Chimney sweeping explained
Our Six Step Process
At Step In Time Chimney Services we are dedicated to providing the highest quality service. We use the latest power sweeping equipment which delivers maximum efficiency, but is gentle on the lining of your chimney flue. It is incredibly clean and tidy! Our service includes:
- An external assessment of the chimney stack
- An internal safety assessment of the room
- An assessment of the fireplace/ stove and all working parts
- A rotary power sweep of the flue
- A type 2 smoke test
- A certificate of the sweep for insurance
We also provide advice before, during, and after the sweep to ensure you have the knowledge to keep safe and warm all year round!
Chimney sweeping & log burner inspections
The external assessment
We start outside to assess the chimney stack, terminus, cowl, fittings, and surroundings. We look for any signs of damage, blockages, or factors such as trees that could affect the efficiency of the draught.
This inspection is done from ground-level with binoculars. We will do an additional roof-level inspection if deemed necessary, and if accessible, but this will incur an extra cost. We will also let you know if we feel the chimney is not safe to be swept.
Pots, cowls and TV aerials that are secure are unlikely to be damaged by the sweeping process. However, we can't take responsibility for damage to unsecured attachments, or damage caused by unsecured attachments should they fall.
The room assessment
When inside, we assess the fireplace and internal surroundings.
- We'll check the hearth complies with key building regulations
- We'll check for any visible signs of carbon monoxide leakage
- We'll check what fuel is being used and if it's appropriate
- We'll check the fuel is being stored away from the fire
- We will assess the ventilation in the room, and check there are operational smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- With your permission we will also inspect any other rooms that the chimney flue passes through.
The stove assessment
If you have a stove, we will assess this as part of the sweep. This includes:
- Inspecting the outer casing, stove body, pipe and seals.
- Inspecting the stove glass for any cracks.
- Inspecting the stove's fire rope for snagging or compression.
- Inspecting the baffle and fire bricks for cracks or damage.
- Checking the moving parts, handles and vents are working.
- Assessing the suitability of the stove for the size of the room.
- Checking the liner is in good condition (where visible).
We will record any wear and tear that compromises the safety of the stove, and may issue a warning notice if the stove is not fit for purpose. This means it cannot be used until corrective action has been taken. We will provide advice on what that needs to be.
The chimney sweep
We can sweep open fireplaces and solid-fuel stoves of any size. We have a range of rods and brush heads for masonry and flexible steel liners.
To help us, we ask that you clear a space in front of your hearth where we will be working (roughly 2 square meters please). Our sweeping process is incredibly clean and tidy, so you needn't worry about mess.
We use a sponge blocking system and sheeting to ensure that debris is contained, and your hearth, carpet and surroundings are fully protected. After the sweep, we will assess the deposits for any foreign debris. If there is anything that causes us concern, we may recommend a CCTV inspection for further analysis. The removed soot will be left with you to be disposed of with your household waste
The smoke test
We carry out a Type 2 smoke test after every sweep. This is essential to check that the chimney can create a safe and efficient draught. If the smoke test fails, we will trouble-shoot the reasons for this. E.g:
- The stove is not sealed properly.
- The flue is not hot enough to create a temperature differential and pressure difference (i.e the draught).
- The external walls are too cold
- There is a lot of mist or fog in the air.
- There is not enough ventilation in the room for the size of the fire and not enough cold air can be drawn in.
- Other factors might be disrupting the air flow in the house.
Please note, a type 2 smoke test does not guarantee the structural integrity of the chimney.
The sweeping certificate
Your chimney will be swept according to the national standard. We will issue a certificate for insurance purposes to certify that the chimney was clean and clear on the day of sweeping. Please note:
- We can only use the information you share to advise on the condition of your chimney or appliance.
- If we are not able to investigate inaccessible or concealed areas of the flue, then we cannot warrant that there are no potential defects in the flue or chimney
- New deposits can start to build up again as soon as you use your chimney!
Our full legal disclaimer can be read on the Privacy Policy page.
Carbon Monoxide - The Invisible Killer
We understand the importance of a functional chimney, and our goal is to keep your home or business safe & warm all year round. Chimney sweeping is just the first part. It's also essential to understand how a fire burns, and to optimise the conditions for combustion to avoid carbon monoxide production.