Chimneys and parapets
What did the visit record about a midfeather, about the gather above the fireplace, and about the flue the surveyor did not look up?
The visit recorded the midfeather and the gather above the fireplace only as far as they could be seen in the room. It recorded that the flue was not looked up. The survey has not decided that the midfeather is intact for the full height, that the gather is clear, or that the flue is safe to use. A home survey does not camera a flue and does not sweep it. What stays open is everything above the point the eye stopped, including whether the two sides of the breast still divide properly.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
A midfeather is the brick division between flues. The gather narrows the fireplace opening into the flue. From the room the surveyor may see the gather, soot or a damaged division at hearth level. That view ends where the flue turns dark. Not looking up is a limit, not a pass and not a condemnation. The pot and the division higher up were outside the visit. Using the fireplace is a decision the report has not taken.
Ask the solicitor whether the fireplace is used and whether a chimney sweep or a competent flue inspector has already reported. Put that report, if it exists, beside this note rather than inside it. A lender or an insurer may ask about working fires. The home survey will not add a flue test after the event. If you intend to use the opening, instruct someone who looks up the flue. This visit deliberately did not.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- How much of the midfeather was visible at the fireplace?
- What of the gather was seen before the flue went out of view?
- Does the report state plainly that the flue was not looked up?
What are the typical next steps?
- Read the flue as not inspected.
- Ask whether a sweep or flue inspection already exists.
- Do not use the opening on the strength of this room-only note.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
Does soot on the gather mean the flue is blocked?
Soot shows residue where the surveyor could see the gather. It does not show a blockage higher up, because the flue was not looked up. It also does not prove the flue is clear. Sweeping and looking up the flue are a different job. This note stops at the fireplace.
Is the midfeather part of the stack outside?
The midfeather is the division between flues, starting in the breast and continuing up the stack. Only the part visible at the fireplace was recorded. The stack outdoors was not used to judge the hidden division. The unseen height of that wall stays outside the room note.