Why Your Chimney Needs To Be Swept Regularly
The inevitable build up of soot in any chimney which is in use will restrict the flow of products of combustion (smoke). This can and ultimately will result in smoke entering the room, smoke which contains among other things fine dust particulates and carbon monoxide gas - which is poisonous.
Soot deposits within the chimney are in addition an additional fire risk. Soot is a flammable material and can when present in sufficient amounts be ignited through sparks / lit material (e.g.scraps of half burnt paper etc) going up the chimney. This scenario is to be avoided since it will result in a chimney fire.
Should the chimney catch fire the entire property will be at risk. Internal temperature will rise significantly - enough heat is typically generated to cause the chimney pot itself to crack. These high flue temperatures may be enough to result in first floor joint- ends reaching 'flashpoint' and will begin to burn along with the floorboards.
Emergency services will in either case douse the property with copious amounts of water. If the fire is within the chimney itself and hasn't yet spread further , water will be pumped down the chimney from the roof in most cases. The resulting mess of many gallons of sooty water and debris pouring into the room from the fireplace / log burner would ruin carpets and furnishings costing many pounds to replace.
It is recommended to sweep chimneys at the following intervals:
Using smokeless fuels - at least once a year.
Using house coal - at least twice a year.
Using wood (logs etc) - quarterly.
Any chimney swept with this regularity is extremely unklikely to ever catch fire. In addition the clean flue will help the fuel burn better and allow for the free flow of flue gasses away from the grate and via the pot to easily escape unhindered.
Attempting to use a chimney which has had any form of cowl / terracotta cover placed over the top of the pot will result in rapid build up of soot and risks fumes entering the room. Cowls should be removed before making use of the grate. This frquently happens during cold weather when out of service fireplaces are attempted to be used after extended periods of disuse. If uncertain, make a visual check from outside the property first.
Why choose Basils Brush for the job?
Basils Brush has the experience to do the job well. We have a history of satisfied customers who are happy to have us back and recommend us to others. This is your guarrantee of satisfaction.
Upon completion of each job documentation is provided as proof of sweeping. This can be retained should you sell the property to advise the buyer of a clean chimney. Installers of new fires will often require that the chimney is swept before proceeding.
Before commencing with the sweeping operation, dust sheets are always used both to mask off the fire recess and to protect the surrounding area. All soot is carefully removed from the premises and the hearth area is also vacuumed to ensure nothing is left behind.
Chimney Stacks, Pots, Cowls, Birdproofing.
Not only do Basils Brush sweep chimneys, but we also attend to work 'on top'. This might include supplying/installing new chimney pots or placing rainproof/birdproof cowls or covers over the chimney pot. Removal of chimney pots and capping over / installing air-bricks can also be carried out to your requirement. This work will normally be carried out during warmer, drier weather to avoid rain / frost damage to the job. Basils Brush is happy to take advance booking for this aspect of work at any time of the year. It is always a pleasure to visit your property and provide free estimates for your comparison.
Although based in West Lancashire, just over the border from Sefton, all districts are served and covered including: Formby, Ainsdale, Southport, Banks, Rufford, Hesketh Bank, Tarleton, Croston, Burscough, Eccleston, Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Orrell, Rainford, Halsall, Lydiate, Maghull, Crosby, Melling etc. Work will also be considered from further afield e.g. Wigan and St.Helens. Phone Book areas are served one day per week each respectively.
To arrange for a visit, simply dial our number which is 01704 889328 and book in, then leave the rest to us!
BASILS BRUSH, 9 WOODMOSS LANE, SCARISBRICK, LANCASHIRE, L40 9RJ
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