Chimney Sweeping

Regular chimney sweeping is essential for safety and efficiency. When you burn wood or other fuels, soot and creosote build up inside your chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires. A blocked or dirty chimney can also prevent dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from escaping your home, putting your family at serious risk. Beyond safety, a clean chimney improves your stove's efficiency, helps it burn cleaner, and can extend the life of your heating system. Most home insurance policies also require proof of regular chimney maintenance, so keeping up with sweeping protects your cover too.

As a general rule, chimneys should be swept at least once a year. If you use your stove heavily throughout the winter months, you may need sweeping twice a year or even more frequently. HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) recommends sweeping at least once a year for occasional users, and up to four times a year for those burning wood regularly. Your insurance company may also specify how often your chimney needs sweeping to maintain your cover. During your sweep, we can advise on the right frequency based on your usage and fuel type.

Our chimney sweep service is thorough and professional. We start with a visual inspection of your chimney and stove to check for any obvious issues or damage. We then protect your room with dust sheets and seal off the fireplace area to minimize mess. Using professional brushes and rods, we sweep the entire length of the chimney from bottom to top, removing all soot, creosote, tar, and blockages like bird nests or debris. We also check the chimney pot and cowl if accessible. Once complete, we clean up thoroughly and provide you with an official sweep certificate for your records and insurance.

Yes, in most cases you'll need a certificate. Home insurance companies typically require proof that your chimney has been swept by a qualified professional, and failure to provide this could invalidate your policy if you make a claim related to fire or chimney damage. If you're a landlord, it's a legal requirement to have chimneys swept regularly and to keep certificates on file. We provide an official certificate after every sweep, which includes the date, details of the work carried out, and any recommendations or issues identified. Keep these certificates safe as you may need to present them to insurers or as part of property transactions.

A standard chimney sweep typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and condition of your chimney. If it's been a while since your last sweep or if there are blockages or heavy buildup, it may take slightly longer. We'll also spend time inspecting your chimney and stove to ensure everything is safe and in good working order. We always work efficiently while maintaining the highest standards, and we'll give you a realistic timeframe when we arrive. Most importantly, we don't rush – we make sure the job is done properly.

We take every precaution to keep your home clean. Before we start, we lay down protective dust sheets and seal off the fireplace opening to contain any soot or debris. Modern chimney sweeping equipment is designed to minimize mess, and we use industrial vacuum systems where appropriate. While some fine dust is inevitable with any chimney work, we do our absolute best to contain it and always clean up thoroughly before we leave. You can expect your room to be returned to the same condition it was in before we arrived – just with a much cleaner chimney!

Yes, we're experienced in sweeping all types of chimneys and flues. Whether you have a traditional brick-built chimney, a modern twin-wall flue system, or a flexible liner, we have the right tools and expertise for the job. We sweep chimneys for wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves and open fires. Each type requires slightly different techniques and equipment, which is why it's important to use a qualified professional. If you're unsure what type of chimney system you have, just get in touch – we're happy to advise and can usually tell you over the phone or arrange a quick inspection.