Trusted Chimney Sweep, Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning in Maidstone

If you live in a smokeless zone then you will be restricted to burning smokeless fuels. To check if you live in such an area, you can phone your local authority and ask them. If, like most people, you do not live in a smokeless zone then it is up to you what you burn. House coal produces very good heat. Wood also is very good. It is a matter of preference. With wood though, there comes a caution. Wood must be well seasoned before it is used in a fire. This means that all the sap and moisture should be removed from it. This is accomplished by covering the logs, leaving some ventilation for air, for at least a year from when the tree was cut down. If you use logs that are not seasoned, they will not burn well on the fire. This means they will give very little heat out but, more importantly, they will cause a build up of creosote. Most of the creosote cannot be removed by sweeping because it bakes onto the chimney walls. As the layer of creosote increases, so does your chance of a chimney fire.

You should have your gas appliances checked and serviced regularly by a Corgi registered engineer. This should be done yearly or more often if a problem occurs. (See important advise on Carbon Monoxide). At the time of the service, the engineer will check the draw of the chimney and, if there is a problem, sweeping the chimney will almost certainly be necessary.

Even after the chimney has been swept thoroughly, it is normal to have a small amount of bits falling. This could include soot, sand or bits of cement. This problem can increase with the age of the chimney because the sand-based render will loosen off over the years. Generally, this is not a problem but is just something that occurs with older chimneys. Another reason can be that the wind and the rain dislodge bits which can fall down into the grate or appliance. This can be lessened by fitting the correct type of cowl. (Ask your chimney sweep for advice).

No, a vacuum is used to catch the soot and dust before it enters the room and also for cleaning off the ledge after sweeping the chimney. Using a good quality chimney sweeping brush or a combination of brushes is the only method, at the moment, which will clean the chimney properly.