FAQ
Carbon Monoxide and solid fuel
Many people think that carbon monoxide only comes from gas appliances but the truth is that ANY fuel that burns creates carbon monoxide.
By now we should all know that carbon monoxide is a very dangerous, colourless, odourless gas, all appliances installed since 1st October 2010 must have a carbon monoxide detector fitted in the same room.
But for a little better understanding, let's take a quick trip back to high school chemistry class. The fuels you burn for home heating are mostly compounds known as hydrocarbons (hydrogen + carbon). In your appliance these hydrocarbons are mixed with oxygen and burned to produce heat. When your appliance and chimney are working properly, the fuel is burned more or less completely and the resulting fumes are mainly carbon dioxide (carbon + 2 oxygen atoms) and water vapour. If your appliance doesn't get enough oxygen, either because the house is too air tight or the chimney isn't functioning properly, carbon monoxide (carbon +1 oxygen atom) is produced instead. It's the lack of that one little oxygen atom that causes all the trouble.
What carbon monoxide does to you
Too much carbon monoxide in your blood will kill you. Most of us know we should avoid this. Less well known is the fact that low-level exposure to this gas also endangers your health.
In the body the red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. It can do this because the chemical bonds between the oxygen and the haemoglobin are weak enabling the red cells to easily drop the oxygen where it is needed. Carbon monoxide forms a more permanent bond with haemoglobin which cannot normally be broken and prevents the blood transporting oxygen to the body tissues.
The side effects that can result from this low-level exposure include permanent organ and brain damage. Infants and the elderly are more susceptible than healthy adults, as are those with anaemia or heart disease.
The symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning are so easily mistaken for those of the common cold, flu or exhaustion that proper diagnosis can be delayed. Because of this, be sure to see your doctor about persistent, flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue or generalized depression.
Why chimney maintenance is important
When fuels burn in an appliance, the fumes that are the by-products of combustion-including carbon monoxide - are released into the chimney. Removing these fumes from the living area is the main purpose of a chimney. In addition to carrying off toxic gases, chimneys also create the draught (flow of air) that provides the proper air and fuel mixture for efficient operation of the heating appliance. Unfortunately, many chimneys in daily use in homes throughout the country either are improperly sized or have conditions that make them unable to perform their intended function.
Before Sweeping
We ask that the Mantle and Hearth area are clear of any items, along with any leftover fuel and ash removed from the fire.
The chimney stack, pot and cowlings are visually inspected before sweeping, but if you are aware of any problems or have any concerns, please advise.
Poor weather conditions
Whatever the weather you have no need to worry! We provide all the necessary floor covering to ensure your home is protected.
Sweeping
Open fires
The method used for cleaning open fires is by rod and brush, a large selection of rods and brushes are carried to complete any cleaning process.
The majority of openings, are sealed during sweeping with specially adapted low density foam along with a sealed sheet. This ensures no soot deposits leak or escape.
We use the latest vacuum systems from Sturdy Vac, the model used is SVK30 Twin Motor with a 3 stage filtration system. This is designed specifically for chimney sweeps and meets with the industry standards.
Wood burning / multi-fuel stoves
Stoves that are lined: We quite often get asked as to how we can clean a stove with a lined flue. This is done using a Viper reel with a star brush, the reel is made from continuous flexible fibreglass with a PA coating. This causes no damage to the liner.
Finishing
When the sweeping is finished, the area is thoroughly cleaned via the vacuum. A smoke test is carried out to check the draw and efficiency of the chimney. As well as the standard test we make sure the appliance is checked for their safety and condition, any advisories are noted on the provided certification. Soot deposits are safely removed from the premises.
Sweeping Frequency
Smokeless coal : At least once a year (often believed to not need cleaning)
Wood: Once a season when in use on open fires, twice a season for stoves
Bituminous coal: Twice a year
Oil: Once a year
Gas: Once a year
Certification
As a Guild member a certificate is issued at every chimney swept and is recognised within the Insurance industry. The basis of the certificate is to provide you with the satisfaction that the work carried out has been completed by a competent qualified member.
See the National Code of Practice for Chimney Sweeps here
Book your chimney sweep service - contact us today
Why our customers choose us
Fast, efficient service
Commercial & domestic
Fully qualified and fully insured
Highly skilled and experienced team
Established since 1980
Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps certified
Member of the European Federation of Chimney Sweeps
We're ALWAYS clean and tidy!
