Why I should get my chimney swept?

Here are the most frequently asked questions about our chimney sweeping services.

If you can’t find an answer to your question here, do not hesitate to pick up the phone. Our details are at the bottom of the page.

Do all types of chimney need to be swept?
If you use your fireplace to burn fuel and keep warm, you certainly need to have your chimney swept once a year. Whether you have an open fire or a coal/wood burner, it’s imperative to check over your chimney for sooty buildup and blockages. Why? Think of your chimney as the exhaust of a car. Without it, poisonous fumes and smoke are not able to escape and become dangerous to the driver and passengers. A chimney redirects poisonous gases away from the home in much the same way. Without a working chimney, you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke penetration within your home.

How often do I need to have my chimney swept?
At least once a year is the recommended minimum. You may require more frequent sweeping depending on what you burn and how often. If you burn a lot of wood then it is recommended to have your chimney swept around Aug/Sept before burning season and half way through the winter, around Dec/Jan time.

What happens to a chimney that is not swept?
The most common problem is the buildup of soot, tar and creosote. After a while without intervention, these deposits decrease the diameter of your chimney and become a hazard. If the smoke backs up inside the chimney you will become exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas. A blocked chimney is also susceptible to chimney fires.