Chimney and flue sweeping is part of fire safety

Regular sweeping of fireplaces, chimneys and flues improves a building’s fire safety. Under the Rescue Act, the owner of a building must ensure that sweeping is conducted at regular intervals. Regular sweeping is also necessary to ensure that the fireplace heats effectively and that there is sufficient flue draught.

Statistics show that approximately 15 per cent of fires and fire risks in buildings are linked to fireplaces, chimneys and flues. Three hundred soot fires on average occur annually. This means that around one third of fires in fireplaces, chimneys and flues are caused by soot. Less than a hundred fires each year are caused by damaged fireplaces, chimneys or flues.

One of the objectives of the Government Programme is to halve the number of fires by 2030. Sweeping is a key method for preventing fires associated with fireplaces or flues. Fires can also be prevented by using fireplaces correctly and by maintaining fireplaces and flues in a condition that ensures they are safe to use.

Of the approximately 1.27 million properties in Finland that need sweeping services, 74% are residential buildings and 25% are holiday homes. The number of fireplaces that require sweeping is estimated to be around 3.5 million. Every year, more than one million properties should hire a sweeping service.

Fireplaces in use must be swept regularly

Chimney sweeping involves a chimney sweep cleaning and inspecting the fireplace and flue as well as the components relating to them. Their condition is assessed visually. Chimney sweeps follow good sweeping practices in their work, specifically the sweeping instructions issued by the Central Association of Chimney Sweeps.

The owner and holder of a building is obliged to ensure the regular sweeping of its fireplaces and flues. Sweeping must be carried out often enough, taking into account the utilisation rate of the fireplace, its structure and the fuel used; fireplaces and flues must be swept as needed. 

There are also legal provisions specifying minimum sweeping intervals in residential buildings. In some cases, residential buildings may need sweeping more frequently than the law prescribes.

Chimney sweeping intervals

• In buildings used for permanent residence, sweeping must be carried out every year. Holiday homes used year-round are considered permanent residences.
• In holiday homes, such as summer cottages, chimney sweeping must be carried out every three years.

The sweeping obligation is supplemented by an obligation to maintain fireplaces and flues in a condition that ensures they are safe to use. For example, if it is discovered that the fireplace is worn through or the chimney is cracked, the fireplace cannot be used until the defects have been repaired. Fireplaces must be used in accordance with their instructions for use. The owner and holder of a building must rectify any faults or defects noted by the chimney sweep that pose a fire hazard. In addition, ladders, parts of roof walkways and roof safety equipment must be kept in a condition that allows chimney sweeping to be carried out safely.

If a fireplace and its flue are not used, they do not need to be swept. If an unused fireplace is brought back into use, any fireplace and flue that have not been swept for more than three years must be swept before being brought back into use. 

The chimney sweeping obligation does not apply to gas fireplaces or their flues. The cleaning and maintenance of ventilation ducts are regulated separately. 

Chimney sweeping services can be ordered from a provider of your choice 

The owner or holder of a building may purchase chimney sweeping services from the provider of their choice and compare the local services, for example in terms of the price. 

Chimney sweeping may only be carried out by a chimney sweep. Service providers must comply with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act in the marketing of their services. 

In many areas, sweeping services are in high demand in autumn at the start of the heating season, so waiting times may be longer. Chimney sweeping services can be used throughout the year, including in spring and summer.

Each chimney sweeping company sets its own prices. It is advisable to determine the price, or at least the pricing criteria, when placing an order, as the cost  of sweeping services varies between areas and companies.

Sweeping certificates should be retained

The chimney sweep always issues a sweeping certificate. 

This document also lists any defects or shortcomings identified during the work. If the rescue authority inspects your property, the certificate serves as proof that sweeping has been carried out appropriately. The observations recorded on the certificate also make it possible to monitor and assess the condition of fireplaces and flues over time.

A chimney sweep is obliged to notify the rescue department in writing of any faults or defects in fireplaces and flues that may pose a fire hazard during use or a safety risk for chimney sweeps. This obligation applies only to faults for which the authorities must ensure that the building owner takes the necessary corrective measures.

Rescue departments provide guidance and advice on fire safety matters. They also have a supervisory function to make sure properties meet their sweeping obligations. The Rescue Act does not contain provisions on the oversight of chimney sweeping companies or their services.