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Original poster

First time chimney owner - please tell me about sweeping

15 replies

arabellarockafella · 03/09/2018 22:44

We've just bought a house with an open fire and chimney, which we know were used by the previous owner. I'm aware we need to get it swept. What does this involve, how long does it take, and is it messy?

Also, our survey said we should get the flue "checked" to see if the flue lining is decayed. Is this something a knowledgeable chimney sweep will do anyway as part of the sweeping service, or do I need to ask for it as an extra service?

OP posts:
Lavalamped · 03/09/2018 22:48

I'm in a property with a chimney now. Not in use at the moment but will be soon. We had it swept as a load of dust was coming out of it after we had opened it back up. It took around 30 minutes if that and the chimney sweep lined it with a sheet and had a huge hoover so it wasn't messy at all. There's still the odd bit of dust (and bird poo!) that drops down though

Lavalamped · 03/09/2018 22:50

I'd call a couple of chimney sweepers and ask if they can check the flue also. Our chimney sweep is qualified to fit log burners also. I'd imagine a fair few would be able to do both for you

meala · 03/09/2018 22:56

My chimney sweep comes once a year. Absolutely no mess. They cover everything. They check the chimney with a smoke making device too. £70ish charge. It takes about 30 minutes and they provide a certificate to confirm that it had been swept and is in good working order.

hlr1987 · 03/09/2018 23:47

I think any reputable sweep will check the flue by sending smoke up after cleaning, mine did and walked all around the house to make sure no smoke was leaking. He also went over where to properly fit a carbon monoxide alarm in the room and warning signs for any issues. No mess left at all, but they get booked up really far in advance!

Catquest1 · 03/09/2018 23:56

Some friends of ours were told by a sweep to get their set ups checked as he wasn't happy with their installation (And refused to sweep them in the end) Both log burners were condemned instantly by a local reputable company. Potentially saved their their lives they were so bad

Original poster
arabellarockafella · 04/09/2018 09:54

I'm being quoted £85 for a basic sweep, or £180 with a smoke test, and £250 for the addition of a camera survey. This is outer London, so probably expensive compared to other places. I will get some comparative quotes, but is it worth getting the camera survey do you think?

OP posts:
Original poster
arabellarockafella · 04/09/2018 09:55

@meala if your chimney sweep covers SW London, please pm me the details.

OP posts:
meala · 04/09/2018 13:10

I'm Scotland so don't think my chimney sweep would travel that far 🙂

Dadsussex · 05/09/2018 19:20

How old is the flue?

When was it installed?

Did the surveyor say why the flue was potentially decaying?

As for a sweep, it’s generally £50 here in Somerset and that includes a smoke test.

A smoke test is literally a smoke capsule the sweep heats up after the sweep to ensure there is no leakage through the chimney. I’ve never heard of a sweep charging extra for a smoke test, that’s odd

The camera inspection may be worth it if you are worried about the chimney ... but only really worth it if the sweep is concerned after the sweep is done and smoke test done

catinapickle · 05/09/2018 19:34

Thanks. He didn't say it was decaying - he was just covering himself by saying we should get it "checked". It's a late 1930s property and I assume the chimney is original.

MeMeMeow85 · 06/09/2018 08:41

Try to book an appointment as soon as possible. Once it starts to get cold, IME it’s usually a long waiting time get an appointment!

We moved into a rental last year. Expensive place managed by one of the posh national EAs (I’d assumed the quality/service would be better; it’s not!). They told me that the chimneys had been swept “recently”. I insisted that they were done again the same week I moved in. Both log burners were condemned!! They were out of action for a few weeks waiting for repairs. Definitely worth checking that yours is properly fitted.

P.s. they use lots of dust sheets and no mess when ours have been swept.

MrsMozart · 06/09/2018 09:04

Ta! You've reminded me to book in.

Sweeps are usually lovely, quick and clean.

OP we've never paid that sort of money! Can't think how much, so it's definitely not been anywhere near those figures. Do you have neighbours with working fireplaces?

Dayz0fft4 · 06/09/2018 22:09

Yearly sweep £50 for open fire, he used a big hoover/vacuum. House was extremely draughty when using the open fire. Had a wood burner installed and the difference was amazing. No draughts, house much warmer ‼

somewhereovertherain · 06/09/2018 22:26

Ours swept last week cost £25 and took 30 minutes got certificate of works and no mess. Get it done every couple of years as don’t use it that often.

roses2 · 07/09/2018 15:29

I paid £75 for a basic sweep 2 years ago in NW London so your quote isn't far off.

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