
- After storm damage, or when a stack looks to be leaning
Chimney Capping & Cowls
Supply and fitting of cowls, caps and bird guards to suit the chimney and how it is used — including guards to keep birds out and caps for chimneys that are no longer in use.
A cowl keeps rain, leaves and birds out of the flue. A capped disused chimney still needs to breathe, so the right cap matters — sealing a flue completely traps moisture in the stack.
When to consider it
- After a nest has been removed from the chimney
- When rain is coming down the flue into the hearth
- When downdraught is blowing smoke back into the room
- When a chimney is being taken out of use and needs capping and ventilating
Not sure which service you need?
Describe what you have noticed — smoke, staining, noise in the chimney, a stove that will not draw — and we will tell you what is worth doing.
See also chimney sweeping and stove maintenance.