TRAINED AND CERTIFIED CHIMNEY SWEEP
Welcome to Best Swept Chimneys! I am a certified chimney sweep and I am proud to serve the local community. My experience and attention to detail have made me the go-to chimney sweep for the area.
I take pride in the work I do and make sure that every job is completed with the highest degree of cleanliness, safety and professionalism. You can rest assured that I am trained and certified by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and that my work is fully insured.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SWEEP?
When I arrive at your doorstep, you can expect a top-notch service tailored to your needs.
On average, it takes me about half an hour to clean each chimney, assuming there are no unexpected nests or blockages.
To ensure a smooth operation, I kindly request that you prepare enough space for my equipment. Clearing an area of approximately 2 meters (6 feet) squared in front of the fireplace would be ideal.
Once you've made the necessary preparations, leave the rest to me:
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I will take great care to protect your room by placing sheets over and around the fireplace. If you have any delicate objects or soft furnishings nearby, I may ask you to move or cover them temporarily.
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Rest assured, my methods aim to keep everything as clean as possible. While there's usually no need to cover all furniture and surfaces in the room, it's a good idea to cover any nearby electrical items if I need to remove a nest.
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Please ensure there is a power socket available for my commercial vacuum cleaner.
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Armed with the latest equipment, including a rotary brush, rods, and a powerful vacuum, I will meticulously remove soot and debris from your chimney. I pride myself on using a blend of traditional brush and vacuum techniques, and in some cases, I may resort to using manual sweeping systems for optimal results. I will choose the best approach to clean your flue effectively.
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Once I'm finished, I'll leave your fireplace clear and spotless, ensuring your chimney is safe to use.
In some instances, I can sweep the chimney through an external hatch in the chimney breast. However, I still require access to your house to prevent any debris from falling into the fireplace and to ensure that no soot enters the room during the sweep.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best time of year to get my chimney swept?
To make the most of my service, I recommend booking a chimney sweep during the summer months when you won't rely on the fireplace for warmth. To keep you updated, I offer a convenient reminder service. I can arrange to contact you annually (or more frequently, if desired) to schedule your next visit for chimney sweeping.
What is a chimney sweep and why do I need one?
A chimney sweep is a professional who removes soot, debris, and other blockages from the chimney. You need one to ensure that your chimney is safe to use, to prevent the risk of fires and prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
Do you clean other types of flues besides chimneys?
Yes, we also clean other types of flues, including wood-burning stoves, oil-fired boilers, and gas fires. Some examples of stoves and flues I can work with are: Open fires, Wood burning stoves, Multi-fuel stove, Jetmasters, Rayburns, Agas, Biomass Boilers, all other types of flue where provision has been made for sweeping. Note this is not an exhaustive list. Contact me if you're unsure.
What other services do you offer?
Besides chimney sweeping, we also offer cowl and cage fitting, creosote (tar) prevention and removal, stove service and maintenance and birds nest and blockage removal. For a full list of the services I provide, check out the services section of my website.
Do you provide certificates after the chimney has been swept?
Yes, we provide a certificate endorsed by National Association of Chimney Sweeps after the chimney has been swept, which you should keep for your records.
Will the chimney sweep make a mess in my home?
As a professional chimney sweep I always take steps to minimise mess and protect your home. I am trained to prevent dust escaping when I sweep your chimney, but just in case, I use dust sheets (drop cloths) and lay them from the front door to the fire place. Plus, I always vacuum up after myself.
What is involved in a chimney sweeping service?
A chimney sweeping service typically involves an inspection of the chimney and fireplace, followed by the removal of soot, debris, and any blockages using specialised tools. My sweeps also include a thorough strip down and clean of your stove's interior components.
How much does it cost to have my chimney swept?
I charge a flat fee of £60 per chimney. I do sometimes run deals, so keep an eye out for offers on my website.
How long does it take to sweep a chimney?
The time it takes to sweep a chimney can vary depending on the type of chimney and the extent of the buildup. Typically, it takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Because I clean the interior components of your stove in addition to sweeping your chimney, it may take me a little longer than this on occasion. This additional clean is included in the price.
What are the signs that my chimney needs to be swept?
Some signs that your chimney needs to be swept include a strong smell of soot or smoke, a decrease in the draft, or visible soot or creosote buildup.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
The frequency of chimney sweeping depends on the type of fuel you use. As a general rule, it is recommended to have your chimney swept at least once a year for solid fuels and twice a year for wood. HETAS recommend you have your chimney swept twice a year.