FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I have my chimney swept? Click here!



I’ve just lit my fire and it is smoking – does it need to be cleaned?

Answer.
If it has been used but not been swept within the past 12 months, for safety it should be swept as soon as possible. If it has not been used since it was last swept, and the problem of birds nesting can be ruled out (if there is a cage or cowl on the chimney), it could be due to the cold or weather conditions. Please call us and we may be able to give advice on the appropriate action to be taken.

What do I need to do to prepare?

Answer.
Very little!
Remove ornaments and other items from your fireplace.
Ensure that the fire is fully out!
Empty the stove/fireplace of ash before we arrive to save time.
An area of about 2 meters square in front of the fireplace needs to be cleared.

What can I expect when Neat Sweeps cleans my chimney?

Answer.
You can expect:
All work carried out to the NACS Code of Practice.
Visual inspection of chimney stack and chimney terminal.
Sealing of Fireplace with specially made soot cloths ready for sweeping or sponge blocking.
Full brush and vacuum of flue.
Removal of any debris and soot.
Smoke evacuation test.
Issuing of a NACS chimney swept certificate

How do you stop any damage from soot?

Answer.
In all cases, the immediate vicinity of the fireplace will be covered with cloths to eliminate any soot spillage providing a no mess service. We also use very high-powered vacuum cleaners with twin motors and specialist HEPA bags to prevent the circulation of soot dust in the room.

In the very unlikely event that there should be an accident or mishap, Neat Sweeps carries public liability insurance up to a value of £2,500,000

How often should my chimneys be swept?

Answer.
In accordance with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps guidance, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service recommendations, Chimneys should be swept as detailed below:
Solid fuel appliances - should be swept once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year if you're using coal
Wood burning appliances - should be swept every three months when in use.
Gas appliances - once a year if designed for sweeping
Oil fired appliances - once a year

Are there any particular issues with birds nests?

Answer.
Yes. Firstly the birds and eggs are protected under the wildlife and Countryside Act and so cannot be removed during the nesting season. We will not remove birds’ nests until after Mid- July. Secondly they are a very messy and time consuming to remove, which involves the passing of a specialist brush head up and down through the chimney flue to ensure all debris is removed. It is common for a number of bin bags of debris to be cleared, which is why we charge more for their removal.

What are the best woods to use on the fire?

Answer.
Seasoned dry wood is always the best but the type of wood can also make a difference. Are there woods that are unsuitable? The answer is yes, and two are down right dangerous to the health! The firewood poem from the 1930’s describes the best to use and best to avoid nicely. The Firewood Poem

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We are passionate about safe chimneys

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