Our Chimney Sweeping Process

We have a multi-point assessment process. We start outside to assess the chimney stack, terminus, cowl, fittings, and surroundings. We look for any signs of damage, blockages, or external factors such as trees and buildings that could affect the efficiency of the chimney's 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 may incur an extra cost. We will also let you know if we feel the chimney is not safe to be swept.

Please note that 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.  

When inside, we assess the fireplace and internal surroundings. 

• We'll check the hearth complies with key building regulations (e.g. size, and distance to combustibles). 
• We'll check for any visible signs of carbon monoxide leakage, and smoke blackening.
• We'll check what fuel is being used, if it's appropriate for the liner, and for the geographical area.
• We'll check the fuel is being stored away from the fire (the further away the better)! 
• 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.

 If you have a stove, we will assess this as part of the sweep. This assessment 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 if there is any wear and tear compromising the efficiency and safety of the stove. We will issue a warning notice if the stove is not fit for purpose. If our basic stove service cannot address the remedial action required, we will ask you to contact a registered stove installer or the manufacturer for further guidance.

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. We utilise the latest rotary power sweeping techniques that are designed for maximum efficiency and minimal impact on your flue. 

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

 After sweeping, a smoke test is essential to check that the chimney can create a safe and efficient draught, to move the products of combustion up and away from your house. If the smoke test fails, we will trouble-shoot the reasons for this. 

This typically happens when:

• 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 on a damp and misty day.
• There is not enough ventilation in the room (in relation to the air permeability of the house) for the size of the stove and not enough cold air can be drawn in.
• Other factors such as extractor fans or upstairs windows might be disrupting the air flow in the house.

Again, if we feel that the stove is not suitable for use, we will issue a warning notice with the required remedial action. Please note, the smoke test does not guarantee the structural integrity of the chimney.

Your chimney will be swept according to the national standard, and we will issue a certificate after a successful sweep.  

This is a legally accepted document to certify that the chimney was clean and clear on the day of sweeping. 

However 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 any inaccessible or concealed areas of the flue, then we cannot warrant that there are no potential defects in the flue or chimney.
• The sweeping certificate is not a guarantee or warranty that any fireplace, heating appliance, boiler, flue or chimney stack is safe. 
• New deposits will start to build up again as soon as you use your chimney. 

Our chimney sweeping certificate contains our full legal disclaimer. This can also be read in the Privacy Policy section of our website.