Cameron Chimney Sweep – Terms and Conditions (Effective October 2025)
These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of all chimney sweeping and related services supplied by Cameron Chimney Sweep, a certified member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.
By booking or accepting our services, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By booking or accepting services from Cameron Chimney Sweep, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right to modify, amend, or update these terms without prior notice. It is your responsibility to stay informed of any changes, which will always be available on our website or upon request.
2. Your Obligations
2.1 Accuracy of Information
You agree to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information when booking a service. If any inaccuracies arise, you must notify Cameron Chimney Sweep immediately.
2.2 Access to Property
Appointments are based on the assumption that an adult will be present at the time of service. If our team cannot access the premises or chimney for any reason, the appointment will be considered cancelled (see Section 5).
The working area must be clear of furniture, ornaments, and obstructions before our arrival. Pets must be kept away from the working area for safety reasons. Cameron Chimney Sweep cannot be held responsible for the escape or injury of pets during service.
3. Liability and Limitations
3.1 Scope of Service
We provide chimney sweeping services as outlined during booking, which include a visual inspection of accessible areas only. We do not dismantle or remove any part of the chimney, fireplace, or appliance unless specifically agreed beforehand. Cameron Chimney Sweep cannot be held liable for issues in concealed, inaccessible, or uninspected parts of the chimney, flue, or appliance.
3.2 No Guarantee of Safety
The chimney sweeping certificate provided does not guarantee the safety or functionality of the chimney or appliance. It reflects the state of the chimney at the time of the sweep but does not account for potential issues caused by wear and tear, accidental damage, or improper use.
3.3 Exclusion of Liability
We are not responsible for damages or defects that arise from pre-existing conditions, failures to follow manufacturer guidelines, third-party alterations, or misuse of your chimney or appliance. For any concerns regarding safety, we recommend consulting with us for further advice or a more detailed inspection.
3.4 Stove Firebricks and Internal Components
Internal firebricks, linings, baffle plates, or refractory components within wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves are consumable items that deteriorate over time due to normal use and heat exposure. These parts may already be weakened or fragile before service. The process of sweeping, removing, or inspecting them can cause further breakage or crumbling.
Cameron Chimney Sweep will take reasonable care but cannot be held responsible for the condition, failure, or replacement cost of such components. If replacement is required, this will be brought to the customer’s attention, and any remedial work will be subject to a separate agreement.
3.5 Chimney Linings and Structural Condition
Many chimneys, particularly older or unlined ones, may have weakened mortar, loose brickwork, damaged flue tiles, or degraded linings that are not visible before sweeping. While we exercise reasonable care and use appropriate methods, cleaning may dislodge loose debris or mortar that has already deteriorated.
Cameron Chimney Sweep cannot be held responsible for any damage, collapse, or further deterioration of chimney linings, mortar joints, or internal brickwork resulting from such pre-existing weakness. The sweeping process may also reveal previously concealed faults, for which no liability is accepted.
If significant damage or instability is discovered, the customer will be advised to seek further inspection or remedial work by a qualified professional before further use.
See also Clause 11.2 regarding limitation of liability for pre-existing structural conditions.
4. Pricing and Payment Terms
4.1 Service Fees
Service prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Additional charges may apply for repairs, parts, or extra work not initially agreed upon.
4.2 Payment
Payment is due upon completion unless otherwise agreed. For invoiced services, payment must be made within the specified timeframe. Failure to pay may result in referral to a collection agency, and you may be liable for associated recovery costs.
4.3 Methods of Payment
We accept the following payment methods:
Cash
Credit/Debit Card
Bank Transfer (BACS)
4.4 Late Payment
If payment is not received by the due date, Cameron Chimney Sweep reserves the right to cancel future appointments, withhold services, and/or repossess any parts provided until full payment is made.
5. Cancellation Policy
5.1 Notification Requirements
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us as early as possible. Cancellations must be made by phone directly to a member of staff.
Repeated short-notice cancellations or missed appointments may result in refusal of future bookings.
5.2 Cancellation Fees
Less than 24 hours’ notice: 50% of the total service cost
Less than 12 hours’ notice or no access: full service cost
5.3 No Email/Voicemail Cancellations
Cancellations sent via email or voicemail are not accepted. A direct phone call is required to confirm any changes.
6. Complaints
6.1 Submission of Complaints
Any complaints regarding our service or products must be submitted within 10 days of the service date.
6.2 Resolution Process
Complaints should first be addressed directly to Cameron Chimney Sweep. We will make every reasonable effort to resolve complaints promptly and fairly, in line with the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Code of Practice. If an issue remains unresolved, you may contact the Guild for independent review or mediation.
7. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
7.1 Personal Data
By booking with us, you consent to Cameron Chimney Sweep retaining your personal details (name, address, contact information) for purposes related to the service. We will only contact you for this reason unless otherwise agreed.
7.2 Privacy Policy
For full details on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy on our website.
8. Errors and Omissions
While we strive to keep these Terms accurate and up-to-date, errors or omissions may occur. Cameron Chimney Sweep will correct any such errors as soon as possible.
9. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify Cameron Chimney Sweep against any claims, losses, or damages arising from misuse of the chimney or appliance, failure to follow manufacturer instructions, or third-party interventions affecting the chimney or appliance after our service.
10. Force Majeure
Cameron Chimney Sweep shall not be held liable for delays or failures in performance caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, or government restrictions.
11. Limitation of Liability
11.1 Service Liability
Our total liability is limited to the amount paid for the chimney sweeping service. We are not liable for any indirect or consequential damages, including damage to chimneys or appliances not part of the service.
Nothing in these Terms shall limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for any other matter which cannot be excluded under UK law.
11.2 Exclusions
We are not responsible for any damage, deterioration, or defect arising from pre-existing conditions, concealed faults, or structural weaknesses within the chimney, flue, or appliance. This includes, but is not limited to, deterioration or failure of internal firebricks, linings, baffle plates, mortar joints, or brickwork as described in Clauses 3.4 and 3.5.
Cameron Chimney Sweep shall not be held liable for any collapse, dislodgement, or further deterioration of chimney linings, mortar, or structural components that occur as a result of such pre-existing weakness revealed or affected during the sweeping process.
12. Health & Safety
Cameron Chimney Sweep operates in accordance with all relevant UK Health and Safety legislation and the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Code of Practice. Customers must ensure the working area is safe, well-lit, and accessible. If unsafe conditions are identified, the appointment may be postponed or cancelled.
13. Tar, Creosote, and Blockages
Where heavy tar, creosote deposits, birds’ nests, or other blockages are found, additional equipment or time may be required. These will be discussed before proceeding and may incur extra charges. Complete removal of severe tar or blockages cannot always be guaranteed in a single visit.
14. Certificates
Upon completion of a standard chimney sweep, a Guild-approved certificate of sweeping will be issued. This confirms that the flue has been cleaned to the standard expected at the time of service. It is not a structural or safety certificate.
15. Insurance
Cameron Chimney Sweep maintains full Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance. Proof of insurance is available upon request.
16. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.