Why do I need to have my chimney swept?

Chimneys need to allow the smoke to leave your house.  Regular sweeping will remove soot, bird nests, cobwebs and any other blockages.  It can also remove creosote, which will help to prevent dangerous chimney fires. 

 

How often should I have my chimney swept?

 In our climate, most people should have their chimneys swept once a year. The sweeping frequencies below are for guidance purposes only:-

 

Smokeless fuel:  At least once a year 
Wood:  Quarterly when in use 
 Coal: Quarterly when in use 
 

Will there be any mess?

We are very careful to make as little mess as possible. The fireplace and hearth will be sealed up to stop soot escaping.  However, there are exceptional circumstances, for example, if a chimney is blocked with a birds nest, it makes it difficult to guarantee that no mess will be made.

 

How long will it take?

It will usually take between thirty minutes and one hour for an average chimney sweep.