Why We're the Best Chimney Sweeping Company in Essex & Hertfordshire

Smoke coming from your stove usually indicates poor ventilation, blocked flue, incorrect fuel, or improper lighting technique. Check if your chimney needs sweeping, ensure you're using dry seasoned wood, and verify your damper is fully open. If problems persist, contact our HETAS certified team for professional inspection.

Signs include smoke entering the room, poor fire performance, strong odors, white staining on the chimney exterior, and animals or birds sounds. Blockages can be caused by bird nests, debris, or structural damage. Professional chimney inspection and cleaning can identify and resolve these issues safely.

Install a chimney bird guard or cowl after the nesting season (avoid disturbing active nests as it's illegal). Our team provides humane bird nest removal services and installs preventive guards. Regular chimney maintenance and proper capping prevent future nesting attempts.

Poor draw can be caused by blocked chimney, insufficient chimney height, external wind conditions, or air pressure issues in your home. Ensure adequate ventilation, check for blockages, and consider if recent home improvements have affected airflow. Professional assessment can identify specific causes and solutions.

UK guidelines recommend annual sweeping for regular use, twice yearly for heavy use (more than 3 times per week), and at least once for occasional use. Oil-fired appliances should be swept annually, while gas appliances need annual inspection by a Gas Safe engineer. HETAS recommends professional sweeping for all solid fuel appliances.

Prevent chimney fires by using only dry, seasoned wood, regular professional sweeping, proper ventilation, avoiding overloading your stove, and never burning treated wood or rubbish. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and have your chimney inspected annually by HETAS certified professionals.

Creosote is a tar-like substance that forms when wood smoke condenses in your chimney. It's highly flammable and a major cause of chimney fires. It builds up faster when burning wet wood or operating stoves at low temperatures. Professional chimney sweeping removes creosote buildup and reduces fire risk significantly.

While DIY chimney sweeping is possible, it requires proper equipment, safety knowledge, and experience to identify problems. Professional sweeps provide comprehensive inspection, proper cleaning techniques, and safety certification. For insurance and safety reasons, we recommend professional HETAS certified chimney sweeping services.