Check your chimney before winter

Britain's 60,000 thatched home owners are being warned today to double check their chimneys before they light their wood burners and open fires this winter.

Since 1995 there have been around 780 thatch fires in the UK. That's an average of one thatch fire per week. Last winter there were 31 fires in thatched properties in UK.

The vast majority of fires in thatched properties are chimney related and caused by the use of wood burning stoves or open fires.

Colin Connor, household underwriting manager at Aviva, is warning all thatch home owners to ensure their chimneys and roofs are in top condition before lighting fires this winter.

"The use of woodburners or open fires in thatched properties can be a toxic mix. Many fires start in poorly maintained chimneys or due to faulty flue liners. It is vitally important that homeowners take sensible fire precautions to protect their homes and valuables.

"Chimneys should be professionally swept twice per year and chimney brickwork and flue lining inspected regularly.

"There are also innovations, like chimney CCTV inspections, which are now widely available and a very effective way to detect any problems such as deterioration in chimney brickwork or problems with the condition of flue liners.

"Prevention is vital as detection is almost always too late to save your home and valuables."

While fires in thatch properties are rarer than in homes constructed with standard materials, it is important to remember that once a fire takes hold in a thatch roof the damage will be much greater.

Aviva pays, on average, around £10,000 to customers who have fires in homes with standard roof construction, such as tiles and slate, but this increases to more than £100,000 for customers who suffer fires in thatched properties.

Marjorie Sanders, technical adviser for the National Society of Master Thatchers, said, "Thatch properties are a very important part of our heritage and it's heart-breaking to see them go up in flames for what can often be a very preventable reason.

"Wood burning stoves are an ever increasing feature in many period properties and are widely recognised as the most serious fire risk as they create such an intense amount of heat.  Of course most thatch owners are well aware of the risks, but it is always worth reminding them, at this time of year, that fire safety should be as routine as locking your doors and windows when you go out.

"If home owners are in any doubt, don't use your chimney until you are sure it is safe. The first port of call for advice should be your insurer".

THATCH: Some Facts

Approximately 80% of thatch fires are chimney-related but other reasons include:

Electrical faults

Building works - use of electrics/naked flames

Garden bonfires and discarded cigarettes

Vermin - check your attic! Rats, mice or squirrels can chew through wiring and cables leaving them vulnerable to catching fire.

THATCH FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Have chimney swept at least twice a year

Ensure the chimney stack is "sound" as well as lining and timbers - have it inspected at least every three years by qualified chimney engineer.

Don't burn wet or unseasoned wood as this leaves greater tar deposits in the flue
Check and test all electrics every six years

Don't place high wattage external security lights near the thatch

Beware of building work in the attic which may involve naked flames

Have fire extinguishers readily accessible

Fit smoke detectors in the attic space and ensure they are inter-linked with other smoke detectors in the house.

We don't recommend the use of spark arrestors, they become easily clogged up with soot and tar deposits therefore preventing hot gases from escaping. This results in an increased temperature build-up within the chimney. Where they are fitted it is essential they are regularly cleaned.

Ensure electricity cables do not come into contact with the roof.