Jackdaws Nesting in Chimneys: UK Season, Signs and Removal
Learn when jackdaws nest in UK chimneys, the warning signs, legal protections and how a jackdaw nest is professionally removed and swept.
Creosote and Tar in Chimneys: Signs, Risks and Removal
Learn what causes tar and creosote in chimneys, the warning signs, associated risks and when ordinary sweeping or specialist removal is required.
Victorian Chimneys: How They Were Built and Why They Cause Problems Today
Victorian chimneys were built as masonry flues, typically with an internal parged or rendered surface rather than the separate flexible stainless-steel liner commonly fitted to modern stove installations. Many of…
How Long Does a Chimney Liner Last?
A flexible stainless-steel chimney liner can last 20–30 years when it has been installed correctly, the appliance is used properly and the chimney is swept regularly. But there is no…
Chimney Liner Problems: Signs, Causes and What to Do
Problems with a chimney flue or liner are not always obvious from inside the room. Some are found during routine sweeping, while others first become apparent because of smoke smells,…
Do I Need a Chimney Liner?
You do not need a chimney liner simply because your chimney is old. Whether a chimney needs relining depends on how it will be used, the appliance being connected, the…
What Is a Chimney Liner?
A chimney liner is the inner surface or lining of a chimney flue that comes into contact with the smoke and combustion gases travelling up the chimney. Depending on the…
Missing a Stove Installation Certificate? What to Do
If you have moved into a property with a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove and cannot find the installation certificate, the first step is to establish whether the installation was notified…
How Does Santa Fit Down the Chimney? A Chimney Sweep Explains
Every Christmas, children ask a very sensible question: how does Santa actually fit down the chimney? It's a good question. Chimneys look enormous in Christmas films, but as chimney sweeps,…
Soot Acid Erosion in Chimneys: Causes, Damage and Prevention
Soot left inside a chimney can absorb moisture. Over time, the resulting acidic conditions can contribute to deterioration of the materials inside the flue. It is one of the reasons…