Professional Chimney Sweeping Services

What is Chimney Sweeping?

Chimney sweeping is the professional cleaning of chimneys and flues to remove soot, creosote, tar deposits, and blockages that accumulate from burning wood, coal, or other fuels. This essential maintenance service ensures your chimney operates safely and efficiently.

At Soot Happens Ltd, we provide comprehensive chimney sweeping services using traditional brushing methods combined with modern power sweeping equipment and industrial vacuum systems. Every sweep includes a thorough inspection and smoke draw test to ensure your chimney is functioning properly.

Our Chimney Sweeping Prices

Why Regular Chimney Sweeping is Essential

1. Prevent Dangerous Chimney Fires

When wood or coal burns, it produces creosote - a highly flammable tar-like substance that sticks to the inside of your chimney. Over time, this buildup becomes thicker and more combustible. A single spark can ignite creosote, causing a chimney fire that can reach temperatures of over 1,000°C and spread to your roof structure.

Regular professional sweeping removes this dangerous buildup before it becomes a fire hazard.

2. Reduce Carbon Monoxide Risk

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas. If your chimney is blocked or restricted by soot, bird nests, or debris, CO cannot escape properly and may enter your living space instead. This is one of the most serious risks of an unmaintained chimney.

Professional chimney sweeping ensures proper ventilation, allowing dangerous gases to escape safely. We always recommend having working carbon monoxide detectors in any room with a fuel-burning appliance.

3. Improve Heating Efficiency

A blocked or dirty chimney doesn't draw properly, meaning:

• Your fire burns less efficiently
• You use more fuel to achieve the same heat
• Smoke may enter the room instead of going up the chimney
• Your stove or fireplace may be difficult to light or keep burning

A clean chimney draws better, burns hotter, and costs you less in fuel over the heating season.

4. Meet Insurance Requirements

Most UK home insurance policies require that chimneys be swept annually if they're in regular use. Without proof of professional sweeping (a certificate), you may find your insurance claim is rejected if you experience a chimney-related fire or damage.

We provide a digital certificate after every sweep, emailed to you immediately and stored securely in your customer portal. This certificate is accepted by all major UK insurance companies.

5. Comply with Legal Requirements

In smoke control areas across Kent (including parts of Medway, Gravesham, Dartford, and Canterbury), you have legal obligations regarding your chimney and what you burn. Regular professional maintenance is part of demonstrating responsible use of your heating appliance.

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Swept?

The frequency of chimney sweeping depends on how you use your fireplace or stove:

• Heavy use (daily during winter): At least twice per year - once before the heating season and once during
• Regular use (2-3 times per week): Once per year, ideally before the heating season begins
• Occasional use (monthly or less): Once per year
• Smokeless fuel: At least once per year
• Bituminous coal: Twice per year (produces more tar and creosote)
• Wood: Once per year (seasoned wood) or twice per year (if burning any unseasoned wood)

What Happens During a Chimney Sweep?

Before We Start

We'll need clear access to your fireplace or stove. Please remove any decorative items from the hearth and nearby furniture. We use dust sheets and industrial vacuum equipment to minimise mess, but it's helpful to have the area clear.

The Sweeping Process

1. Initial Inspection: We visually inspect your fireplace, stove, and flue from the accessible areas
2. Protection: We lay dust sheets and set up our vacuum system to contain soot and dust
3. Sweeping: We use professional brushes and rods (or rotary power sweeping for stubborn deposits) to thoroughly clean the entire length of the flue
4. Smoke Test: We conduct a smoke pellet test to ensure the chimney is drawing properly and there are no leaks
5. Cleanup: We remove all debris, vacuum the area, and leave your property as clean as we found it
6. Advice: We discuss any issues found and provide recommendations for maintenance or repairs if needed
7. Certificate: Your digital certificate is emailed immediately upon job completion

How Long Does It Take?

A straightforward chimney sweep typically takes 45-60 minutes. More complex chimneys (such as large inglenooks, very dirty flues, or those that haven't been swept in years) may take longer.

What If We Find a Bird's Nest?

Bird nests are sometimes discovered during sweeping, particularly in chimneys that haven't been used recently. Often, these nests cannot be detected before we start work as they may be high up in the flue.

If we discover a nest during your sweep:

• We'll stop work and discuss the situation with you
• Nest removal is a separate service (£100) due to the additional time and equipment required
• We'll explain whether removal is immediately necessary or can wait (if outside nesting season)
• If you choose to proceed, we'll remove the nest safely and complete the sweep
• We can advise on bird guard installation to prevent future nesting

Signs Your Chimney Needs Sweeping

Don't wait for an annual sweep if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Smoke entering the room instead of going up the chimney
• Strong sooty or tarry smell from the fireplace
• Reduced draw - fire difficult to light or keep burning
• Black soot falling into the fireplace
• Visible black tar deposits (creosote) inside the chimney opening
• Animal noises or debris falling down the chimney
• Excessive smoke production when fire is burning

If you notice any of these signs, book a sweep as soon as possible and avoid using the fireplace until it has been cleaned and inspected.

Preparing for Your Chimney Sweep Appointment

• Ensure the fireplace/stove has been cold for at least 24 hours before our visit
• Clear the hearth area of decorative items, fire tools, and logs
• Move furniture or rugs away from the immediate fireplace area if possible
• Ensure we have clear access to the property and fireplace
• If you have pets, please secure them in another room for safety
• Let us know about any access issues (narrow doorways, steep stairs, etc.) when booking

After Your Chimney Sweep

Once we've completed the sweep:

• Your chimney is safe to use immediately (once any dust has settled)
• You'll receive your digital certificate via email within minutes
• Keep this certificate for your insurance records (it's also stored in your customer portal)
• We'll have advised you of any issues found and recommended action if needed
• Book your next sweep for 12 months' time (or sooner if you're a heavy user)

Why Choose Soot Happens for Chimney Sweeping?

• ICS Registered: Member of the Independent Chimney Sweeps association
• Fully Insured: £1 million public liability insurance
• Digital Certificates: Emailed immediately and stored securely in your customer portal
• Transparent Pricing: See costs before booking - no hidden fees
• Professional Standards: Every sweep includes smoke testing and inspection
• Same-Day Response: We reply to all enquiries the same working day
• Kent-Based: Local service with local knowledge of Kent properties