Chimney sweeping and relining advice from Abel Sweeps
There are various factors determining how often you chimney will require sweeping.
It will depend on the type of appliance you have, whether you have an open fire or stove, how regularly your chimney is used and on the type of fuel you are burning.
Wood and Creosote build up
If you are burning wood it should ideally have a moisture content of no more than 20%. You should use wood that has been seasoned rather than wood than has been recently felled. Burning wet wood will not only be a major contributing factor in the build up of Creosote within the flue but it is very unlikely to produce any real heat as most of the energy produced is lost.
Poorly maintained flues can also lead to a build up of Creosote as well as tar. Creosote is a combustible deposit which builds up in the flue. It is corrosive and can damage flue linings even in recently relined chimneys which in many cases will invalidate your warranty. It is also responsible for a large number of chimney fires. Reported call outs by UK fire brigades to Chimney fires rose by 20% last year to 10,200.
Flaky creosote after fire
Creosote build upThermocrete's Creosote Removal System
Thermocrete's Creosote Removal Treatment will enable the chimney to be used again and minimise the chances of a chimney fire.
- The process involves an initial sweeping of the chimney from the top.
- Specialised chemicals are then sprayed onto the internal surfaces of the chimney.
- The chemicals are then left to react with the creosote for a minimum of seven days.
- If possible the appliance should be used.
- After the chemical reaction is complete it is then possible to remove the residue.
- The chimney is then tested.
- If any further problems become apparent, this will be reported and any remedial works required advised to the client.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
Poorly ventilated flues can cause Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if they are allowed to become totally or partially blocked by a Creosote build up, a birds nest or other obstructions that allow potentially fatal gases to escape into your home. CO has no smell or colour so you won't know it's there. The only clue will be that you or members of your family will feel unwell. At higher concentrations CO could cause someone in your household to collapse and in a worse case scenario could even result in a death.
It is vitally important that you ensure your safety with regular chimney sweeping and inspection.
Cheaper, greener and cleaner
With the rising cost of fuel many people are once again embracing the solid fuel appliance as a cheaper and greener alternative. But before you open up chimneys that have lay dormant for many years it is important that they are inspected to check the flue is sound and that there aren't any unseen blockages in the chimney.
In this chimney daylight
From the outside, a crackcan be seen coming
the full height of chimneythrough the outside wall
Problem? Abel Sweeps have the solution
Chimneys can experience a range of problems from a downdraught creating smoke in a room to excessive fuel usage. Whether it's a recent development or a long standing problem, with some investigation Abel Sweeps can identify the problem and come up with a solution for you.
A poor flue installation
