Extras

We don't just offer chimney sweeping! We provide additional services to help you heat your home safely and efficiently

Exterior Stove Polish

In addition to our standard chimney sweeping services, we also offer an exterior stove cleaning service for just £10. This service will restore your stove to a like-new condition, using specialized equipment such as non-abrasive brushes and cleaning agents that effectively remove dirt, grease, and buildup without damaging the surface. We also clean the window on your stove, leaving it sparkling clear and free from any residue.

£10

Stove Repairs

At Chimney Sweeper Bros, we're here to take care of your stove and chimney appliances with our professional repair services. We offer repairs for components like windows, rope seals, fire bricks, and more, ensuring your system operates smoothly year-round. The cost of our service depends on the parts required for the repair, with a fixed labour fee of £40 on top of the parts cost.

Parts + Labour fee of £40

Rain & Bird Guard Installation

Furthermore, we provide a solution to prevent birds from accessing your chimney and creating nests or causing blockages. We can install a Rain and Bird Guard on your chimney pot, which is suitable for both gas and solid fuel systems. This service will be available for Cost of Guard and Labour Fee of £80 ensuring your chimney stays clean and free from unwanted visitors

Cost of Guard + Labour Fee of £80

Smoke Test
(Not a smoke check - thats included with a Chimney Sweep)

The terms "smoke test" and "smoke check" in chimney sweeping both refer to diagnostic procedures used to inspect the condition and performance of a chimney system, but they have slightly different applications and purposes. Here's the difference

1. Smoke Test

Purpose: A smoke test is primarily used to check for leaks or blockages in the chimney system. The idea is to introduce smoke into the chimney and observe its behavior to identify any issues that could affect the chimney's proper functioning.
Process: During a smoke test, smoke is generated (often from a controlled device or smoke-generating tool) and pumped through the chimney. The technician will look for areas where smoke escapes, indicating leaks, improper sealing, or damage. The technician may also look for areas where the smoke is not drawn correctly, indicating issues with airflow or blockages.
When used: It's often used when there's suspicion of a chimney problem that isn't immediately visible, such as air leaks or poor draft.

2. Smoke Check

Purpose: A smoke check is a more general term for evaluating the draft and ventilation of a chimney. It ensures that smoke is vented properly from the appliance (such as a fireplace, stove, or furnace) up through the chimney and safely out of the home.
Process: The technician will light a small amount of smoke or use a smoke pellet to observe the direction and flow of smoke in the chimney. The goal is to make sure that the smoke rises efficiently and that there is no backdraft or improper venting.
When used: This is typically done during routine inspections or after a chimney has been cleaned to ensure that it is still functioning properly.

Summary of Differences

Smoke Test: Primarily checks for leaks, blockages, and air flow issues in the chimney.
Smoke Check: Ensures the chimney is venting smoke properly and is often part of a regular chimney inspection.

Both methods are crucial in maintaining chimney safety and efficiency, but their focus differs slightly depending on the specific concerns being addressed.

If a smoke test fails during a chimney sweep, it means that there is an issue with the chimney's ability to properly vent smoke and gases. A failed smoke test can indicate several potential problems that need to be addressed to ensure safety and efficiency. Here's what might happen and what could be the causes of a failure

Potential Problems if a Smoke Test Fails

Leaks in the Chimney

If smoke escapes through cracks, gaps, or holes in the chimney, it suggests that the chimney structure is compromised, and there are leaks. This could be dangerous, as it might allow dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, to enter the home.
Solution: The chimney will need to be repaired, sealed, or relined to prevent further leaks and ensure safe operation.

Blockages

If the smoke doesn't rise as expected and appears to get stuck in the chimney, it may be due to a blockage, such as a build-up of creosote, debris, or even animal nests. A blockage can prevent proper airflow and lead to dangerous conditions like a chimney fire or backdraft.
Solution: The chimney should be cleaned to remove any blockages, and further inspection may be needed to ensure the chimney is clear.

Improper Draft

A failed smoke test could indicate a poor draft, meaning the chimney isn't drawing air properly. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as a chimney that’s too short, improper flue size, or an inadequate venting system.
Solution: The chimney may need to be adjusted (e.g., height adjustments) or relined to improve the draft.

Ventilation Problems

A smoke test failure could also indicate that the ventilation system isn’t functioning properly, meaning the smoke isn't being carried up and out of the home effectively. This can lead to backdrafts, where smoke and gases are forced back into the living space.
Solution: The technician will assess the chimney's venting system and make recommendations, which could involve modifying the ventilation, installing a chimney cap, or improving airflow.

Damaged Chimney Liner

If the chimney liner is cracked or damaged, it could allow smoke and gases to leak into areas that aren't designed to handle them, such as the walls or attic. A failed smoke test may reveal a problem with the chimney liner.
Solution: The chimney liner may need to be repaired or replaced to restore proper function.

What Happens After a Failed Smoke Test?

Safety Precautions: The chimney sweep technician will typically advise you to stop using the fireplace or stove until the issue is resolved. The failure could indicate a potential risk for fire or dangerous exposure to carbon monoxide, so it’s important to take it seriously.
Repairs and Recommendations: After identifying the cause of the failure, the technician will recommend necessary repairs or improvements. This could involve anything from sealing cracks, removing blockages, relining the chimney, adjusting the venting system, or even replacing the chimney if it's severely damaged.
Additional Inspections: In some cases, further inspections, such as camera scans or structural evaluations, might be required to fully diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

If a smoke test fails, it indicates that the chimney isn't functioning properly, and there could be safety risks. It's important to follow up with repairs or maintenance as recommended by the chimney sweep to ensure your home is safe and your chimney is working efficiently.

Service and cost Coming Soon

Why do you need your Chimney cleaned

It’s important to note that most home insurance providers will not cover your property in the event of a chimney fire if you haven't had your chimney swept by a certified professional at least once every 12 months.

A clean chimney isn’t just a luxury! It’s a necessity for your safety, comfort, and the long-term health of your home. One of the most important reasons to have your chimney swept regularly is to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Over time, creosote (a byproduct of burning wood) builds up in your chimney, and if not removed, it can ignite at high temperatures, turning your chimney into a potential fire hazard. Regular sweeping ensures that this flammable substance is cleared away, reducing the risk of a devastating fire.

In addition to fire safety, a clogged chimney can lead to poor ventilation, causing toxic gases like carbon monoxide to enter your home. This odorless and colorless gas is dangerous, even fatal in high concentrations. Keeping your chimney clean ensures that smoke and gases are properly vented outside, maintaining a healthy indoor environment for you and your family.

Not only does sweeping your chimney help with safety, but it also improves the efficiency of your fireplace or stove. A clean chimney allows air and heat to flow more effectively, meaning your fire burns hotter and cleaner. You’ll save on heating costs, as your system won’t have to work as hard to provide warmth.

Finally, maintaining your chimney by having it swept regularly can prevent costly repairs down the line. A buildup of soot and debris can cause cracks or other damage to the chimney structure, leading to expensive repairs that could easily have been avoided with routine maintenance.

In short, a chimney sweep isn’t just a task to check off your list—it’s an investment in your home’s safety, your health, and your peace of mind. Don’t wait for the dangers to pile up; schedule a chimney sweep today.