During building renovations, it can be essential to know where your chimneys and flues are, and what condition the stacks are in. This often means that you may need help from the ground up, to ensure that your renovation does not hit any unexpected problems along the way.
This is especially true, as the routes of chimneys and flues are not always obvious, may deviate widely, and can be hidden within unexpected walls. So, if you are trying to reinstate period fireplace features within an older building, or just trying to avoid the chimneys and flues all together, it is important to accurately trace them.
It is also important to gain a greater understanding of the condition of the stacks and to help ascertain that the chimneys are safe to use.
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GPR Survey
To help locate the route of chimney flues within walls, SUMO uses a high frequency GPR system to locate the voids created by the flue. These voids show as areas of strong reflectors, often with characteristic ringing, making the routes of these features identifiable compared to the background readings. Depending on what is required, SUMO can mark these features out on-site, or bring the data back to the office to produce a building plan.
Above Left : A SUMO surveyor using a compact 2GHz handheld GPR antennae, that can fit into most nooks and crannies, to ascertain the route of a chimney. Above Right : Example Radargram showing anomaly caused by a chimney flue.
Above : SUMO Chimney survey showing the route of the chimney within a wall over two stories, plotted in AutoCAD.
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Once the chimneys exit the building, it can also be important, and especially on older properties, to assess the condition of the stacks, which can be time consuming, dangerous and expensive using traditional survey methods. However, SUMO’s aerial department can take a series of high-resolution drone images of the stacks, from multiple angles, giving you the opportunity to assess their current condition.
If required, SUMO can also create a photogramatic record of the entire roof of the building, from which we can create 2D plans or 3D models, all while never having a person leave the ground. This can not only help to save you time and money, but will also help to reduce the risks associated with scaffolds and working at height.
Above : Drone photograph showing the detail of mesh covers on chimneys. One is compromised allowing bird ingress, additionally the fact that there are only mesh covers means that there is the potential for water and damp issues.
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How accurate is SUMO's underground utility survey and what types of utilities can it locate?Using cutting-edge technologies like electro-magnetics, signal induced threading, and Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), our underground utility surveys accurately detect a wide array of buried utilities including metal and plastic pipes, drainage systems, electricity cables, telecoms, and fiber optic cables. The methodology ensures high accuracy without the need for invasive trial holes.
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What is the turnaround time for obtaining results with SUMO's Underground Utility Detection service?SUMO’s service is built for rapid response. Contractors can receive immediate results onsite. Our equipment provides real-time information, and once we leave the site, the detected utilities are visibly marked on the ground surface for quick reference.
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Does SUMO provide detailed mapping of the detected utilities for permanent records or construction purposes?Absolutely, SUMO not only marks the detected utilities on-site but also offers high-quality, color-coded survey drawings. These drawings can include topographic features and a comprehensive record of the utility detection survey, ensuring it meets the client’s needs for future reference or pre-construction design works.
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Topographical and Geophysical surveyIn addition to mapping out utilities, our experience team can accurately survey the land, creating topographical drawings for use. With our state-of-the-art aerial technology, nothing is missed.
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What additional information can be included in the underground utility mapping service provided by SUMO?In addition to topographic features, SUMO’s mapping service can include fixed surface utility features such as inspection chambers, valve boxes, and telegraph poles. It can also incorporate key topographic details like building lines, fence lines, kerb lines, street furniture, street names, building names, and house numbers, facilitating easy site location.
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Does the utility mapping service by SUMO include standard referencing and compatibility with existing survey data?Yes, SUMO ensures the utility mapping references the ordnance survey grid and level datum as standard. Additionally, the drawings can be supplied to a specified grid and level datum and can overlay an existing topographical survey, making it a versatile and adaptable service for various project needs.
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What sets SUMO Services apart from other survey providers?SUMO stands out due to our impeccable level of service with nationwide coverage, state-of-the-art equipment, and our commitment to delivering top-quality, detailed colour-coded survey drawings in both hard and electronic formats.
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How do I request a survey quotation from SUMO Services?Requesting a quotation is easy. Just click on the "Request a Survey Quotation" button on this page, and our team will get in touch with you promptly.
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Can I book a SUMO Survey online?Yes, you can! Simply click on the "Book a SUMO Survey" button on this page, and you can schedule your survey with us at your convenience.
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What type of survey is suitable for my project or site?Our experienced team will work with you to determine the most appropriate survey for your specific needs. Contact us, and we'll assist you in making the right choice.
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Can I obtain both digital and hard copies of survey drawings?Absolutely. We offer the convenience of electronic copies for digital use and hard copies for your records. Just let us know your preference.
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Do you provide custom survey solutions for unique projects?Yes, we understand that every project is unique. Our team is highly adaptable and can tailor our surveying services to meet your specific requirements.
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How do I get in touch with SUMO Services for further questions?For any additional questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us through the contact form, and our dedicated team will assist you promptly.
Geophysical Engineering Surveys
Air Raid Shelters
Cellars & Basements
Post Tension Cables
Underground Storage Tanks
Air Voids
Chimney Flues
Rebar
Water Engineering
Badger Setts
Earthing Installations
Sinkholes
Burials
Geological Application
Soil Thermal Resistivity Testing
Buried Foundations
Landfills
Structural Investigations
Buried Manholes
Mineshafts
