What is CCTV?
Close Circuit Television (or CCTV) units are highly specialised miniture
cameras. The Chimney Sweep Company uses these cameras as they are very manoeuvrable,
incorparating 360 degree rotation and 180 degree swivel, into a unit which
is
small
enough to fit into virtualy any sized flue pipe.
A standard video output allows the documentation of the inspection for example on a video recorder or a video printer.
What is CCTV use for?
Close Circuit Television can be used for a number of applications, including;
- Checking the condition of liners (both chimney and flues)
- Visual inspection of chimneys prior to lining
- Assessing damage after chimney fire
- Producing video evidence for insurance claims
- Chimney Surveying
- Inspections of blockages caused by birds nests, collapsed mid-feathers and capped chimneys.
The Equipment
At Clarksweep, we use the latest CCTV technology incorporating;
- 20 metres surveying capability
- 7 inch flat TFT screen
- Super bright infra-red LED's
- Fast connection to rods
- Robust and durable
- Outstanding picture quality
- Best Quality - materials and equipment
Setting up the CCTV system
Internal CCTV inspection of a flexible stainless steel flue liner
Using a Video camera to inspect the condition of a flexible stainless steel lined flue.
This flue is in generally good condition except for in contravenes building regulation. Look carefully and you will see that the flue has been joined inside the chimney with three screws which project into the lining. The lining also stops short of the top of the chimney.
The lining should be in one peice from the appliance to the top of the chimney.
Correctly installed, sealed top and bottom and insulated with vermiculite, a flexible stainless steel flue should last 20, 30, 40 years or more provided it is regularly brushed to reduce deposits.
This flue needs urgent replacement. The cheapest and quickest option is to use a new chimney liner (probably another stainless steel). There are other methods, but all more expensive.
The poor condition of the flue could not have been foreseen without the use of the video camera.
Video by kind permission of www.amacengineeringltd.co.uk
Video inspection of a traditional unlined brick flue
Using a Video camera to inspect the condition of a traditional brick lined lined flue. This flue shows large accumullations of sulphur and carbon deposits posing risks, obstructing the flow of gases.
This flue needs urgent cleaning to reduce the chimney fire risk.
The poor condition of the flue could not have been known without the use of the video camera.
For more details use my website http://www.thechimneysweepcompany.com
Video by kind permission of www.amacengineeringltd.co.uk
Chimney flue inspection of a fire damaged ceramic lined chimney flue
Using a Video camera to inspect the condition of a ceramic lined lined flue. This flue is cracked posing risks, possibly due to chimney fires and there is a build up of mortar within the flue partially obstructing the flow of gases.
This flue needs repairing. The cheapest and quickest option is to use a chimney liner (probably Stainless steel). There are other methods, but all more expensive.
The poor condition of the flue could not have been foreseen without the use of the video camera.
Video by kind permission of www.amacengineeringltd.co.uk