Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Chimney Sweeping
Click on the options below to view frequently asked questions and answers regarding chimney sweeping and general chimney maintenance:
Why Sweep Chimneys?
When burning wood, coal or oil the products of combustion pushes into the flue. Some of the smoke condenses and attaches itself to the flue wall. Over a period of time the build up of soot needs to be swept clean to reduce the risk of chimney fires. Nests, birds, wasps & bees, cobwebs, falling mortarfrom the chimney lining... these can all prevent safe evacuation of the smoke.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Swept?
The table below describes how often you should have your chimney swept depending on the type of fire you have:
| 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 Does My Fire Smoke Back?
There are a number of reasons:
- There could be a blockage or partial blockage in the chimney (bird, bird’s nest, even soot).
- Sometimes, when out of use for long periods, chimneys become cold, even damp, reducing the updraft or creating a downdraft. Ventilation to the room may also be a contributing factor.
- The size of the fireplace opening may be too large for the size of the flue, a much more common occurrence.
- The terminal (pot) may be sited in a position where downdraft will occur.
Do I Need More Air Into The Room?
Open fireplaces need plenty of oxygen to fuel the fire, but at the same time a greater amount of air is drawn over the fire into the chimney. Typically, a fire with a large opening requires nearly 300 cubic metres per hour, whereas a closed appliance (stove) may require only a fraction of that amount.
How Much Mess Will There Be?
Hardly any. Most fireplaces are screened by the chimney sweep and the chimney is then cleaned through the screen. A vacuum cleaner clears the fine dust and the heavier particles are kept behind the screen and cleaned after sweeping.
How Long Does It Take to Sweep a Chimney?
We normally allow 45 minutes to clean a fire, but this may depend on whether there are any difficulties. Our charge covers up to an hour, so if a chimney has a difficult bird’s nest to remove it may take longer.
Bits of Mortar Are Falling Down
It is an indication that the original liner (pargetting) is deteriorating. Once swept a visual inspection will determine whether the flue would require re-lining.
Does My Chimney Require a Cowl?
A well constructed chimney with a suitable pot will not necessarily need a cowl, however dependent on weather conditions and the siting of the pot, a cowl to prevent downdrafts may be needed. If there is a large population of birds in the area, a ‘high top’ bird guard may be fitted to stop nesting in the fire but still allow a brush to pass through the pot.