Chimney safety is sadly seen as a bit of a joke.  All too often people put off getting their chimney swept. The don’t call the chimney sweep as they consider chimney sweeping less than important, not realising the potential damage that can be done. A certified chimney sweep will be able to advise you as to the need and frequency of chimney sweeping based on your usage, appliance type and fuel burnt.

An unswept chimney is a danger in a number of ways. Blockages, partial blockages and unsuitable terminals can cause carbon monoxide to be vented back into the living space.  High levels of monoxide are an obvious risk to health and well-being as high levels can kill quite quickly. What is not so well known though is that even low levels can cause heart disease, and the symptoms of such low levels are worryingly easy to misdiagnose.

The other big risk when you don’t call out the chimney sweep is of course a chimney fire.  In old or thatched houses, the danger is obvious, but even in a modern, well maintained property, a chimney fire can cause structural damage, as it can split the stack and shatter the liner, involving you in considerable expense and the trouble involved in repairing and relining the chimney. Chimney fires burn at very high temperatures, and only the fireplace is lined with fire bricks designed to withstand high temperatures. Chimneys simply can’t stand it if the temperature gets too high.

Also, during a chimney fire, lumps of burning soot and tar can fall down the chimney and bounce out onto the carpet, again causing serious damage and inconvenience.