Devon|Exeter Chimney Sweep|Sweep

This is probably the most often asked question.

As a guide use the below table to provide you with the frequency dependent on your appliance. The vast majority of people think about getting swept just before the winter which is fine but is clearly the busiest period for a sweep. If you can book a sweep from us in August onwards you are most likely to get the time and day of your choosing, plus you will be ready for winter ahead of time, one less thing to worry about. More importantly if any problems are discovered they can be sorted out before the winter so you aren't left without your appliance.

If you are having things like soot/debris falling, cold air/downdrafts, the sound of birds or dropping twigs then don't delay in calling us, things wont improve over time! We can get them sorted before they develop into further issues.

Sweeping whilst the weather is fine and dry is often best so get yourself ready ahead of the game and book a sweep in the summer.

If you've gone to the expense of fitting a stainless steel liner to your wood burner or appliance why leave potentially corrosive tar and soot inside it at the end of the winter which could reduce its life? You wouldn't leave your car dirty all year and then clean it just before using it again in the bad weather so don't do this with your expensive liner.

Get it swept straight after the winter and leave it clean ready for the next time.

Have a quick look at our advisory document on creosote to see one of the important safety reasons for sweeping your chimney regularly, click the brush

Appliance fuel type	Sweeping frequency
Smokeless Fuel	Once yearly
Coal	Twice yearly
Wood	Every 3 months when in use
Gas	Once yearly (if designed for chimney sweeping)
Oil	Once Yearly

Don't delay your sweep in the hope it will save you money. Here are examples of costly chimney fires as a result of not frequently sweeping. The one on the right now needs a complete rebuild of the chimney walls, not covered by insurance due to the lack of sweeping.

UK fire statistics reveal that there are many chimney fires each year. We sweep lots where a chimney fire has occurred, mainly without the knowledge of the householder.

Click the brush for the current advice from Devon Fire and Rescue

This will be largely due to not getting the chimney swept often enough or burning fuel that is inappropriate for the appliance, causing tar to build up in the chimney.

Many insurance companies will no longer pay out for claims made due to chimney fires unless the chimney has been swept by a professional chimney sweep and a valid certificate of sweeping issued that is recognised by insurance companies.

IT JUST ISN'T WORTH THE RISK, GIVE US A RING AND PROTECT YOUR HOME.

We WILL conduct a smoke draw test and issue a certificate of sweeping after completing your chimney and provide any remedial treatment advice required.