SM Chimney Sweeps Questions and Answers

Q: When should I have my chimney swept?

A: The chimney/flue liner should be swept once a year but some manufacturer T&Cs might say more that once a year.

Q: When is the best time of year to have the chimney/flue liner swept?

A: The best time is in spring when it starts to warm and you stop using the appliance. So the soot is not sat in the chimney/flue liner all the way through summer.

Q: Why does my glass go black when I’m burning logs?

A: This can be from the logs having a high moisture content!
All logs should have a moisture content of 20% or less!

Q: Will having my chimney swept make a mess?

A: SM Chimney Sweeps are very mindful and conscious of making a little mess as possible. However there are exceptional circumstances e.g if a chimney being blocked by a birds nest, would make it difficult that no mess is made!

Q: If I have just moved into a new house does my chimney need sweeping?

A: Yes, as you may not necessarily know when it was last swept!

Q: How do I stop birds from coming down the chimney?

A: Fitting a bird guard or a cap will stop birds from coming down the chimney!