24 Mar 2021 Chimney sweeping: All you need to know

When we think about chimney sweeping, many minds are transported to the soot-covered workers of the Industrial Revolution. However, chimney sweeping is a long-standing trade, dating back to the 16th century, which has only risen in professionalism and is still utilised in many homes to date.

It is essential that, if your property houses a fireplace, stove or wood burner, your chimney undergoes professional inspections and thorough cleans to maintain a healthy household with a fire safe for burning. This act should be carried out twice a year. We would recommend once at the end of summer, removing any debris or nesting which has found its way into your chimney, creating a safe exit path for your smoke when it comes to lighting your fireplace, and once at the end of winter, providing your chimney with a spring clean and removing any soot and ash build-ups.

How you can prepare for your chimney to be swept

Chimney sweeping is likely to bring an amount of dust, soot and debris into your home, so there are steps you can take in preparation, such as removing furniture away from the fireplace, or out of the room entirely. Your professional chimney sweep should lay tarpaulin or plastic sheeting over your furnishings, but removing them from the area can eliminate your need to worry about their condition.

You also shouldn’t light your fire within 24 hours of your appointment, as these cleans and inspections can only be carried out on completely cooled chimneys.

You may wish to head out of your property with any small children or pets for the duration of your appointment. As well as remaining safe for their lungs in an outside space away from ash, it will also remove the chances of soot being carried throughout your home.

What to expect when having your chimney swept

Your professional chimney sweep should arrive equipped with necessary materials to keep your property clean, from plastic sheeting to brushes or vacuums, along with their metallic, bristled cleaning appliances. They will also provide their own protective clothing, including gloves, safety goggles and facemasks.

They will proceed with the chimney sweep in a bespoke structure that provides your fireplace, flue and chimney with efficient cleaning, ensuring that all debris, ash and creosote is removed safely. They may also need to remove bird nesting and will carry this out in a safe and friendly way.

Upon completion, they will thoroughly clean the area, leaving your property free from any chemicals, ash or creosote build ups, creating a safe environment for your household to relax within and for your next fire to be lit.

Here at Fiveways Fires & Stoves, our entire range of services are carried out by our Gas Safe registered and HETAS approved team, providing your home with ultimate safety. Get in touch with a member of our team to find out how our chimney sweeping service can be catered to your property by calling 0208 127 4747 or emailing us at .