FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
WHAT AREAS DO YOU COVER FOR CHIMNEY SWEEPING IN HAMPSHIRE?
I am a Hampshire-based chimney sweep covering Petersfield, Liphook, Haslemere, Horndean, Clanfield, Alton, Alresford, Wickham, Bishops Waltham, Fareham and all the surrounding towns and villages.
IS CHIMNEY SWEEPING A MESSY JOB?
Not as messy as you might think! At Meon Valley Chimney Sweep, I use plenty of dust sheets and a powerful HEPA filtered vacuum to ensure that soot and debris does not enter your property. I will leave your stove or fireplace clean and tidy.
HOW LONG DOES CHIMNEY SWEEPING TAKE?
Ordinarily, it will take around an hour to sweep a chimney thoroughly. This includes carrying out any minor jobs such as stove rope reattachment and cleaning the stove glass. If there are any problems or blockages, it can sometimes take longer.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY CHIMNEY TO BE SWEPT?
Please make sure your fireplace or stove is unmade and has cooled down. Remove any breakable items and furniture away from the fireplace, leaving me at least 2 meters of space in which to work if possible.
Agas will need to be turned off the night before your appointment to allow it to cool fully.
ARE YOU INSURED AS A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP?
Yes, at Meon Valley Chimney Sweep I am insured with Axa and have public liability insurance for up to 5 million pounds, as well as professional indemnity insurance.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CHIMNEY SWEPT IN THE UK?
It depends upon the type of fuel you burn and how often you use your stove or fireplace. Stove and flue manufacturers recommend the following...
Smokeless fuel - at least once a year
Wood and/or bituminous coal - quarterly
Gas or oil - yearly
I find that most customers in Hampshire burning wood or smokeless fuel during only the winter months normally require a sweep once a year, or twice in exceptional circumstances. If you live in a thatched property, check the requirements of your insurer.
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WHY IS CHIMNEY SWEEPING IMPORTANT?
Regular and careful sweeping by a professional, NVQ qualified sweep will prolong the life of your flue and appliance, and help it to burn more efficiently and reduce emissions. Without sweeping, soot and/or tar will build up, reducing the diameter of your flue and increasing the risk of a chimney fire. A blocked chimney can also cause dangerous carbon monoxide gas to enter your property. Some insurance companies now insist upon proof of your chimney being swept, and if you live in one of the many beautiful thatched properties in Hampshire, you must also have your flue inspected regularly using CCTV equipment.
The cost of a chimney sweep in Hampshire typically ranges from £70 - £100 depending upon the type of chimney and appliance. At Meon Valley Chimney Sweep, a standard sweep costs £85 and includes cctv flue inspection, smoke test, safety checks and a certificate for insurance purposes.
DO LOG BURNERS NEED SWEEPING EVERY YEAR?
Yes, they do. It's not just soot removal that occurs when your log burner is swept. During a sweep, I will be checking the internal parts of the stove for wear, inspecting the condition of the flue liner and giving advice on safety and maintenance to keep your stove in good working order for many years to come. Without sweeping, your flue liner will corrode and need replacing more quickly, and you are putting yourself at risk of a chimney fire. Think of it as an MOT for your log burner.
WILL I GET A CERTIFICATE AFTER CHIMNEY SWEEPING?
Absolutely. Each appliance will have its own certificate issued after sweeping. Any advisories will be recorded on the certificate
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHIMNEY IS BLOCKED?
If you suspect that your chimney is blocked, please let me know at the point of booking so that I can allow extra time. If I find a blockage whilst I am at your property, I will let you know the nature of the blockage and remove it if possible. The most common cause of chimney blockages are jackdaw nests or bees' nests. If the blockage can be removed within the hour (and they normally can), no extra charges will apply.
Yes, I would recommend that you do. Chimneys are not covered in most survey reports, other than the external condition, and stove installations are not inspected closely. At Meon Valley Chimney Sweep, I routinely carry out CCTV inspections and offer drone surveys to determine the condition of the chimney inside and out. A sweep and inspection will quickly ascertain whether the fireplace or log burner is in safe working order.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHIMNEY NEEDS SWEEPING?
Signs that your chimney may need sweeping include poor draw, smoke entering the room, a strong smell of soot, or visible soot build-up on top of the baffle plate or in the grate. In Hampshire, many customers book an annual sweep as soon as they have finished using their chimney to ensure that it is safe and working efficiently for the coming winter. If you're unsure, Meon Valley Chimney Sweep can inspect and advise.
CAN I SWEEP MY OWN CHIMNEY?
Yes, by all means! In just the same way that you can service your own vehicle, it is perfectly possible for you to sweep your own chimney. However, do be aware that most of the kits available on line are not of a high quality and the brush head may not be suitable for your chimney and could cause damage. I have rescued several customers who have found that the rods have become unattached part way up their flue and/or the brush head supplied has got caught and damaged the flue liner. It is also worth noting that if a stove is not serviced by a professional, the warranty may not be valid and if there is a more serious problem, an insurance company is unlikely to accept your claim with no service history.