FAQs

The appropriate frequency depends on the fuel being burned, how often the appliance is used and the condition of the chimney. Many chimneys require sweeping at least annually, while some installations may require more frequent sweeping. Your insurer may also specify a particular frequency, especially for thatched properties.

Do not light the stove.

If the bird is contained inside the stove, close the curtains and turn off the lights in the room, assuming it is daylight outside. Open a window so that it becomes the obvious source of light, then carefully open the stove door. If necessary, and if it can be done safely, remove the baffle plate to give the bird a clear route out.

In most cases the bird will head towards the light and fly out through the open window.

Once the bird has been released, the chimney should be checked if there is any possibility of nesting material or another obstruction before the stove is used again.

The fireplace or appliance is prepared and protected before the chimney or flue is swept using appropriate equipment. Deposits removed from the chimney are contained and the accessible parts of the installation are visually checked. Where appropriate, additional safety checks are also carried out.

It should not. Protective sheeting is used around the fireplace or appliance and suitable dust-control equipment is used while sweeping. Every effort is made to contain soot and deposits and leave the working area as clean as it was before the work started.

Yes. Neat Sweeps sweeps chimneys and flues serving wood-burning and multi-fuel appliances, as well as open fires and suitable gas and oil appliance flues.

No. Only burn fuel that is suitable for the appliance. For wood, use properly seasoned dry wood, ideally with a moisture content of 20% or less. Do not burn rubbish, plastics, painted or treated timber, MDF, chipboard or other waste materials.

Unsuitable materials can produce harmful or corrosive fumes, excessive smoke and deposits within the flue. Some can also burn unpredictably or at very high temperatures, increasing the risk of damage to the appliance or chimney and, in severe cases, a chimney fire. Wet wood is also a poor fuel because it burns inefficiently and can greatly increase tar and soot deposits.

For a stove, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on permitted fuels. Additional restrictions may also apply in Smoke Control Areas..

Yes. The appliance and flue must be completely cold before sweeping can begin. If the fire is used the previous day, please allow it to go out completely overnight. Appliances such as AGAs and Rayburns should be switched off sufficiently early to allow the flue to cool.

Clear the area immediately around the fireplace or stove so that there is sufficient floor space for protective sheeting. Please also ensure there is reasonable ventilation and easy access to an electrical socket. Any rubbish or discarded material should be removed from the fireplace or appliance before the appointment; ordinary ash may be left in place.

Please let us know before the appointment if anyone in the property has a potentially infectious illness. We are very happy to rearrange the visit where appropriate. Likewise, if we become aware that we may have been exposed to an infectious illness that could affect your household, we will let you know.

A stove service involves examining the appliance and its accessible components, checking its general condition and operation, cleaning where appropriate and identifying worn, damaged or defective parts. The precise work required varies according to the make, model, age and condition of the appliance.

This depends on how heavily the appliance is used and its condition, but regular servicing helps identify deterioration before it develops into a more significant problem. For appliances in regular use, an annual check and service is generally a sensible approach, often carried out at the same time as the chimney is swept.

Yes, many routine service items and components can be replaced where suitable parts are available. These may include door rope seals, firebricks and other replaceable components. If a defect requires work outside the scope of the service I provide, I will explain this and recommend appropriate specialist attention.

Many makes and models of wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves can be serviced. However, construction, availability of replacement parts and access vary considerably between appliances. If you can provide the make and model when booking, this can help establish what is likely to be required.

No. Neat Sweeps’ stove servicing and repair work is for solid-fuel appliances. Suitable chimneys and flues serving gas or oil appliances can be swept, but servicing of the appliance itself should be carried out by an appropriately qualified engineer.

A routine chimney sweep is principally concerned with removing deposits from the flue and carrying out appropriate checks of the accessible parts of the installation. A chimney inspection goes further, providing a more structured assessment of the chimney, flue, appliance and installation, with additional testing and documented findings according to the level of inspection required.

Yes. A chimney inspection can be particularly useful when purchasing a property, especially where the history or condition of the chimney and appliance is uncertain. The appropriate level of inspection will depend on the installation, its intended future use and the access available.