Hotspot Chimneys
Chimney Sweep, Chimney Maintenance & Stove Installation
T: 015397 38200
M: 07717822429
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
How
often does my chimney need sweeping?
In most cases a working chimney should be
swept annually as a minimum. The frequency will depend on a number
of factors such as, fuel used, appliance type, duration of use,
moisture content of wood/fuel, type of chimney and your home
insurance requirements. The sweeping frequencies below are for
guidance as recommend by The National Association of Chimney Sweeps
(NACS).
-
Wood burning appliances – Once a season when in use (every
3 months)
-
Smokeless fuel/coal – At least once a year
-
House / bituminous coal – At least twice a year
-
Gas or Oil – Once a year
Why do I need to have my chimney swept?
A chimney needs to allow for the free passage
of dangerous gasses. Regular cleaning will remove soot and other
deposits such as tar/creosote, helping prevent dangerous chimney
fires. Cleaning will increase the efficiency of some appliances.
Bird nests, cobwebs and other blockages will also be removed. Please
note, that most insurance companies will now request a copy of a
professional sweeping certificate (such as a NACS certificate) in
the event of a claim. In most cases the certificate must be no more
than 12 months old prior to the claim.
How
do you clean the chimney?
I can clean your chimney either the old
traditional way with rods and brushes, or the new most effective way
by ‘power sweeping’. Both methods have the same principle of
cleaning the chimney, but ‘power sweeping’ is most effective and
less likely to cause damage to chimney or appliance. I sweep around
97-99% of chimneys with the power sweeping equipment. Some customers
expect the hoover to clean the chimney. This is only used to contain
any dust caused whilst sweeping and whilst removing debris from the
fire place. Stoves & fire openings are all sealed off before any
sweeping takes place to ensure no dust enters the room.
I used to have an open
fire, I now have a wood burner / multi fuel stove, do I need to have
my chimney swept still?
Yes. And you may find it will need sweeping
more often than when it was used as an open fire.
I’m having problems with my fire, do you
offer advice on how to correct any problems?
Yes, as a NACS sweep I have knowledge on how
to solve the majority of appliance/chimney problems.
When is the best time of year to have my
chimney swept?
August to December are peak months and
bookings are generally several weeks in advance (in some cases
months). I would recommend getting your chimney swept after you have
finished using it in the spring, as the demand for sweeping
increases just as summer ends. Also, should a problem arise
following the sweep, that then needs repairing/attention before
using again. Then there is plenty of time to get it fixed (such as a
broken pot, loose bricks/damaged stack, stove rope repairs, new
parts for appliance).
How long does it take?
An average sweeping appointment is 1 hour
from arrival to signing certificate.
What happens to the soot/debris removed?
Any deposits removed will be left with the
customer to be disposed of in their general waste bin. This is as
advised to do so by NACS and the local authorities. Soot is classed
as a hazardous waste product and under law requires that the
waste product is disposed of accordingly. Therefore, only sweeps who
have a waste carriers license for hazardous materials can remove
waste from the customers address. However, if contained within the
hoover, it only applies once it has to be removed from (i.e. loose).
Does it make a mess?
Very rarely, a rare exception may be when the
chimney is blocked with a bird’s nest, then it is sometimes
difficult to contain all dust or if a stove/fire surround has been
badly fitted.
Do you cover the carpets?
Yes, I have approx 2 meter sq sheeting
(double sheeted) in front of the fireplace to place my sweeping
equipment on. If required I have runners from the fire place to your
front door also.
Do you cover furniture, electrical
items (ie TV’s) ?
No, however, feel free to cover any
furnishings/electrical appliances in the room. Majority of sweeps
undertaken have little to no mess in the room once completed. There
are some circumstances out of my control, which can cause minor soot
deposits in the room (i.e. birds nests removed/condemned appliances).
Do I need to do anything before you
arrive?
I require a clear passage to the fire
place with approx 2 meter sq area in front of the appliance. Ideally
all ash to be removed. And anything around the hearth such as fire
guards, ornaments, vases etc are also removed. If any pets are home,
it is advisable to ensure they are not in the room whilst the sweep
takes place, as they can often be distressed by the noise. The fire
appliance needs to be cold and have
no hot embers in. It is
advisable to ensure the fire is out before 9pm the day prior to the
sweep. Any fire deemed too hot or unsafe to sweep may incur a wasted
journey/missed booking fee. Feel free to cover any
furnishings/electrical appliances in the room. The majority of
chimneys that I have swept leave little to no mess in the room.
However, some circumstances out of my control can cause minor soot
deposits in the room (i.e. birds nests removed/condemned appliances).
Do you provide a certificate for each
sweep?
Yes, as a NACS member I can issue a
certificate for each sweep undertaken on the day. I also keep a copy
for my records for at least 2 – 3 years should you ever need a copy.
Please note, that most insurance companies will now request a copy
of a professional sweeping certificate (such as a NACS certificate)
in the event of a claim. In most cases the certificate must be no
more than 12 months old prior to the claim.
Do you have insurance for damages?
Yes, I have full public liability
insurance (£2m which is required as a NACS member).
How much will it cost to have my
chimney swept?
Prices will vary due to the following;
-
appliance type (open fire, inglenook, wood burner, multi fuel
stove, inset, aga, rayburn, oil boiler flue, gas fire)
-
chimney type (ie lined or not)
-
additional soot doors/access panels to remove debris
-
height of chimney (bungalow to several stories high)
-
time since last swept
-
blockages removed (tar/creosote, soot, birds, birds nests,
chimney balloons, other sweeps brushes left in chimney!)
-
volume removed (ash pan full to several black sacks)
- and
whether any repairs are required (such as flue joints sealing,
new door rope etc).
Majority of sweeps cost £50 – £55 on
average.
Does your price include VAT?
No. Due to VAT requirements, I do not
have to be VAT registered, therefore no VAT is charged or included
in the price given.
How long have you been a sweep and
what other experience do you have?
I have been sweeping since summer 2011
and have been trained and assessed to be a member of NACS.
Previously I have worked in finance and as manager for a large
transport firm.
What areas/towns/villages do you
cover?
Generally within Cumbria.
Do you install Carbon Monoxide Alarms?
Yes. I also carry these on my van.
Can I ask another question?
Yes, either call me or send me an email
with your question.
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