Frequently asked Questions
A: The .1.4.U.2.Call chimney sweeps have been trained to spot dangers and avoid making a mess. However due to the nature of the work this cannot always be guaranteed. If you have not had you chimney cleaned every year then extra deposits will fall which is more difficult to contain. Falling bird’s nests and loose bricks are also harder to contain. We will take every care to ensure that we leave your property as clean or cleaner than when we arrived as we want you to call us again the following year.
A: In most cases you will need to do no more than clear the area in front of fireplace to give the sweep enough room to work. Hot ash should always be removed the night before. Guild chimney sweeps take every care as not to damage anything whilst in your house, however if you have delicate items they should be removed or covered before the sweep arrives. The chimney sweep has to bring in a lot of equipment so if there is any narrow alleyways in your house, obstacles should be removed to avoid accidents. On wet days coverings or dust sheets should be laid from the door to the fireplace as the sweep should not be removing footwear as this could invalidate their insurance.
A: On open fires and stoves you can have a fire but any hot ash must be removed before the sweep arrives. RAYBURN’S, AGA’s and Boilers should be turned off or put out at least 24 hours before the sweeps arrives as they can take a long time to cool down. If you are unsure about your appliance, call you chimney sweep and they will be able to let you know when to let it go out.
A: - Smokeless coals: At least once a year
- Wood: Once a Quarter when in use
- Bitumous coal: Twice a year
- Oil: Once a year
- Gas: Once a year
A:
There are many reasons why a chimney lets smoke into the room. The most common reasons are.
- Blocked chimney flue.
- Lack of ventilation.
- Incorrect position or height of chimney stack.
- Wind direction.
- Tall objects near the chimney eg: Trees
- Damaged chimney structure
- Fireplace opening to large for chimney
The best way to identify your problem is to do this simple check
- Does the fire smoke back all the time or just when you light it and then it stops after a while, or does it only start after a while?
- Check the wind direction and approximate strength. Does it only happen when the wind is in a certain direction?
- Is the smoke coming into other rooms in the house as well?
- Do you have an extractor in the kitchen or bathroom and if so does the fire smoke back only when these are in use?
Once you have done this check, give us a call and we should be able to tell you the most likely cause and offer a solution to your problem.
Q: Johnny Kam, Bristol.
I found your website and think it is very informative. I live in Bristol so unfortunately cannot use your services. However I have a question on register plates. I just had a wood burner stove fitted but noted afterwards that there isn't a soot door - I checked on the internet and believe I should have one otherwise soot will gather on the plate. The only way to clean the chimney is through the stove door. Can you please advise, I appreciate it is only advice.
A: If you are referring to a soot door in the register plate then:-
If you have just had a stove fitted then the chimney should be lined and therefore there is no need to have a soot door as there should not be any soot that collects on the register plate.
There might be a need to have a vent point in the register plate so that cool air can travel up the chimney and out through a air brick at the top of the chimney.
This would normally only need to happen it you live in a thatch house.
If you have had a stove fitted and the chimney is not lined then this is against building regulations and therefore against the law, and you will find it hard to get anybody to sweep it even if you put a soot door in as the chimney sweep can be held responsible if something goes wrong.
If you are referring to a soot door in the fluepipe from the stove:-
You will only need a soot door if the throat plate cannot be removed (usually if the stove has a back boiler) otherwise you can sweep through the stove.
If there is a back boiler and the throat plate cannot be removed then a sweeping point should be installed. This can be done by making a hole in the fluepipe and then a plate can be used to cover the hole.
if you need any more help please let me know.