Home Chimney sweeping When the sweep visits
The sweep depends on you to be able to do the job. A few simple preparations make the visit quicker, safer and cheaper.
Why it matters
To keep costs down, it helps if the sweep can get in on the notified day and time. If a property cannot be swept on the planned day and a return visit is needed, an extra call-out fee is charged according to the sweeping rates.
When you are notified that sweeping will take place, you make the work easier by preparing the following before the sweep arrives.
Rebooking two days before the notified visit is appreciated — and free of charge. If you want a completely different time from when we are working in your area, that is fine too, but a fee may apply if we have to make the trip for your property alone.
Rebook your appointmentChecklist
The property owner is responsible for making sure the sweep can climb onto and move around the roof safely — including keeping ladders free of snow and ice. Check that the roof ladders are secure and that a slip guard is fitted at the eaves next to the roof ladder, so the ground ladder cannot slide sideways. In winter, it helps to clear a path to the ground ladder.
Move rugs and furniture out of the way, and cover delicate surfaces and floors on the way to and around the fireplace.
Make sure there is plenty of space around whatever is to be swept, and remove fragile objects from around the fireplace.
Put a few newspapers down by the fireplace and have a non-combustible container with a lid ready for the soot.
A fire safety inspection checks the entire flue, inside and out. That means any attic must be accessible during the inspection, as must every other space the chimney passes through.
Wood- and pellet-fired boilers must be extinguished and cooled down before they can be swept. The same applies to other fireplaces such as wood stoves, tiled stoves and wood-burning cookers.
Also remember
If you are not at home
You are welcome to leave the key in an agreed place or with a neighbour — then tell the sweeping office where it is. Make sure there is clear access to the boiler, feel free to put newspapers down where the sweep will walk, and protect any furniture standing close to the fireplace.
Just show the sweep where the ladder is kept and they will get it out. If it is stored a long way from where it is needed, it may cost a little extra.