Questions and Answers
check message page for up to date info for our North Devon customers
- Check out the commonly asked Questions below. The answer may be there.
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Topics covered - scroll down for more information
- Charges
- Booking a sweep
- APICS
- HETAS
- Thatched properties
- Redundant chimneys
- Cowls
- Stove or open fire?
- I live a long way from Barnstaple. Will you still visit?
- Installing a solid fuel fire
- Do you sell stoves?
- Who installs stoves?
- How often should it be swept? Chimney Cleaning Log info
- How should I take care of my stove?
- Carbon Monoxide (the silent killer we nag you about!)
- How long do you take?
- How do you sweep the chimney?
- Power Sweeping
- Birds nests
- Which wood should I burn?
- Do you do weddings?
- Smoke control areas
- What other services do you provide?
Q... How much do you charge?
First chimney - from
£35.00... for one chimney which is either an open fire or a lined stove.
- £40.00... for an unlined stove where there is a registry plate through which we sweep and which has to be cleaned off.
- £40.00... for an oil fired boiler
Our customers will confirm that we only charge more if absolutely necessary and the fire is extremely difficult.
More than one chimney in the same property?
First chimney prices as above then each subsequent one - £25.00... if it is a lined stove or an open fire.
- £30.00... if it is an unlined stove or an oil fired boiler
PRICES CORRECT AS AT January 2013
Not sure if your chimney is lined?
Geoff will be able to tell you when he examines it.
If you live more than 20 miles from Barnstaple an extra charge is likely to be made for the visit. It depends if we have others to do in the same area of North Devon. Travelling that distance for one chimney is not cost viable for us - if we have 4 or more to do at the same time in the same village/street then it is AND customers will get a discount.
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Q... Booking a sweep?
A... We are based in Barnstaple but we cover virtually the whole of North Devon, so please ask us if you are not sure about your area.
- We have set times for sweeping and we make every effort to advise you if we are running early or late
- Due to its nature, North Devon has intermittent mobile phone signal. If your home area has a bad signal it would be helpful if you could tell us at the time of booking.
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Q... I see you mention APICS on your site.Who or what are they?
A... APICS is the Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps.One of only 3 recognised Associations in the UK. All members are 'vetted' and have to pass a rigorous practical examination and also must have attended the HETAS Solid Fuel awareness course.Members of APICS work to an agreed National standard.
www.apics.org.uk
Geoff is trained by and a member of APICS
NB The 3 currently recognised (by HETAS) Associations for Chimney Sweeping in the UK are
- APICS
- Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps
- NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps)
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Q... I see you mention HETAS on your site.Who or what are they?
A... HETAS stands for Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (this definition is not commonly used).
They (quote) "
are the official body recognised by Government to approve biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services including the registration of competent installers and servicing businesses ". In other words, if the chimney sweep is HETAS registered, then he/she should be good.
**Do you know, for example, that the heat generated around a stove pipe inserted into an unlined chimney can reach temperatures of 800 degrees F? If this pipe is in close proximity to other wood in the chimney (out of sight) you run the risk of a build up of years of heat eventually giving way to fire where you least need it.
We know of 2 instances where unlined chimneys have collected soot on the registry plate and a house fire was only averted by both home owners because they turned the light off and saw the registry plate glowing. Had they gone to bed, they could well have been burnt to death or at the least, have lost their home and possessions.
This also proves the need for a genuine and trained chimney sweep who removes the soot from the registry plate as part of the service. Many do not.
The HETAS website provides details of approved chimney sweeps and other trained personnel. They also recommend approved appliances and fuels. www.hetas.co.uk
Geoff is a member of APICS and approved by HETAS
NB The 3 currently recognised(by HETAS) Associations for Chimney Sweeping in the UK are
- APICS
- Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps
- NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps)
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Q... I have a thatched property. Do I need to have the chimney(s) swept every year? I hardly use the fire!
A... Again, www.apics.org.uk(go to frequently asked questions) will have the answer for you. But, briefly, yes, you do need to have a thatched property swept and importantly be quite sure in your own mind that the sweep has been right to the top of the chimney.
In any case, your Insurance Company will insist on it being swept at least once a year. Most insist on twice a year or more though.
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Q... I have some redundant chimneys in my property. Do they need to be capped off?
A... Ideally, yes. All redundant chimneys left open to the elements will be a prime site for Jackdaws to nest and rain water could also become a problem. Rain can seep out through the sticks of a nest and cause damp patches in a chimney breast (usually the upstairs rooms).
However, All redundant chimneys need to breathe therefore any cap to seal it must have ventilation holes. (pictures of suitable caps/cowls)
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Q... What sort of cowl do you think I need? And why do I need one at all?
A... Rather than go into a lengthy explanation about the type of cowl,you will find all the information you need here
With regard as to WHY you need one - it's simple
a It keeps birds out (provided you install one with meshed sides)
b It keeps debris (eg leaves/fallen twigs etc) out. Most important to prevent blocked chimneys and therefore chimney fires
c Have one with a 'rain hat' and it keeps the most of the wet stuff out! Obviously very high, driving rain will get in to a degree but soot and rain create tar - who wants this coming down their chimney?
d IT KEEPS YOUR CHIMNEY SAFER and allows the sweep to clean it efficiently.
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Q... Stove or open fire?
A... There is no real right or wrong answer here! It's a matter for personal choice.
Wood/Multi Fuel stove 
Visually appealing Can be vented through to an outside wall and a chimney
built or a stainless steel chimney fitted
Cleaner (most dust is contained inside) Safe to leave overnight Radiant heat in the room from the stove and/or pipe Will last for years if maintained well Very efficient and controllable, especially if fitted well and lined
Different kw outputs for different size rooms
Can be expensive to buy and installNeeds quite a large installation area to comply with Building RegulationsMay need planning permission
Open fire
Visually appealing Traditional Cosy Cheaper to install - stoves may not always fit an existing chimney space Very dusty Not very controllable Can be dangerous (spits/falling logs etc) Cannot be left unattended Least efficient method of heating and more fuel thirsty
(80% heat goes up the chimney instead of into the room)Needs a chimney
A...Yes - providing you are still in our catchment area of North Devon However,if you live more than 20 miles from Barnstaple we will likely make an extra charge for the visit. It depends if we have other work in that area.
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A...
We do now sell a range of stoves made by a company local to North
Devon. The Wessex stove range are sturdy,long lasting and free from the
'frippery' of some of the cheaper imported models.
Here you can see the range of Wessex stoves on offer.
We would like to add that Chimney Sweep North Devon strongly recommends having a liner fitted if installing a stove of any kind.
a) They are designed to be used in conjunction with a liner and this improves the draw, fuel consumption and heat output dramatically
b) Heating a large open chimney (with only a small section of pipe from the stove) is neither efficient or cost effective
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Q... Who would install my stove?
A... There are a lot of unqualified people out there fitting stoves/charging a fortune/leaving clients with unsafe equipment.
Despite what it may appear, fitting a wood burning or multi fuel stove etc is a specialised area.
We know of two good HETAS registered stove installers in the North Devon area
North Devon stove installers
- North Devon: Mark Broadhead: Tel: 01805 623521
A very professional team at Kenwyn Stoves, Torrington will supply and fit stoves in the North Devon area - North Devon: Graham Watts Tel: 07789405088
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Q... How many times a year do you think I need to have my chimney swept?
A... To be honest, it can vary greatly, depending on many factors
... The type of fire you have
... How often it is used
... What you burn on/in it etc.
Note...If you have a thatched property different rules concerning the frequency of sweeping usually apply
Generally...
- The most efficient and also the safest and one of the most economical type of appliance is a stove - either wood burning or multi fuel (takes wood and coal)
- If you only use your fire/stove etc at weekends during the winter it may only need sweeping once every other year, dependent on whether an anti bird cowl is fitted (see cowls)
However, we advise it is swept the first year and the second. If it has been swept correctly the first time, you will be able to discuss with the chimney sweep the amount of soot etc produced within that year.
If it is not swept properly, then the chimney will gradually become blocked near the top with a build up of combustible(and potentially dangerous) material. Having the same incompetent sweep the 2nd year will be of virtually no use, as it will not be a true reflection of the efficiency of the fire and they will leave you with a further build up of combustible material in the chimney or liner.
This build up also dramatically increases the risk of Carbon Monoxide fumes being forced back into your home. Carbon Monoxide is a very under rated killer and is known as
'The Silent Killer'
as it cannot be seen, smelt or tasted.
The heat from the fire cools rapidly as it rises and this is why soot and creosote (created from the use of wood) will adhere to the upper part of the chimney. Rods and brushes will remove most of that build up, but only if swept at effective intervals.
The use of a chimney cleaning log will also be of valuable assistance in the sweeping of this type of build up.
If you use the fire more often, then obviously you will need to have it swept more often.
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Q...What's the best way to look after my stove?
A...Have it swept! And have your stove serviced regularly too.
Seriously, a lot of people will spend ages polishing and cleaning the glass etc, but neglect to have the chimney swept. If it is not kept clear, then the fire will not work to its best ability and you will have ensuing problems.
Stoves which vent straight into the chimney and do not have a liner, also get a build up of soot falling onto the registry plate.
- We know of 2 people who turned off the lights last thing at night and, luckily, looked back at the fire only to see the registry plate glowing. The soot had eventually caught fire. One needed the Fire Brigade, the other one managed to sort it themselves, but neverthless there was a lot of mess involved in both cases. A chimney sweep who does not clean off the registry plate is not worth the clothes he stands up in!
Having said that, of course the stove needs to be looked after too! Check for signs of wear and tear - minute holes which appear will not only quickly get much bigger due to the intense heat, but will allow fatal Carbon Monoxide (here I go again!) fumes to escape into the room. Badly fitting doors will also cause the same problem as well as allowing air into the fire which in turn will make it burn away much more quickly.
Cleaning the glass etc will not make a difference to the actual workings of the stove, but aesthetically it is much more pleasing to see the flames and it's what they are all about surely!! See this video on how to keep your stove clean.
Geoff will advise of any work required on your stove at the time of sweeping.
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Q... I don't need a Carbon Monoxide alarm.
I'll know if something is wrong..... won't I?
A... You DO need an AUDIBLE Carbon Monoxide alarm if you burn or use ANY kind of fossil fuel - gas/oil/wood/coal. You can be dying whilst the little patches are changing colour. You need to know you have a Carbon Monoxide problem immediately.
And NO, you will probably not know if anything is wrong
It is tasteless
You cannot see it
or smell it.
It is known as the 'Silent Killer'. It can kill you whilst you sleep and without an audible alarm you may never know anything was wrong.
There are symptoms of CO poisoning - click here for in depth information.
You also need a smoke alarm as a general precaution for a fire in the home.(you can buy combined ones) to warn you of that particular danger. A smoke alarm will not warn of Carbon Monoxide and vice versa.
- As an example, I had burned a candle in the bathroom one evening. I had blown it out, but it (unknown to me) was smouldering and caught light again during the night. Our smoke alarm went off - frightened everyone including the poor cat and dogs! BUT, it did it's job.
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Q ... How long will you be in my house?
A ... It depends.
If it is a chimney we have not done before, we allow at least one hour as we do not know what we will encounter up it (ie birds nest).
At the least it will take half an hour by the time we cover up and get our equipment in (especially if we have to carry over some distance).
The longest we have ever taken is 2 and a half hours on one chimney and then we had to go back another day to finish off, BUT this is highly unusual and it was an old farmhouse where the chimney had not been swept for years.
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Q... How do you sweep the chimney?
A... We use brushes and rods and sweep right to the top of the chimney
Watch the brush come out & have some good luck - it does work
- An elderly gentleman had his house on the market for 2 years without any success. We swept it and got him to see the brush come out. Within a few months he had sold it(strangely enough to some people we knew and we'd not mentioned it being for sale at all)
- Another person designed architectural structures - he had had no work for about a year. Within 2 weeks after we had swept, he had someone contact him for a substantial project!
We are a family run business. Geoff sweeps and our daughter Christie started going with him in 2010. June's role is now much more in the background - maintaining websites/paperwork etc.
Q Power Sweeping
We investigated this method last year. However for various reasons we have decided to remain with traditional methods at present.**
Q Birds nests. I have one in my chimney. Can you get rid of it?
A... Birds nests are all part of a chimney sweeps work. However, there are rules regarding the removal of a nest which is known to have eggs or chicks in. We will refuse to remove a nest if this is the case so between late Feb/March and August, be extra vigilant. If you know birds are building a nest (the jackdaws, which are the ONLY birds to build in a chimney, are easy to spot going to and fro the pot) during the early part of the year then CALL US THEN. We can remove the nest and if necessary either fit a cowl or pass you the details of someone who can. A one off payment for a cowl is much cheaper than several visits by the Chimney Sweep!!
Chimney Sweep North Devon are very good at what they do, but even they cannot stop jackdaws from building a nest!!
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Q... Which wood should I burn?
A... Click here to see a fun poem which should help
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Q... Do you do weddings?
A... Geoff has been asked this question many times and the answer is NO...but we know a man who can!!
Give us a call or e-mail us (click here) and we will give you details.
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Q... Am I in a smoke controlled area?
A... Click this link to find out
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Q...What other services do you provide?
A...Geoff will service the stove if required (eg replace ropes/order and replace new glass etc ) Charges will vary on what needs doing.
We sell chimney cowls and Geoff can give you advice on the best type of cowl for you.
We do not recommend the mitre cowls (see pic) as these have metal legs which poke down inside the pot and if the chimney is being swept properly the brush can easily push the cowl off.
This is the type of cowl we DO NOT recommend
We also sell new stoves which are made by a local North Devon company.
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** In Late 2011, we were called in by a very disgruntled client after someone had used a mechanical sweeping system. This is not in any way an attempt to discredit any company or manufacturer or an inference that the method is unsuitable for use in the chimney sweeping profession, but our policy is and always will be to provide our customers with as much information as possible to ensure the safety and care of their fires and appliances.
If you wish to speak with Geoff regarding anything in the above sections - please phone or email.