Q: What should I do to prepare prior to the Chimney Sweep’s arrival?

A: In most cases, you will need to do no more than clear the area in front of fireplace to give the Chimney Sweep enough room to work. Hot ash should always be removed the night before. Empty the grate of ashes and other debris and move away any hearth furniture and companion sets.
James the chimney sweep always uses washed and fresh dust sheets on every single job.

Q: What happens to the soot?

A: Once it has been bagged from the vacuum, we can either dispose of it or leave it with you (it has some great gardening properties).

Q: How do I know if my chimney needs sweeping?

A: Generally, any of the following would suggest your chimney needs to be swept:
- Specks of soot dropping into the fireplace.
- Tar deposits visible in the chimney or stove as well as a strong odour coming from the fireplace.
- Draught or smoking problems with the chimney.
- If you have just moved home and want to use the chimney.
- Animal nesting (squirrels and birds) which can cause fire hazards.

Q: Can I have a fire the night before a Chimney Sweep arrives?

A: With open fires and stoves, you can have a fire but any hot ash must be removed before the Chimney Sweep arrives. Rayburn’s, Aga’s and Boilers should be turned off or put out at least 24 hours before the Sweep arrives as they can take a long time to cool down. If you are unsure about your appliance, call James the Chimney Sweep and he will be able to advise you.

Q: Do I need to have my chimney swept if I have a gas fire?

A: Although less frequently, blockages in chimneys connected to gas fires can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. James is a professional Chimney Sweep and he will be able to advise you on how often your chimney ought to be swept.

Q: I have birds nesting in my chimney. What should I do?

A: They are probably jackdaws or starlings. The good news is that if you wait a few weeks, the young will grow up and fly away. After they leave, the nesting material can be removed from the chimney and a bird-guard fitted to ensure that they cannot return.

Q: Sometimes I get smoke in the room. What causes this?

A: There are many possible causes for this. It can be an air pressure zone around a chimney when the wind blows in a certain direction or inadequate ventilation in the room. Sometimes ''cold chimneys'' situated on outside walls don''t work very well until they warm up. James the chimney sweep is an experienced technician who will inspect and identify the problem as well as recommend a solution.

Q: How often should your chimney be cleaned?

A: Smokeless coals: At least once a year
   Wood: Once a season when in use
   Bitumous coal: Twice a year
   Oil: Once a year
   Gas: Once a year

Q: What will sweeping my chimney achieve?

A: Sweeping your chimney will eliminate the build up of creosote and soot, thus reducing the risk of chimney fires, soot falls and blockages.

Obstructions such as Bird Nests, Soot falls, building debris and even leaves and cobwebs can be removed. A smoke draw test will be performed on all chimneys at no extra charge.

James the chimney sweep can provide valuable advice on many different aspects of your fireplace, flue, terminal and ventilation requirements as well as a multitude of other things appertaining to heating your house safely and efficiently with minimal impact on the environment.

Q: What areas does James the sweep cover?

A: Please see our Services and rates page for a list of postcode areas that we cover.

Q: what are James the sweep’s rates?

A: Standard sweep for woodburning stoves and fires £50:
Including full sweep, smoke test and certificate backed by the Institute of chimney sweeps.

Generous discounts for multiple sweeps in the same location.

PLEASE NOTE: clean fresh dust sheets are used on every sweep.

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