Your frquently asked questions - Answered

  • I cover the North East of England, including Tyneside, Wearside, Northumberland and County Durham. I don’t regularly visit remote areas, but I’m happy to arrange a visit if you or others in your community need sweeping. Group appointments help keep things economical — feel free to spread the word locally.

  • Yes. Every sweep includes a certificate of sweeping, which is often needed for insurance and stove warranty purposes.

  • Chimney sweeping is vital for fire safety and efficiency. It removes soot, creosote, clears blockages, prevents flue fires and helps spot damage early. Regular sweeping also helps prolong the life of your appliance and flue liner by reducing corrosion from soot and acidic deposits. It keeps everything working safely and efficiently.

  • Smokeless fuel: At least once a year

    Wood: Quarterly when in use

    Bituminous coal: Quarterly when in use

    Oil: Once a year

    Gas: Once a year

  • Build up of Creosote:

    Creosote is a highly flammable substance that accumulates inside chimneys as a by product of burning wood. If you notice a thick, black, tar-like substance on the walls of your chimney, it's a sign that creosote has built up and needs to be removed.

    Difficulty Starting Fires:

    If you're having trouble getting a fire started or keeping it going, it could be due to restricted airflow caused by creosote build up or other obstructions in the chimney.

    Smoke Backing Up:

    If you notice smoke entering your home instead of venting up through the chimney, it could indicate a blockage or build up of creosote.

    Foul Odours:

    A strong, unpleasant odour coming from your fireplace or chimney could indicate the presence of animals, debris, or creosote build up.

    Soot Falling Into Fireplace:

    If you see soot or debris falling into your fireplace when you open the damper, it suggests that there is build up in the chimney that needs to be removed.

    Visible Damage:

    Cracks, gaps, or other damage to the chimney structure can indicate the need for inspection and cleaning to prevent further deterioration.

    Reduced Draft:

    If you notice that smoke from your fireplace doesn't rise up the chimney as quickly or as strongly as usual, it could be a sign of blockage or build up.

    If you observe any of these signs, it's essential to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep to ensure it is safe and functioning properly. Regular maintenance and cleaning help prevent chimney fires, carbon monoxide buildup, and other potential hazards.

  • No. Modern chimney sweeping techniques are designed to minimize mess and ensure a clean process. By using professional powerful hazardous waste, Hepa-rated vacuum cleaners to capture soot and ash during the sweeping process. These vacuums are highly efficient and help prevent debris from spreading beyond the fireplace or stove. Before starting the sweep, I take precautions by sheeting the surrounding area. This protective covering ensures that any loose particles remain contained within the fireplace or stove, preventing them from spreading to other parts of the room.

  • A typical sweep takes around 60 minutes.

  • Before our appointment, I kindly ask that you prepare the area around your stove or fireplace. Please clear a space of approximately 3 x 2 meters to allow me to work efficiently. If your space is limited, don't worry—I'm adaptable and can manage within the available area.

    Make sure to remove any large or unused fuel items from around the stove or fireplace. You can leave ash as it is, as I'll vacuum it away during the cleaning process. If you have a stove, there's no need to take apart any internal components—I’ll handle that if it’s required.

    For safety and to ensure a smooth cleaning process, please extinguish any fires or stoves the night before my visit so they have enough time to cool down. For appliances like Agas or Rayburns, it’s crucial to turn them off at least 24 hours in advance to ensure they’re fully cooled.

    • Before the heating season starts

    • After a heavy burning season

    • Before installing a new stove or appliance

    • If moving into a house with a fireplace or stove

    • If you've recently had birds nesting in the chimney

  • It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s highly recommended. A recent sweep and inspection can help avoid delays with surveys or buyer concerns. Having a current sweep certificate shows the appliance is safe and looked after.

  • Signs include twigs falling into the fireplace, loud chirping or scratching noises, or seeing birds flying in and out of the pot. If you suspect a nest, stop using the appliance and get it checked.

  • No. You must not use your appliance if there’s an active nest — it’s illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Even after the birds leave, the nest material can block the flue and must be removed professionally before use.

  • Yes — if you have a solid fuel appliance, it’s a legal requirement to have a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room. It’s a vital safety measure, and I’ll always check for one when I visit.

  • Easy, Its the Cheetah, with a top speed of 58 to 65 mph.

    Just checking if anyone is still reading at this point.

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