What you need to know

Key information about your chimney & fire

Many people are not aware of the issues of failing to properly use and maintain their home fire, flue and chimney. We have put together some useful information around this to help you understand the importance of proper maintenance and safety.

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When should I get my chimney swept?

The frequency of chimney sweeping depends on the type of fuel you use and how often you use your fire or appliance. Here are the general guidelines recommended by industry bodies like HETAS and NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps) in the UK:

Smokeless Fuels (e.g., anthracite, semi-anthracite, smokeless coal products): At least once a year.
Wood: At least twice a year when in regular use, especially during the burning season. Some sources, like NACS, may recommend quarterly when in use for wood.
Bituminous Coal (House Coal): At least twice a year when in use. NACS may also recommend quarterly for this fuel type.
Oil: At least once a year.
Gas (Decorative Fuel Effect Fires): At least once a year, although the type of sweeping may differ.

Regular sweeping is crucial to remove soot, creosote, and other blockages, which helps prevent chimney fires and ensures your appliance operates efficiently and safely. It’s also often a requirement for home insurance policies if you use your chimney.

How long will my chimney sweep take?

A standard chimney sweep for one flue typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour. This can sometimes extend to 90 minutes depending on several factors, including:

The type and size of the appliance/chimney: Larger or more complex systems might take longer.
The extent of soot or creosote buildup: If the chimney hasn’t been swept for a long time or if there’s heavy buildup, it will require more time.
Any blockages encountered: Issues like bird nests or other obstructions will add to the duration as they need to be carefully removed.
Ease of access: Difficult access to the fireplace or chimney can also impact the time taken.

Your sweep will usually inform you if they anticipate the job taking longer than usual.

What do I need to know about the 3 stages of creosote build up?

Stage 1 – When creosote first forms it is thin and flaky and easily removed by a chimney sweep if regularly maintained. stage 1 creosote is not a concern.
Stage 2 – As more creosote builds up, it thickens and hardens making it much more difficult to remove with just a brush. Modern chimney sweep technology is often needed to remove this.
Stage 3 – This is a thick sticky tar-like substance. Once it reaches this stage it is highly flammable, burning easily if it is made hot enough, causing dangerous fires in the chimney/flue itself. Professionals using chemicals are often needed to resolve stage 3 creosote.

How dangerous is creosote or other chemicals in my chimney?

Chimney fires can be deadly, although do not be alarmed, these fires are less common as chimney liners are especially designed to prevent these fires from spreading. That said creosote when it builds up is a highly flammable chemical and if it reaches stage 3 a spark can ignite it. Bad chimney fires can reach upwards of 2,000 degrees and at this point your chimney liner is in danger of cracking and the fire spreading. This is why regular chimney sweeping and maintenance is important.
If you burn treated wood such as old decking in your fire it can release toxic chemicals including in some instances arsenic. Exposure to this toxic ach can be harmful, not to mention its negative impact on the environment.

Will I recieve a certificate and are you qualified?

If you are a landlord, let holiday homes or require a certificate for insurance purposes you will be pleased to know Soot Solutions provides a certificate with all completed work. We are a full member of NACS the National Association Of Chimney Sweeps.

What preparation is needed before a chimney sweep arrives?

To ensure the chimney sweeping process is smooth, efficient, and clean, there are a few things you can do to prepare before your sweep arrives:

Ensure the Fire is Out: Do not use the fire or appliance for at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. The chimney and appliance must be completely cold.
Clear the Area: Remove any ornaments, decorations, photos, or valuables from the mantelpiece, hearth, and the immediate surrounding area (e.g., within 6-8 feet of the fireplace). This prevents accidental damage and gives the sweep clear access.
Provide Clear Access: Ensure there is a clear path from your door to the fireplace and enough space for the sweep to work comfortably with their equipment (usually about a 6ft x 6ft clear area in front of the fireplace is ideal).
Cover Nearby Furniture (Optional but Recommended): While professional sweeps use dust sheets and industrial vacuums to control soot, you might want to cover any nearby light-coloured or delicate soft furnishings as an extra precaution.
Remove Ash (If Possible): If you can, remove any loose ash or unburnt fuel from the grate or appliance. However, leave a small amount as it can help the sweep assess the burning conditions.
Inform the Sweep of Any Known Issues: If you are aware of any problems with your chimney or appliance (e.g., previous bird nest issues, known damage, unusual smells), let your sweep know beforehand.
Keep Pets and Children Away: For safety reasons, it’s best to keep pets and small children away from the working area during the sweep.