Chimney fires can not only destroy homes but also endanger the occupiers of the dwelling.
Most insurance companies will no longer pay out for claims made due to chimney fires unless the chimney has been swept by a professional chimney sweep and a valid certificate of sweeping issued that is recognised by insurance companies. If the fire brigade is called out to a chimney fire and it is proven that the chimney has not been properly maintained, then the local council can bill you for the call out, which can be expensive!
Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have enough fuel to be as dramatic or visible as their more spectacular cousins. The temperatures they reach are very high and can cause damage to the chimney structure and nearby combustible parts of the house. Use only recommended fuels for your appliance and flue type
Chimneys need to allow the free passage of dangerous combustion gases. Regular sweeping will remove soot, bird nests, cobwebs and any other blockages. It also removes creosote, which will help to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Chimney Sweeping will also help
to increase the efficiency of appliances. The frequency of Chimney Sweeping will depend on a number of factors which include the type of fuel used, appliance, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel, and the type of chimney you have.
The sweeping frequencies below are for guidance purposes only:-
It is essential that all flues are kept clean and clear
of debris and vermin nests. It will also help with the prevention of chimney fires and even carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have just moved house, then it is important you have your chimney swept as soon as possible as you may not necessarily know when it was last cleaned properly by a professional Chimney Sweep.
A: To prevent build up of soot that can cause a chimney fire plus soot can block up the chimney causing hazardous fumes entering your home.
A: This depends on the fuel you use: Smokeless coal – at least once a year Wood – up to four times a year Bitumous coal – twice a year Oil – once a year Gas – once a year
A: Generally speaking hardwood logs tend to be denser than softwood logs, this means that a hardwood log of the same size would burn for longer and give out more heat.
A: No, we will take every measure to prevent any mess by the use of dust sheets placed down where we work and a commercial vacuum cleaner is used to clean up any soot and fall out.
A: From arriving at the property, depending on how many appliances you need sweeping, it should take anything up to an hour but again this depends on many factors including the state of the flue.
A: No, all sweeping these days are done from the appliance access point and going onto the roof will not be necessary.
Call Dan and Kate to book an appointment on:
T: 01297 647 350
M: 07730 349 725