Chimney sweep's condition report in Riga and the Riga region

Two documents: the cleaning certificate and the technical condition certificate

A cleaning certificate confirms that the flue has been cleaned and what condition it was in. A technical condition inspection certificate goes further: in it the chimney sweep assesses whether the flue and the connected heating appliance meet building codes and the manufacturer's requirements, and records whether use is permitted.

The Latvian Insurers Association advises keeping the certificates and invoices you receive and notes that cleaning and a technical assessment need two documents, one for each job.

Certificate after cleaning

A cleaning certificate is drawn up on the results of cleaning a flue, a heating appliance and a natural ventilation duct. The regulations list what the certificate must contain:

• the property, its owner, the address and the date of cleaning;
• the location and description of the flue;
• the name of the person who did the cleaning;
• the name and number of that person's document proving their education or qualification, or of their practice certificate;
• a conclusion on the result of the work done.

The cleaning certificate is included in the flue cleaning price. If we see cracks, crumbled joints or thick tar, we record it in the certificate. How the job itself is done: chimney cleaning.

Technical condition inspection every 5 years

A technical condition inspection of a solid or liquid fuel heating appliance, device and flue is done once every five years. Gas appliances are checked more often: they are serviced and checked once a year unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. The results are recorded in a technical condition inspection certificate, whose form is in Annex 8 of the regulations.

The certificate includes a drawing showing where each flue runs, and the cross-sectional area and materials are given for each flue. The diagram marks solid fuel, gas, liquid fuel, lined and ventilation ducts separately. For each one we write “compliant” or “non-compliant” and “use permitted” or “not permitted”. Every non-compliance is described in the “Remarks” section with a reference to the specific requirement.

Photos, video recordings or readings from other instruments used in the inspection are attached to the certificate. That is why the inspection often uses a camera that shows the inside of the flue. More detail: camera inspection.

Who may sign the certificate: a certified chimney sweep and others

A copy of the signatory's document proving their right to do the work is attached to the technical condition inspection certificate. Note 3 of Annex 8 of the regulations allows only these documents:

• a document proving the professional qualification or craft qualification of a chimney sweep or a stove and fireplace mason;
• a building specialist certificate in the relevant field;
• a document proving the qualification of a fire safety and civil protection engineer.

A “certified chimney sweep” usually means a craftsman who has been issued a chimney sweep journeyman or master diploma and a valid practice certificate by the Latvian Chamber of Crafts (LAK). In the Chamber's register you can check any chimney sweep's name and certificate expiry date. A certificate without the name and number of a qualification document does not meet the requirements of the regulations.

From 01.01.2027 flue cleaning and technical condition inspection may be offered as a service only by a person with appropriate professional training, and a contract will have to be signed for the service. The specific qualifications will be set by the Cabinet of Ministers, and we will check them as soon as the regulations are adopted.

When you need a condition report

• The regular five-year inspection of a solid or liquid fuel flue.
• Replacing a boiler or stove: before the new appliance is used, the certificate records whether it may be connected to the flue. For a gas boiler this is also required by Gaso's simplified procedure for replacing gas appliances: chimney check for a gas boiler.
• A gas appliance has been disconnected for more than six months.
• After soot has burned in the flue: chimney check after a soot fire.
• A new or rebuilt chimney: flue inspection for building acceptance.
• Buying a house: chimney check before buying a house.
• Insurance: chimney report for insurance.

How the technical condition inspection is done

1. Appliances and flues We note down every heating appliance, its fuel and which flue it is connected to. We check the flue pipe (connector) and its joint with the chimney.
2. Rooms and attic We look at the flue on every storey and in the attic: cracks, soot marks on the walls, the distance to timber structures, cleaning doors.
3. Roof We check the chimney head, the crown slab, the chimney cap and the height above the roof covering.
4. Inside We look at the inside of the flue channel, often with a camera, and measure the draught if needed.
5. Certificate We fill in the Annex 8 form with the diagram and attach photos or video and a copy of the qualification document. Non-compliances are recorded in the remarks.

If the flue is dirty, it is cleaned before the inspection, because damage cannot be seen through soot.

If the inspection finds damage

Using a damaged flue is prohibited, so the certificate says it plainly: use permitted or not permitted. The most common reasons for a refusal are cracks in the masonry, crumbled joints, timber beams too close to the flue and a flue that does not suit a gas boiler. What can be done: chimney repair or chimney lining. We quote the repair price separately and start work only once you agree.

How much does a chimney sweep's condition report cost?

The cleaning certificate is included in the cleaning price. There is no single price for a technical condition inspection, because the amount of work differs in every house. The price depends on:

• the number of flues and ventilation ducts to be entered in the certificate;
• the length and diameter of the flue and the height of the chimney;
• access to the roof and attic;
• the fuel and type of appliances: solid fuel, gas, liquid fuel;
• whether the flue must be cleaned before the inspection and whether a camera inspection is needed.

In the form, give the appliances, the number of flues and what you need the certificate for. The specialist will assess the situation and name the price before the work. Other prices: prices. We work across Riga and the Riga region, for example in Jūrmala, Mārupe and Mežaparks.