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Clean sweep worth the price
In reply to Mr Bob Lynch (Letters, November edition), regarding the cost of having his chimneys swept. I have run my chimney sweep business since 2010 and have not increased my charges once.
It is not unusual for a fully lined free-standing log burner or an insert to cost between €60 to €80 euros per sweep. Large open fireplaces and inglenooks are anything from €80 to €120.
Sweeps have to be fully trained and Siret registered. It is their responsibility to ensure that the chimneys are safe.
When the sweep issues the certificat de ramonage he takes on the liability of that chimney for the next 12 months.
In the event of a chimney fire that requires the attendance of the pompiers, they will need to know who issued the certificate, as will the insurance company.
A ramoneur can refuse to sweep and condemn an installation that does not comply with EU building regulations.
It is cheaper to have a chimney swept than to build a new house after a blaze.
David Watkins, Vendée
