When Is Chimney Sweeping Normally Done?

When should I sweep my chimney?

Many of the open fires of the past have now been replaced with wood burning stoves which are connected to a stainless steel flue liner inside the chimney. Because soot is mildly acidic it can be corrosive to the steel, so minimising soot exposure will extend the lifespan of the liner. This means sweeping in the spring or early summer.

The best thing to do is to use the stove all winter, coating the steel liner with soot. Then, once the warmer weather comes around, have the chimney swept. This way the liner is clean all summer long rather sitting there full of the corrosive, acidic soot whilst it’s not in use.

By sweeping once a year in spring time you will extend the lifespan of your stainless steel lined chimney flue.

Why does my chimney need sweeping?

All domestic heating fuel is carbon based, whether it’s wood, coal pellets, oil or gas. As these fuels burn they give off smoke. The smoke contains soot particles which stick to the inside of the chimney and build up with prolonged use. This layer of soot is flammable and, if it builds up too much it can ignite and cause a chimney fire.

How often does my chimney need sweeping?

The simple answer is that your chimney needs sweeping whenever it’s dirty in order to mitigate the risk of chimney fires. How quickly your chimney builds up soot depends on how often you use it, the style of the chimney and the fuel that’s being burnt. For most people, who are burning wood in their fireplace or stove an average amount, this works out to be about once a year. If you are relying on your appliance for daily heating in the colder months then you might consider sweeping twice a year. If you are going to sweep twice a year then I recommend sweeping once in the middle of the burning season and once at the end, in the spring time.

The other thing that you need to consider is your household insurance policy. Many insurance providers stipulate that you must have a sweeping certificate, issued by an accredited chimney sweep at least once a year. This is particularly common for insurers that provide cover for specialist properties, like thatched cottages or listed buildings.

If you’re ever unsure, you can find detailed advice on the HETAS website, which lists all of the recommended sweeping frequencies for different types of appliances and fuels.

Local, reliable chimney sweeping service in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford

As Black Fox, I’m proud to offer professional and friendly chimney sweeping service across Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford and the surrounding areas. Black Fox is a ‘Sole Trader’ business. It’s only me, so when you book, you’ll always know exactly who’s turning up and get the same level of high-quality service every time. 

I can provide my chimney sweeping services for a range of appliances including wood burning stoves, multi fuel stoves, open fires, Jetmasters, Inglenooks, Aga and Rayburn cookers, boilers, gas fires and biomass boilers. I also offer bird nest removals and stove repairs and maintenance where required. 

I am accredited by APICS, (The Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps) and will issue a sweeping certificate for each appliance worked on. I use state of the art rotary power sweeping equipment and I pride myself on doing a clean and efficient job, meaning you can have complete assurance that my chimney sweeping services are consistently completed to a professional standard. 

The Best Time to Sweep? Right After Winter

Autumn will always be the traditional time for sweeping but spring is often the best time for your chimney. Cleaning your chimney flue after winter can improve its longevity, keep it in better condition and allow you to be ready for the next burning season without the last-minute rush.

Book your chimney sweeping service with Black Fox Chimney Sweeping today. A clean chimney means a safer home, a longer lasting chimney system and complete peace of mind all year round.