INTRODUCTION

Chimney sweeping has developed over the years: not only have the methods of sweeping been revolutionised through the development of rotary (or power) sweeping to ensure chimneys are left cleaner than other traditional methods, but it also encompasses a series of safety checks which cover every aspect of your appliance.
 
Customers sometimes ask if there will be a mess from sweeping. We assure you that will not be the case. It is equally relevant that we should be asked: “How can I be sure my appliance is safe to use?” We undertake all safety checks required by HM Government’s: The Building Regulations – Approved Document J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems. This means that after sweeping and certifying your appliance, you can be sure it is clean and safe to use.

What we will do

  1. Initial Safety Assessment: upon arrival, your sweep will assess the external safety of the chimney. If there are major issues that pose a safety risk, you will be advised of the need for remedial work, and the sweeping process will be terminated.
  2. Protective Measures: if it is safe to proceed, we will place a protective sheet in front of the appliance to minimise mess. Further sheets will be placed over and around the fireplace to protect the room. You may be requested to move or cover soft furnishings or delicate objects near the fireplace.
  3. Cleanliness: our methods aim to keep things as clean as possible, reducing the need to cover all furniture and surfaces in the room. However, if there is a nest that needs to be removed, nearby electrical items should be covered for protection.
  4. Protective Footwear: for insurance purposes, your sweep is required to wear protective footwear while working. We carry overshoes to keep the inside of your property clean and will ask if you want us to wear them to protect the flooring.
  5. Sweeping Process: the sweeping process involves using a specialist vacuum to remove soot and debris from the chimney, along with a power sweeping system.
  6. Clear and Clean Fireplace: after sweeping, we ensure that the fireplace is clear and clean, and the chimney is safe to use. If any issues are found, documentation will be provided explaining why it is not safe to use.
  7. Wood Burner Service: if you have a wood burner, we are able to service the stove during the sweeping appointment.
  8. Safety Checks: throughout the sweeping process, we conduct a series of safety checks to ensure your appliance is not posing any danger.
  9. Certificate of Sweeping: upon successful completion of the work and receipt of payment, we will provide you with a certificate of sweeping. This certificate is valid for house insurance purposes.
 
We offer a reminder service to keep you up to date and to contact you annually (or more frequently if required) to book your next visit from your sweep.

What do we ask you to do?

  1. Please ensure fires and stoves have cooled down prior to our visit. For sweeping Aga and Rayburn flues, please ensure the appliance is switched off and allowed to cool down for at least 24 hours before our arrival.
  2. Prepare Sufficient Room: we request that you prepare enough room for our equipment before the appointment. The area in front of the fire needs to be clear, ideally providing an area of 2 meters (6 feet) squared.
  3. Access to a Socket: we require access to a live 13 amp socket to plug in our commercial vacuum cleaner.
  4. External Sweeping Hatch: if the chimney can be swept through an external sweeping hatch in the chimney breast, we still need access to the house to ensure no debris falls into the fireplace and no soot enters the room during the sweep.