how often to sweep a chimney

[petemurphy]

hi,

had my chimney swept last year dec / jan time does it need doing again before the winter's first fires or can i get away with it?

thanks

[limjamrace]

Depends on what fuel you are using i guess.
Worst must be Pinewood as it sticks resin.
I'm lucky to have a set of rods so i can do mine anytime i wish.Don't know how much that sort of thing cost nowadays. My parents pre-smokeless fuels used to have the chim swept when it needed it.

[petemurphy]

using wood logs - as to the type erm havent a clue

[limjamrace]

More likely Willow as it doesn't need seasoning. Does it crack and spit?
If so keep your guard up.
I'm lucky as my workplace location is on a tree plantation. I get unlimited amount of Ash ,Hawthorn/Blackthorn hardwood and have loads seasoning.
Going to start marketing it..Do you live near Loughborough?

[Wings]

I am just going through the process of having a multifuel stove installed, have had four installers carry out a survey of fireplace and chimney. Of the four only one has stated that I need an outside entry made into the outside chimney, in order that the chimney can be swept.

Firstly is there no other way of cleaning the chimney rather than outside, can’t one disconnect stove and clean chimney ( 7” clay pot chimney) from inside, and how successful are the powders for cleaning.

Lastly I have rods, mainly used for sewage drains, can one buy a 5”, 6” or 7” brush for attaching to rods, rather than the standard 16” head.

[petemurphy]

limjamrace said:

More likely Willow as it doesn't need seasoning. Does it crack and spit?
If so keep your guard up.
I'm lucky as my workplace location is on a tree plantation. I get unlimited amount of Ash ,Hawthorn/Blackthorn hardwood and have loads seasoning.
Going to start marketing it..Do you live near Loughborough?

kent unfortunatly!

[pidsy]

Here at work we have all of the used fireplaces in the main house and cottages done every year before it gets cold. The certificate we are given for each one is passed on to our insurers.

We pay about £60 per chimney.

[Total loss]

Last Nov. we paid £40 (in Hampshire)for the one chimney to be swept and got the certificate to show it had been swept. Once a year was recommended.

[skeggysteve]

Years ago when we moved into our first house with open fires my BiL told me never to call the fire brigade if you have a chimney fire as they will stick a hose down the chimney and flood your room!

He also said that if you only burnt coal then don't bother having it swept, if the chimney catches fire just pour a bit of water on the fire so the steam goes up the chimney and puts out the chimney fire.
Sort of make sense I suppose but I still have ours swept every two years.

BTW BiL was a fireman!

[Puggit]

Check your insurance smallprint - it probably requires an annual sweep...

[petemurphy]

hmm sounds like for the 40-50 quid its worth it! thanks