Many factors will affect the time span needed between sweeping – Type of fuel, regularity of use, flue efficiency and others –  If you use your chimney regularly in the winter season, we would recommend that you have your chimney swept at least once a year. The HETAS website for solid fuel standards has more specific guidelines for particular circumstances.

Chimney sweeping improves the natural flue draft, therefore your fire burns hotter, more consistently, and more efficiently. Regular sweeping lessens the risk of partial or total flue blockage which can result in the build up of smoke fumes and dangerous carbon monoxide gas. There is also much less chance of a chimney fire occurring (where excessive soot catches fire). Gas appliances should be regularly serviced and tested to ensure a good flue-pull due to the increased dangers of fumes.

No! Our tried and tested method will ensure a clean service. Please visit The Process page.

Most jobs take between 30 to 45 minutes. However, awkward jobs, such as bird nests removals can take from a few more minutes to several hours. Don’t worry, if a job will take longer than expected, we will always inform you before finishing the sweeping process.

Coal is by far the heaviest for soot deposits. Smokeless coal is comparatively clean, but not soot free. Wood leaves a tarry resin which dries hard (It’s the natural oil present in all wood to a greater or lesser extent). All solid fuels create soot, hence the need to sweep your chimney regularly.

There are many! Type of flue, internal ventilation, the width and height of your chimney, weather conditions, chimney terminal type, internal cross-sectional area, geographical position of your house, type of stove/fireplace and many other factors. After over 30 years of experience, we can certainly say that chimneys can be and very often are QUIRKY!

A) Blockages! – Usually due to excessive soot, bird’s nests or a structural defect. The first two can be cured by a chimney sweep.  Structural defects might require a reputable builder or chimney lining  company.

B) Incorrect  terminal on top of chimney pot! – Usually easily fixed by swapping to a correct terminal.

C) Back drafting (when the smoke is sucked into the room and not up the chimney)! – This can be as a result of any or several factors above that affect flues.

D) Chimney setting on fire! – The result of a build up of soot in the chimney due to lack of maintenance.
With most chimney  problems the first step is to call a chimney sweep. This will either sort the problem out, or at least ascertain the nature and extend of the problem.