Fires of London

CHIMNEY SWEEPING

Professional Chimney Sweeping for Safer, More Efficient Fires

A working chimney should be swept and tested regularly to ensure the safe passage of harmful combustion gases and to prevent creosote build-up. Creosote is a natural by-product of burning fuels such as wood, coal, oil and gas, and if left untreated it can create serious safety risks.

Regular chimney sweeping removes soot, bird nests, cobwebs and other blockages that can affect chimney performance. It can also help improve the efficiency of your fireplace, stove or heating appliance.

The frequency of chimney sweeping depends on several factors, including the type of fuel used, the appliance, how often it is in use and the construction of the chimney or flue. If your flue has been lined, it is especially important to follow the manufacturer’s guidance, as many warranties require annual sweeping to remain valid.

We also recommend having your chimney swept before replacing or upgrading a fire appliance, and especially when moving into a property with an existing fireplace, stove or flue system.

Recommended Chimney Sweeping Frequency

The following guidance is based on recommendations from the National Association of Chimney Sweepers:

  • Smokeless fuel: at least once a year

  • Wood: every 3 months when in use

  • Bituminous coal: every 3 months when in use

  • Oil: once a year

  • Gas: once a year

Our Chimney Sweep Service London

At Fires of London, we provide a professional chimney sweeping service carried out by qualified and experienced chimney sweeps. Every visit is completed with care and attention, ensuring minimal mess and disruption to your home.

As part of the service, your chimney can also be tested and certified where appropriate, giving you added peace of mind that your flue is operating safely and efficiently.

A Healthy Chimney Means a Healthier Home

As well as sweeping the chimney or liner with specialist brushes to remove soot and debris, we also assess the overall condition of the chimney and flue system, including:

  • Chimney terminal condition and suitability

  • Chimney stack condition

  • Flue design and overall condition

  • Ventilation location and size

  • Flue integrity and draught testing

  • Flue height and diameter

  • Flue construction

  • Recommended remedial works, where needed

At the end of the inspection process, we provide a written report detailing the condition of the chimney and flue system, along with any recommendations where appropriate. If we identify any serious issues during the visit, these will be discussed with you immediately.

CCTV Chimney Inspections

For more complex or ongoing chimney problems, Fires of London can carry out a visual inspection using portable chimney CCTV inspection cameras. This allows us to capture high-quality images and video from inside the chimney or flue, helping us identify faults, obstructions, damage or defects that may not be visible during a standard sweep.

Flue Pressure Testing

Fires of London also offer flue pressure testing. This process involves sealing the chimney at both the top and bottom and measuring internal pressure levels to determine whether there are any leaks in the flue system.

The test equipment provides a clear visual printout of the results, helping to assess the safety and integrity of the chimney.

Why Regular Chimney Clearing Matters

Many insurance companies now require homeowners with open fires or wood-burning stoves to have their chimney or flue swept at least once a year as part of their policy terms and conditions. Regular maintenance not only supports compliance, but also helps protect your property, improve appliance performance and reduce fire risk.

Book Chimney Sweeping and Testing

Whether you need routine chimney sweeping, chimney testing, CCTV flue inspection or pressure testing, Fires of London is here to help.

Contact us today to arrange a professional chimney sweep and inspection.

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Chimney Sweeping

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Flue Linings & Fans

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Maintenance

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