At Embers we use a variety of equipment depending upon the flue or liner and its condition. This includes conventional rods, a ‘Viper’ which is the preferred equipment for stainless steel liners, and power sweeping; all are used in conjunction with a vacuum system.

This is normally caused by burning damp fuel, and ‘slumbering’ or shutting down the air supply to the stove.

Steel liners and fabricated chimney systems need sweeping just the same as a brick, concrete or clay chimney, frequency as per fuels burned

Chimneys need regular sweeping to...

1. Maintain the efficiency of the open fire or appliance
2. To remove sooty deposits that impede the flow of gases that could result in carbon monoxide seeping into the room
3. To prevent a build-up of creosote that can result in a chimney fire
4. To maintain the validity of your home insurance.
5. In the event of a chimney fire where the property is damaged, insurance companies will require that you have maintained the chimney in accordance with recommendations.

A sweeping certificate issued by an approved chimney sweep provides proof of this maintenance.

The recommendation for sweeping open fires or stoves burning wood or town coal is twice a year, mid-season and end of season.

The recommendation for burning smokeless fuel is once a year. Where the appliance is a wet system and used for heating and hot water, the recommendation is quarterly when in use.