Terms & Conditions
Academy Sweeps (Sole Trader – England & Wales)
These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of chimney sweeping and related services by Academy Sweeps (“we”, “us”, “our”), a sole trader business operating in England & Wales. By booking or accepting our services, you (“the Customer”) agree to be legally bound by these Terms. We reserve the right to add to and / or amend our T&Cs of trading without giving prior notice. Current T&Cs
1. Legal Status
Academy Sweeps operates as a sole trader.
The contract for services is between you and Academy Sweeps personally, not a limited company.
2. Formation of Contract
2.1 A contract is formed when:
• You confirm a booking (verbally, in writing, or electronically), and
• We accept that booking.
2.2 These Terms apply to all services unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.3 Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
3. Customer Obligations
3.1 Accurate Information
You must provide complete and accurate information regarding:
• Appliance type - Please note: Some gas fires require disconnection before a flue serving a gas appliance can be swept. This must be undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer and is to be arranged by the customer at their own cost
• Flue type
• Property access
• Known defects or prior issues
Failure to disclose relevant information may invalidate liability protections
3.2 Access & security
An adult (18+) must be present during the appointment
The sweeping process involves multiple trips to and from our vehicle. This means access doors sometimes remain open. It is the responsibility of the customer or their designated person to ensure all valuables are secure and away from the work route/area.
You must ensure:
• Safe and unobstructed access
• Adequate lighting
• Working smoke alarms where required
• Pets & children are secured away from the working area - We cannot accept liability for loss or injury.
• Clean work area approximately 6 feet in front of appliance
• Appliance is clear of any debris and cleaned of ash
If access is not possible upon arrival, the appointment will be treated as a late cancellation (see Clause 8).
4. Scope of Service
4.1 Chimney sweeping consists of cleaning the flue system and conducting a visual inspection of accessible areas only.
4.2 We do not:
• Remove structural components
• Dismantle appliances unless agreed
• Provide structural surveys
• Guarantee appliance performance
4.3 Hidden defects may only become apparent during or after sweeping.
5. Pre-Existing Defects & Structural Weakness
5.1 Many chimneys (particularly older or unlined systems) may contain:
• Loose mortar
• Cracked flue liners
• Weakened brickwork
• Degraded parging
• Fragile firebricks or baffle plates
Loose chimney pots & cowls
5.2 Sweeping may dislodge materials already weakened through age, corrosion, heat stress, or neglect.
5.3 We shall not be liable for:
• Collapse of weakened liners
• Failure of internal stove components
• Deterioration of mortar joints
• Exposure of concealed defects
• Loose chimney pots or cowls and any damage or further damage caused due to these defects
5.4 Where defects are identified, you will be advised to seek further inspection before continued use.
6. Consumable Stove Components
Firebricks, rope seals, baffles, vermiculite panels, liners, and similar components are consumable parts.
We accept no liability for breakage, cracking, or deterioration of such parts discovered or occurring during routine service and sweeping.
7. Certificates
Any sweeping certificate issued:
• Confirms the flue was swept on the stated date
• Does not guarantee structural integrity
• Is not a safety warranty
• Does not replace manufacturer servicing requirements
8. Cancellation & Missed Appointments
8.1 Cancellations must be made by telephone and acknowledged by us.
8.2 Charges apply as follows:
• Less than 24 hours’ notice: £45
• Less than 12 hours’ notice or no access: 100% of agreed fee
8.3 We reserve the right to refuse future bookings following repeated short-notice cancellations.
9. Pricing & Payment
9.1 Prices are confirmed at booking but may vary where:
• Additional time is required
• Severe blockages are present
• Specialist equipment is required
• Work outside normal scope is requested
9.2 Payment is due immediately upon completion unless agreed otherwise.
We accept cash, bacs or card payment - we do not accept cheques unfortunately.
9.3 Late payments may incur:
• Statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation (where applicable)
• Recovery costs
10. Limitation of Liability
10.1 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for:
• Death or personal injury caused by negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any liability that cannot legally be excluded
10.2 Subject to Clause 10.1:
Our total liability for any claim arising out of or in connection with the services shall not exceed the amount paid for the service.
10.3 We shall not be liable for:
• Indirect or consequential loss
• Loss of use of property
• Loss of profits or business interruption
• Damage arising from continued appliance use after advice not to use
10.4 Where damage is caused by pre-existing structural weakness, liability is excluded.
11. Customer Misuse & Indemnity
You agree to indemnify Academy Sweeps against claims arising from:
• Use of unsuitable fuel
• Failure to follow manufacturer guidance
• Alterations by third parties
• Continued use after safety advice
12. Health & Safety
We operate in accordance with UK Health & Safety legislation and recognised industry standards, including guidance issued by the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.
We reserve the right to refuse or cease work where:
• Unsafe access is present
• Asbestos is suspected
• Structural instability presents risk
13. Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for failure or delay caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including:
• Severe weather
• Illness
• Government restrictions
• Supply chain interruption
14. Insurance
We maintain Public Liability Insurance appropriate to the nature of our work.
Evidence of cover is available upon request.
15. Data Protection
Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR.
Information is retained only as necessary for:
• Service records
• Certification
• Legal compliance
16. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales.
Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England & Wales.
Important Notice
By booking our services, you confirm that:
• You understand chimney sweeping may reveal hidden defects.
• You accept the limitations outlined above.
• You agree to provide safe access and accurate information.