Nothing will happen". This is what I hear from customers who put off chimney inspections or regular cleaning year after year. But something can happen. And the consequences are worse than most people realise.
Let us specify exactly what risks you face and how easily these risks can be eliminated.
Three main risks of skipping chimney inspection and cleaning
Fine
Up to 10 000 Kč per individual, up to 25 000 Kč per business entity.
Insurance company
In the event of a fire, it may refuse to operate or operate only partially.
Neighbour dispute
Damage caused to a neighbour's property is your responsibility.
1. Fine from the fire brigade or building authority
Act No. 133/1985 Coll. On fire protection and Decree No. 34/2016 Coll. Stipulate the obligation to regularly clean and inspect the flue gas path. If this obligation is not met, it may be discovered during an inspection by the Fire Rescue Service or the building authority.
Penalties for individuals (owners of a detached house or flat): fine up to 10 000 KčFor business entities or legal persons: up to 25 000 Kč.
When does this occur? Most commonly after a chimney fire, when firefighters verify whether the owner fulfilled legal obligations. If not, a fine is imposed automatically.
2. The insurer refuses to pay out, or significantly reduces the compensation
This is a far more serious risk than a fine. In the event of a fire caused by a defect in the flue system, the insurance company, as part of its investigation into the claim, will determine whether you have fulfilled your legal obligations. Specifically, it asks:
- When was the chimney last cleaned and who carried out the work?
- Is there a cleaning protocol?
- Was an inspection report carried out if the chimney was put into operation or if the fuel type was changed?
If you cannot provide the protocols, the insurance company has contractual rights. refuse or reduce the filling on the grounds that the damage occurred due to your negligence in maintaining the property.
Practical case study: Fire caused by the ignition of soot in the chimney. Repair costs: 400 000 Kč. The insurance company refused to pay because the owner could not provide any inspection report for the last 5 years. He paid for the entire repair out of his own pocket.
A chimney sweep's protocol in Praha costs between 500 and 1 800 Kč. Compared to the risk of hundreds of thousands of crowns, this is a negligible investment.
3. Liability for damage to a neighbour's property
If a poorly maintained chimney causes a fire or damage to a neighbour's flat or house, as the owner you are liable for compensation. This applies even if your property was insured, because the insurer may invoke a penalty for negligence.
In an apartment building, complications with the owners' association (SVJ) may also arise, and the case could even end up in court.
4. Safety hazard, carbon monoxide poisoning
The worst and least visible consequence. A blocked or damaged chimney can allow flue gases (including carbon monoxide) to enter living rooms. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, yet it is fatal.
Regular cleaning and inspection of the flue is therefore not only a legal requirement but a genuine matter of family safety.
Do you not know when your chimney was last cleaned? Let's arrange an appointment. I will come, check the condition and issue a valid report.
Call 277 278 918What to do if you don't know when the chimney was last serviced?
Simply call a chimney sweep. They will arrive, assess the condition, clean the flue and issue a certificate. You are legally compliant and your insurer has proof. The whole process takes an hour and costs a fraction of the damage from a fire.
If you are unsure whether the chimney has ever been inspected following a renovation or a change of fuel, have a complete inspection carried out. inspectionIt is a one-off procedure and the inspection report remains valid for a long period.
Summary
Neglecting chimney inspection and cleaning brings three specific risks: a fine from authorities, refusal of insurance payout in the event of a fire, and liability for damage to neighbours. Above all, there is a risk to the safety of the building's residents.
Preventive measures are inexpensive and quick. Write or call, let's arrange a date.