Times are looking tough for Santa Claus, RICS - The Royal Insitute of Chartered Surveyors has called time on chimneys.

According to RICS, chimneys are an endangered species, with new homes not featuring one and many older homes not maintaining or restoring their existing ones.

But why? New building regulations come into force next Spring, of which, Part L of the new Building Regulations will place particular emphasis on energy efficiency and keeping buildings draft free.

Chimneys, of course are open to the elements, so will go against such legislation and are therefore less likely to feature in the new build homes of the future.

In older properties many chimneys have been blocked up or are in a state of disrepair. Of the 26 million homes in the UK, RICS calculates that over 6.7m are in serious need of attention.

Only £17bn is currently being spent each year on repairing and maintaining properties - far short of the £48bn needed to bring these homes up to standard.

RICS spokesperson John Reyers said: “There are three things working against the old-fashioned chimney ? an increasing focus on energy efficiency in the home, the space and cost implications of construction and the effort and cost of maintaining them.

What many people don?t realize is that working open fireplaces with chimneys can add both aesthetic and practical value to a property. But because they take up valuable space and add extra cost to the design of a property they may become the preserve of the upper end of the market.”

RICS issued some guidelines for maintaining that chimney:
* Sweep your chimney once a year
* If the chimney is not in use, put a protective cowl on it
* Ensure your chimney is properly ventilated
* Check the stability and condition of the chimney stack from the outside of the building
* If you don?t have a live fire (gas or solid fuel) consider keeping the the aesthetics of an open fireplace to enhance the appeal of your property

John Reyers added: “We need to balance the requirements for energy efficiency with ventilation, practicality with aesthetics. We must not make the mistake of creating properties so airtight that they cannot breath ? causing condensation and damp issues.

A well maintained chimney and open fireplace can be a bonus all year round, not just a welcome asset at Christmas.”