FAQ’s:
WILL THERE BE A MESS?
No. The fireplace/stove/appliance is sealed off using either a specially designed soot cloth or more commonly used and more efficient foam block to prevent any dust or soot entering the room. I use an industrial HEPA triple filter vacuum which runs throughout the process to reduce finer particles entering the atmosphere during and after sweeping. The remaining soot in your stove, open fire / appliance is then removed with the hoover without creating a mess. You may experience a smell from the vacuum exhaust for a short time but this is very minimal. Unforeseen blockages such as birds nests can create more dust than usual as this has to be bagged up and cannot always be confined within the hearth area, additional dust cloths will be spread and furniture covered.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED MY CHIMNEY SWEPT?
The sweeping frequencies below are for guidance. The frequency will depend on a number of factors including: Type of fuel, appliance used, frequency and duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel, type of chimney. Your Guild sweep will be able to advise on what’s best for you during their visit.
Smokeless fuel: At least once a year
Wood: Quarterly when in use
Bituminous coal: Quarterly when in use
Oil: Once a year
Gas: Once a year
WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY CHIMNEY SWEPT?
ANSWER
Chimneys need to allow free passage of dangerous combustion gasses. Regular cleaning removes soot and helps prevent dangerous chimney fires. Cleaning improves the efficiency of some appliances, saving you money on fuel. Creosote, cobwebs, nest material etc. will also be removed. Many insurance providers now also insist on a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping.
WHY SHOULD I USE A GUILD REGISTERED CHIMNEY SWEEP?
ANSWER
Guild sweeps undertake the most extensive training and assessment programme in the UK. The Guild requires member sweeps to be fully insured for Chimney sweeping and equipped to deal with all standard job situations. Members must undertake regular refresher training. Many members undertake additional professional training and are experts in their field. In the unlikely event your Guild sweep is unable to help, they should be able to recommend someone who can.
MY CHIMNEY HAS BEEN RELINED, DO I NEED IT SWEEPING?
ANSWER
Yes, absolutely, and perhaps more often than before. Manufacturer’s warranties on the new flue will usually require proof of frequent sweeping. Your local Guild sweep will issue a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping and can advise on compliance and maintenance aspects of your system.
DO I NEED TO HAVE MY GAS/OIL FLUES SWEPT?
ANSWER
Yes. Although burning these fuels does not normally deposit soot there are other problems which can affect chimney function and sweeping can solve or identify these. It is often the case that customers employ their Guild sweep ahead of an annual service visit.
WHY DO I NEED TO SEE THE BRUSH OUT OF THE TOP OF THE CHIMNEY?
ANSWER
To demonstrate that the flue has been swept throughout its length. Some customers also deem it as “Good luck” to see the brush.
I’VE JUST MOVED HOUSE – DO I NEED TO HAVE MY CHIMNEY CLEANED?
ANSWER
Yes! 100% and please do not be tempted to “try it out” before it’s swept. A chimney fire isn’t the kind of housewarming you want. Your Guild sweep can also help identify potential defects and dangers – Camera inspections are also available as peace of mind.
CAN I BURN PINE / CONIFER / WILLOW / POPLAR / SOFTWOOD ON MY WOODBURNER?
ANSWER
Yes, of course, as long as they are dry. You may have heard that these types of wood cause “tar” or “sap” problems in chimneys but it’s just not true. They are less dense and so you’ll need to use around 25% more softwood to get the same heat output as hardwood. A kilo of softwood will give about the same heat energy as a kilo of hardwood. These woods are not so suitable for open fires as they tend to spit and spark.
WHY DO I NEED TO BURN WOOD WITH LESS THAN 20% MOISTURE?
ANSWER
There are a number of problems with using wood that is too wet. First, it’s a waste of money / time. Secondly, it can cause major fire risk problems inside the chimney. Thirdly, it dramatically increases air pollution.
Burning wet wood reduces the temperature of the fire, reducing the efficiency and heat output. Much more unburned fuel vapour goes up the chimney. The excess water also goes up the chimney. This lower burning temperature and increased fuel vapour and water mix easily causes “tar” or “creosote” to be deposited. It can build up to a thick “glaze” which can’t be easily removed and is a serious fire risk. If your sweep is genuinely worried about tar build up in your chimney, you need to take advice.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY / SEASON LOGS OR WOOD?
ANSWER
You may hear different answers to this question. The right answer is, it depends. If left as tree trunks or large rings it will take some time, possibly years. If cut and split in to logs and properly stacked, it can take from a few months to about a year depending on local conditions and type of wood. Again, aim for less than 20 % moisture. Good ventilation is the key.
Please note that in areas of high average humidity e.g. Cornwall and Devon, it can be very difficult to achieve the desired 20%.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WOOD / LOGS ARE DRY?
ANSWER
Until you are experienced, use a moisture meter. Over time you will learn how dry logs look and feel. Generally they will have cracks in the ends (radial cracks) and they will feel lighter than you think. Only burn logs with less than 20% moisture.
HOW DO I USE A MOISTURE METER?
ANSWER
Split the log with an axe and press the probes of the meter in to the split surface. Testing the outside surface of a log can give a false reading. You should only burn logs that are 20% moisture or less. – Moisture meters can bought in my shop section – or give me a call and I can post one out.
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY LOGS?
ANSWER
A well ventilated log store is best. Stacking the logs will ensure they are well ventilated and it’s a good idea to keep some air below them so stacking on old pallets is ideal. A roof is nice to keep the rain off the top ones but it is not as important as good ventilation. Good ventilation will quickly dry off any surface moisture when the rain stops. If it rains a lot where you live then it’s best to use a good store
WHAT ARE KILN DRIED LOGS?
ANSWER
Kiln dried logs have been heated in an oven until the moisture is generally below 20%. They may be a good idea if you can’t trust other sources or if your own supply has run out or is not dry enough yet. With correct storage and a bit of time you can easily achieve this level of moisture with your home dried logs – see “How long does it take to dry / season logs or wood” above.
CAN I BURN SMOKELESS FUELS?
ANSWER
You need to check with the manufacturer of the fire. Generally if it has a grate with an air space below, it should be fine. If your chimney/ flue is a steel system or liner you should avoid long slow burning or “slumbering” with smokeless fuels. Slumbering like this can damage a steel chimney due to cool flue gasses allowing very acidic conditions inside the chimney / flue. Always ensure there is an adequate air supply to the fire with a good glow. Ash must be riddled away and removed
WHAT IS THE BEST FUEL TO USE?
ANSWER
For certain appliances, there are recommended fuels and these should use as per manufacturers guidance. As a general fuel the Guild recommends dry seasoned wood. It is clean, gives good heat and is carbon neutral. If you prefer solid fuels, find your local Approved Coal Merchant who will have the expert knowledge to guide you.
WHY DO I NEED TO SWEEP A CHIMNEY BEFORE IT IS CLOSED OFF?
ANSWER
If a chimney is closed off it can get a bit damp. This can turn soot in to an acidic slurry. In an old chimney this slurry can soak into the internal walls causing severe problems. If bad enough, it can penetrate through to the room where it will cause unsightly stains on the walls. Plaster may need to be removed and the brick treated before re-plastering and redecorating. An unused chimney should always be swept and given a little ventilation top and bottom.
WHY ARE THERE SMOKE MARKS JUST ABOVE THE FIREPLACE?
ANSWER
Smoke is leaking back into the room, and could be Immediately Dangerous. Don’t use the fire. Contact me and I can take a look, free of charge.
A BIRD HAS COME DOWN / NESTED IN MY CHIMNEY, HOW DO I STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN?
ANSWER
Birds nests are not uncommon and can easily be removed, due to the hazardous nature of bird faeces and the extra time taken to remove additional hourly rates apply – please contact me for a quote. To stop the problem further a bird guard or cowl can be fitted.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU COVER?
ANSWER
I cover a wide area which includes: 40 mile radius from Sunderland; i.e. Newcastle, County Durham, Northumberland, Hartlepool, South shield’s, North Shield’s & the majority of surrounding areas – give me a call if you’re unsure!
