Chimney (flue) inspection report

A flue (spalinová cesta) is the chimney and flue pipe that carry combustion gases from a fireplace, stove or boiler. The Fire Protection Act and Decree No. 34/2016 Coll. distinguish three activities: cleaning, inspection (kontrola) and revision (revize). Cleaning and inspection are done by a chimney sweep with a trade licence; a revision by a flue revision technician, i.e. a chimney sweep with an additional qualification. The Fire Rescue Service keeps a public list of these technicians.

When a revision is required

• before a new flue is put into service and after any structural change to the chimney,
• when the fuel type of the connected appliance changes,
• before connecting an appliance to an unused flue,
• before replacing an appliance, unless it is replaced with one of the same kind, type, design and output and the cleaning and inspection report confirms the flue is fit,
• after a chimney fire,
• when cracks appear or are reasonably suspected.

The result is a written revision report following the template in the decree, which the technician hands over within 10 working days.

Cleaning and inspection intervals

• Solid fuel up to 50 kW: all-year use cleaning 3 times and inspection once a year; seasonal use (up to 6 months a year) cleaning twice and inspection once a year.
• Liquid fuel up to 50 kW: cleaning twice (once if seasonal) and inspection once a year.
• Gas: cleaning and inspection once a year; for a condensing boiler once every two years.
• Holiday homes: cleaning at least once a year and inspection at least once every two years.

The owner may clean the flue of a solid-fuel appliance up to 50 kW themselves, but the inspection is always done by a chimney sweep. A properly sealed and secured unused chimney is neither cleaned nor inspected.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask for when buying a house?

The latest flue cleaning and inspection report and the revision report if the chimney was built or altered or the appliance replaced. For a fireplace with a heat exchanger or a boiler connected to central heating, also ask for the technical inspection record required by the Air Protection Act. For a family house with a gas boiler, it also helps to know where the main gas valve is.

The chimney has not been used for years. What now?

Connecting an appliance to an unused flue requires a revision. If the chimney was only temporarily out of use and the original appliance is still connected, cleaning and inspection before lighting it again are enough. As with electricity (electrical inspection), a recent report is the best assurance.