How a Fireplace Works
As a fire burns in a fireplace, the air from the room goes through the grate and fuels the fire. As the fire burns, it releases numerous gases which rise, as they are lighter than the surrounding air. These gases then escape up the chimney and are released into the atmosphere. As these substances pass through the chimney, a substance commonly referred to as soot begins to accumulate on the walls. This includes a flammable substance called creosote. Over time, these deposits can begin to obstruct - and eventually completely block – the chimney.
Such an obstruction can lead to an inefficient, and potentially unsafe, fireplace. This can be explained by the fact that a well-functioning chimney is necessary not only to allow potentially harmful gases to escape from the room, but also to ensure that the fire burns efficiently. As hot air ascends in the chimney, the fire sucks in more air from the room through the grate, in order to fill the space that has been left. Without this continuous supply of air, the fire would burn itself out. Deposits of flammable substances such as creosote also have the potential to cause chimney fires. Thus, a clean chimney is also a safer, more efficient chimney.
How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
At least once a year. Chimney sweeps usually advise that chimneys ought to be cleaned after a period of prolonged disuse (over the summer for example). Many also advise that chimneys should be cleaned before the end of the heating season to ensure that the chimney is clear of animal nests and prepared for the subsequent idle period.
If a chimney is used very often, it might be necessary to sweep it more often. A professional chimney sweep would be able to advise the optimum cleaning schedule for your chimney.
Chimney fires are an all too frequent occurrence in many homes every year. To help prevent a chimney fire occurring in your property, you should ensure your chimney is swept as often as recommended by the Solid Fuel Association.
Appliance Frequency:
Smokless Fuel - Once per year
Coal - twice per year
Wood Burning - Quarterly when in use
Gas - Once per year if designed for chimney sweeping
Oil Fired - Once per year
Why chimney maintenance is important
When fuels burn in an appliance, the fumes that are the by-products of combustion - including carbon monoxide - are released into the chimney. Removing these fumes from the living area is the main purpose of a chimney. In addition to carrying off toxic gases, chimneys also create the draft (flow of air) that provides the proper air and fuel mixture for efficient operation of the heating appliance. Unfortunately, many chimneys in daily use in homes throughout the country are either improperly sized or have conditions that make them unable to perform their intended function.
Questions and Answers
Q: What should I do to prepare for the Chimney Sweeps arrival?
A: In most cases you will need to do no more than clear the area in front of fireplace to give the Sweep enough room to work. Hot ash should always be removed the night before. Empty the grate of ashes and other debris and move away any hearth furniture and companion sets. Although we will use our own dustsheets, you can if you wish, cover the immediate area or your furniture with your own dustsheets.
Q: What happens to the soot?
A: Once it has been bagged from the vacuum we can either dispose of it in your own bin, or leave it with you (it has some great gardening properties) or for a small additional charge we can take it away and dispose of it for you. Sometimes local gardeners request soot from us and where that is the case we will not charge you for disposal.
Q: How do I know if my chimney needs sweeping?
A: Specks of soot dropping into the fireplace Tar deposits visible in the chimney or stove A strong odour coming from the fireplace. Draught or smoking problems with the chimney. If you have just moved home and want to use the chimney. Animal nesting (squirrels and birds), which can cause fire hazards.
Q: Can I have a fire the night before a Chimney Sweep arrives?
A: With open fires and stoves you can have a fire but any hot ash must be removed before the Sweep arrives. Rayburn‘s, Aga’s and Boilers should be turned off or put out at least 24 hours before the Sweep arrives as they can take a long time to cool down. If you are unsure about your appliance, call you Chimney Sweep and they will be able to let you know.
Q: Do I need to have my chimney swept if I have a gas fire?
A: although less frequently, blockages in chimneys connected to gas fires can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. A professional Chimney Sweep can advise how often your chimney ought to be swept.
Q:I have birds nesting in my chimney, what should I do?
A: They are probably jackdaws or starlings. The good news is that if you wait a few weeks, the young will grow up and fly away. After they leave, the nesting material can be removed from the chimney and a bird-guard fitted to ensure that they cannot return. Note: It is our policy not to remove live nests.
Q: Sometimes I get smoke in the room, what causes this?
A: There are many possible causes for this, it can be an air pressure zone around a chimney when the wind blows in a certain direction, or inadequate ventilation in the room. Sometimes 'cold chimneys' situated on outside walls don't work very well until they warm up. An experienced technician can identify the problem and recommend a solution.
Q: How can a Chimney Sweep clean the chimney when there is a chimney fan on top?
A: The Chimney Sweep opens the chimney fan, the upper section is mounted on hinges, providing direct access to the chimney through the bottom section of the fan. This means that neither you nor the Chimney Sweep will have to remove the chimney fan completely.
Such an obstruction can lead to an inefficient, and potentially unsafe, fireplace. This can be explained by the fact that a well-functioning chimney is necessary not only to allow potentially harmful gases to escape from the room, but also to ensure that the fire burns efficiently. As hot air ascends in the chimney, the fire sucks in more air from the room through the grate, in order to fill the space that has been left. Without this continuous supply of air, the fire would burn itself out. Deposits of flammable substances such as creosote also have the potential to cause chimney fires. Thus, a clean chimney is also a safer, more efficient chimney.
How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
At least once a year. Chimney sweeps usually advise that chimneys ought to be cleaned after a period of prolonged disuse (over the summer for example). Many also advise that chimneys should be cleaned before the end of the heating season to ensure that the chimney is clear of animal nests and prepared for the subsequent idle period.
If a chimney is used very often, it might be necessary to sweep it more often. A professional chimney sweep would be able to advise the optimum cleaning schedule for your chimney.
Chimney fires are an all too frequent occurrence in many homes every year. To help prevent a chimney fire occurring in your property, you should ensure your chimney is swept as often as recommended by the Solid Fuel Association.
Appliance Frequency:
Smokless Fuel - Once per year
Coal - twice per year
Wood Burning - Quarterly when in use
Gas - Once per year if designed for chimney sweeping
Oil Fired - Once per year
Why chimney maintenance is important
When fuels burn in an appliance, the fumes that are the by-products of combustion - including carbon monoxide - are released into the chimney. Removing these fumes from the living area is the main purpose of a chimney. In addition to carrying off toxic gases, chimneys also create the draft (flow of air) that provides the proper air and fuel mixture for efficient operation of the heating appliance. Unfortunately, many chimneys in daily use in homes throughout the country are either improperly sized or have conditions that make them unable to perform their intended function.
Questions and Answers
Q: What should I do to prepare for the Chimney Sweeps arrival?
A: In most cases you will need to do no more than clear the area in front of fireplace to give the Sweep enough room to work. Hot ash should always be removed the night before. Empty the grate of ashes and other debris and move away any hearth furniture and companion sets. Although we will use our own dustsheets, you can if you wish, cover the immediate area or your furniture with your own dustsheets.
Q: What happens to the soot?
A: Once it has been bagged from the vacuum we can either dispose of it in your own bin, or leave it with you (it has some great gardening properties) or for a small additional charge we can take it away and dispose of it for you. Sometimes local gardeners request soot from us and where that is the case we will not charge you for disposal.
Q: How do I know if my chimney needs sweeping?
A: Specks of soot dropping into the fireplace Tar deposits visible in the chimney or stove A strong odour coming from the fireplace. Draught or smoking problems with the chimney. If you have just moved home and want to use the chimney. Animal nesting (squirrels and birds), which can cause fire hazards.
Q: Can I have a fire the night before a Chimney Sweep arrives?
A: With open fires and stoves you can have a fire but any hot ash must be removed before the Sweep arrives. Rayburn‘s, Aga’s and Boilers should be turned off or put out at least 24 hours before the Sweep arrives as they can take a long time to cool down. If you are unsure about your appliance, call you Chimney Sweep and they will be able to let you know.
Q: Do I need to have my chimney swept if I have a gas fire?
A: although less frequently, blockages in chimneys connected to gas fires can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. A professional Chimney Sweep can advise how often your chimney ought to be swept.
Q:I have birds nesting in my chimney, what should I do?
A: They are probably jackdaws or starlings. The good news is that if you wait a few weeks, the young will grow up and fly away. After they leave, the nesting material can be removed from the chimney and a bird-guard fitted to ensure that they cannot return. Note: It is our policy not to remove live nests.
Q: Sometimes I get smoke in the room, what causes this?
A: There are many possible causes for this, it can be an air pressure zone around a chimney when the wind blows in a certain direction, or inadequate ventilation in the room. Sometimes 'cold chimneys' situated on outside walls don't work very well until they warm up. An experienced technician can identify the problem and recommend a solution.
Q: How can a Chimney Sweep clean the chimney when there is a chimney fan on top?
A: The Chimney Sweep opens the chimney fan, the upper section is mounted on hinges, providing direct access to the chimney through the bottom section of the fan. This means that neither you nor the Chimney Sweep will have to remove the chimney fan completely.
