Frequently Asked Questions

We have all the equipment to complete an excellent clean sweep of your chimney and appliance.

To prepare for arrival please can you:

• Clear the area in front of fireplace so that the sweep has room to work.

• Remove hot ash the evening prior to your sweep.

• We take every care as not to damage anything whilst in your house however delicate items should be removed or covered before arrival.

• If there are any narrow passages or obstacles they should be cleared or removed as we will have to bring in equipment.

• When it is wet cover the path from the door to the fireplace with old towels or dust sheets would also be useful, although we do carry some ourselves.

• Please leave space for our van to park outside your property on the day of your booking.

Stoves and open fires you may use but any hot ash will need to be removed before the sweep arrives. Appliances that take a long time to cool down such as Rayburns's, AGA's, and Boilers should be turned off at least 24 hours before arrival.

Oil and Gas (if designed for sweeping) - once a year
Solid Fuel - once a year for smokeless, twice a year for coal
Wood burning fire - quarterly when in use

Nationwide some 9000 homes were destroyed by chimney fires, it is very important that your chimney should be swept to help prevent chimney fires from occurring. Clean chimneys do not catch fire!

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an extremely poisonous gas that can be present in the fumes from the combustion of fuels which aren’t burnt under the correct conditions.

Fuels such as gas, oil, solid mineral fuel and biomass all have the potential to emit CO. The gas cannot be seen, smelled or tasted making it difficult to detect. There are measures you can take to protect yourself. Carbon Monoxide Guidance | HETAS Advice | Protect Yourself from CO

There are two types of chimney fires, some burn quietly and some explosively.

Due to a lack of air or fuel fires that burn quietly burn slowly and are less dramatic than the explosive type. Very high temperatures are reached which will cause damage to the chimney structure and nearby combustible parts of the house.

Explosive burning chimney fires are often detected from the outside by neighbours or passes by. Flames and dense smoke will probably appear from the top of the chimney and homeowners often report a low rumbling sound that may resemble a low flying aeroplane.

Due to the very high temperatures they reach, the mortar in masonry can melt and tiles can crack. This may cause the liners to collapse and the outer masonry material of the chimney may be damaged. If the mortar is melted and tiles crack and displace this will allow a pathway for the flames to reach more combustible area of the building. One chimney fire may not harm a home, but the second could burn it down.

1. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent chimney fires.
   

2. Ensure your chimney is swept in accordance with the type of appliance.
   

3. Use seasoned woods only look for a HETAS approved fuel supplier.
   

4. Build small hot fires. They will burn with less smoke and more completely.
   

5. Do not burn Christmas trees, cardboard or wastepaper.
   

6. Use the appropriate recommended fuels for your appliance and flue type.

The sweeping of chimney flues cannot be delegated to tenants. It is the landlords’ responsibility to ensure the solid fuel appliances are maintained and in a safe working order.

Carbon Monoxide To find out more about the dangers of carbon monoxide click here.

Cowels and terminals To read more about the correct chimney terminals to use click here.

In the 18th century King George II was out riding in his carriage when all of a sudden his horses bolted. A chimney sweep stepped out from the crowd to stop the carriage and calm the horses. Having saved the Kings life, the King declared that all chimney sweep from now on would be lucky omens. When people saw a chimney sweep they hoped that they would have good luck and as time went by the tradition of having a chimney sweep attend your wedding evolved and therefore blessing the future marriage with good luck and happiness.

You too can carry on this tradition and have a real life chimney sweep dressed in traditional working sweep clothing attend your wedding, shake the hand of the groom and bless the marriage with good luck and happiness. It is a lovely addition to the Wedding Album.

Let us know what you need?

We can greet the groom, guests and bridle parties as they arrive giving plenty of opportunity for photos. I can stay for the ceremony and afterwards have a photo with the bride and groom and present them with a good luck gift. We will be happy to accommodate to your ideas. Please get in contact.