During the colder months, the allure of a crackling fireplace becomes irresistible. However, the warmth and ambience that a fireplace brings also come with responsibility – the maintenance of your chimney.   In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the signs that indicate your chimney needs attention, the repercussions of neglecting this vital maintenance task, the myriad reasons behind regular chimney sweeping, and whether chimney maintenance is a legal requirement.     What Are The Signs That A Chimney Needs Sweeping?   Before you light that first fire of the seaso ..read more

It’s that time of the year when everyone craves the natural warmth of a log burner. They’re incredibly comforting and a wonderful addition to any home. But whether you’re a current wood burner owner or are considering purchasing one, you might have one question on your mind. ‍ What’s the best fuel for wood burners? It’s a question worth asking, because not all wood is equal. Some species are better than others when it comes to wood burner use thanks to their heat output, ease of ignition, and flame length. ‍ In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at the different types of fuel you can sou ..read more

If you’re looking into chimneys for any reason at all, you may have reached the inevitable point where you start to ask one very important question. What’s the difference between a flue and a chimney?   At first glance, they seem pretty similar, and, indeed, are regularly interchanged as ways to describe what most ‘normal’ people know as “the chimney on our house”. However, if you’re one of those chimney owners, it really is a good idea to get your head around the difference between a flue and a chimney, because if you ever need to troubleshoot it yourself, you’ll at least have something ..read more

You might have a pre-defined image of a chimney sweep, and that’s entirely understandable; these aren’t the sort of people you come into contact with regularly, after all. However, if that image is one of a soot-covered young boy emerging from your fireplace with a flimsy brush in his quivering right hand, you’ll be glad to hear we left that era many, many moons ago. Modern chimney sweeps are experts at their craft and, would you believe, enter the industry completely on their own accord. It may also surprise you to hear that the founder of SweepSmart was actually a restaurant manager before h ..read more

The sight of debris in your fireplace may raise concerns, but rest assured, it’s not uncommon for some debris to find its way down the chimney. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent if you have a gas or electric fire or if your fireplace is rarely used. To comprehend why debris falls, it’s essential to explore the construction of chimneys.     What is falling down my Chimney? More commonly, bits of crunchy sandy deposit fall down the chimney – Chimneys are often lined with a material known as ‘pargeting.’ The composition of pargeting mortar can vary, depending on the age of the ..read more

It’s that time of year again, we are all packing our Christmas decorations away. The big question is –  How are you going to get rid of that over-sized tree standing in your sitting room? If you have a wood burning appliance it may make sense to chop it up and burn it during a cold January. ‍ Is it safe to burn your Christmas tree? No! As a professional chimney sweep it is very common for us to see a few chopped branches of a Christmas tree sat next to the fire ready to be burnt but burning the tree can have very dangerous consequences. ‍ Christmas trees were probably ..read more

The Industrial Revolution, marked by technological advancements and increased urbanisation, brought about a reliance on coal as the primary fuel for domestic heating. In bustling, overcrowded cities, the resulting foggy smoke from chimney fires became a ubiquitous sight. Amidst this era emerged the indispensable figure of the chimney sweep, tasked with averting potentially catastrophic home fires caused by the accumulation of soot within chimneys.   The Challenge: Coal’s unique composition produced a stubborn soot that adhered persistently to chimney surfaces. Scraping became necessary to ..read more

As the weather gets colder and the cosy crackling of a fireplace becomes more inviting, it’s important to be aware of the hidden dangers that can lurk in our chimneys. Chimney fires are more common than you might think and can cause devastating damage to your home and put your family at risk.   In this article, we will delve into the alarming facts and lesser-known risks associated with chimney fires, equipping you with the knowledge you need to keep your loved ones and property safe. From the causes and warning signs to preventive measures and maintenance tips, we’ll explore every aspec ..read more

Wooden stoves are a great way to keep your home warm and cosy during the winter months. They are efficient and environmentally friendly, but if you want to get the most out of your wood-burning stove, there are a few things you can do. Here are seven ways to maximise your stove’s efficiency and get the most heat from it. Choose the right wood  Choosing the right type of wood can have a big impact on the heat output of your stove. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash burn hotter and longer than softwoods like pine and spruce. Hardwoods are also denser, which means they produce more heat per ..read more

The roof is one of the most important structures of a building. It’s essential for protecting the interior from the elements, and it also plays a key role in maintaining the building’s energy efficiency. The chimney is a crucial component of any roof, and it’s responsible for venting smoke and dangerous gases from the fireplace. Therefore, if there is a leak in the chimney, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. However, we don’t recommend calling a roofer to fix a leaking chimney. We’ll explore the five reasons why calling a roofer may not be the best option.   Mi ..read more