Sweeping & Maintenance

Regular chimney sweeping is essential for maintaining the safety, efficiency and longevity of your fireplace, chimney or stove.

One of the most important and obvious benefits of regular sweeping is chimney fire prevention.

Chimney sweeping removes the creosote that builds up inside your stove liner or on your chimney walls, as creosote is highly flammable it can lead to a dangerous chimney fire. Due to creosotes corrosive nature regular removal can also help extend the life span of your chimney or stove liner, saving you future expense and potential building works.

A clean chimney also improves airflow and draft, allowing fires to burn more efficiently, producing greater heat outputs whilst using less fuel. This can help to reduce heating costs as well as reduce the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning by clearing any blockages (soot, debris and animal nests) that can prevent harmful gases from safely escaping.

Many insurance policies and appliance warranties also require evidence of routine chimney maintenance to remain valid in the event of a fire-related claim.

Chimney Sweeping FAQ's

How often should i get my chimney swept?

Your chimney should be swept at least once a year as a minimum to keep it clean, safe, and functioning efficiently.

The ideal frequency will depend on how often your stove or fire is used. If your appliance is used heavily throughout winter, additional sweeps may be required.

It is also a good idea to get your chimney swept if you have recently moved into a property and are not sure if this has been already completed.

How do i know if my chimney needs sweeping?

1. Smoke is entering the room while the fire is in use.

2. Your fire is no longer burning as efficiently as normally expected.

3. Strong creosote smell even when the fireplace is not lit.

4. Visible tar deposits (black spots) around the flue entrance or damper.

5. Soot is falling back into the appliance or fireplace

6. Frequent bird activity around the chimney pot or scratching noises in the chimney may indicate a bird nesting inside your flue.

What is the best time of year to get my chimney swept?

The most common time for sweeping the chimney is in months after summer, this ensures you are ready to burn come winter.

However the ideal time to have your chimney swept is straight after the months of heavy use. This ensures your chimney is clear of creosotes which are naturally corrosive, which causes damage to chimney's and deteriorates stove liners. Providing a bird doesn't nest in your flue you should be ready for the winters use!

If you have your chimney swept twice a year, it is recommended to schedule one sweep before the heating season and another after the busiest period of use.

Chimney Sweeping & Maintenance services:

• Chimney Sweeping of all types of flues, whether its an open fireplace or a wood burning stove.

• Bird nest removal

• Chimney Cowel/Bird guard fitting

• Chimney pot fitting

• CCTV Camera Inspections

• Drone surveys

• Chimney integrity tests (Smoke test 1)

• Stove maintenance - glass cleaning and fire rope replacement & fitting

What you can expect:

• Clean and tidy workmanship. Sheets for the fireplace/stove will be used to minimise mess as well to protect your property and home furnishings.

• Use of professional equipment such as a vacuum with a HEPA filter being compliant with industry safety standards and regulations.

• Thorough inspection of the chimney, flue and appliances to identify any potential safety issues or damages.

• Friendly and professional customer service including advice on safe and efficient appliance use, providing honest recommendations and clear communication about any maintenance or repairs required.

• Issuing of a sweeping certificate where applicable.

**As a HETAS registered Sweep and Service Technician we have public liability insurance up to £2 Million**

**Appointments cancelled without sufficient notice or visits where the sweep cannot be performed may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please see Terms and Conditions**

If you notice any of the following issues, you should stop using your appliance and arrange a chimney sweep as soon as possible:

What are the benefits of regular chimney sweeping?