CHIMNEY CLEANING IS IMPORTANT

  • Members of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) help in the prevention of chimney fires by regularly servicing flues and appliances to reduce the risk of dangerous fume emissions from blocked heating appliances, flues and chimneys.Clean chimneys are safer and help your environment by assisting the complete combustion of the fuel, which in turn reduces smoke and emissions.
    • All NACS Members are fully insured
    • Members work to a Code of Practice
    • A Certificate of Sweeping is issued on completion of work
    • Members are NACS trained and qualified

    Obstructions such as birds and animal nests, leaves and building debris, even cobwebs can have a detrimental effect on the efficiency and safety of your chimney so regular maintenance of the flue and appliance will keep it clear and control the build up of soot and other contaminants from coal, wood, oil and gas fired appliances. NACS members provide professional advice on operating your appliance safely and efficiently and on any remedial work that may be necessary.

    NACS chimney sweeps provide other important services too;

    • Smoke testing,
    • flue surveys,
    • CCTV inspections,
    • chimney pots,
    • cowls,
    • vermin guards and re-lining of chimneys.

    How Safe is Your Chimney?

    Many older designs of chimneys in the UK were originally constructed of masonry – brick built flues using materials such as sand and lime. It is common for the joints between bricks to deteriorate and perish resulting in holes between flue walls. This can cause smoke and dangerous fumes to leak into adjoining flues and dwelling areas which can result in fatalities caused by carbon monoxide poisonings and chimney fires.

    Smoke Testing of Chimneys

    For solid fuel, gas and oil flues to ensure integrity and safety of your flue, it is recommended a NACS qualified/approved chimney sweep should carry out a test, in accordance with current building regulations and appropriate European & British standards, upon completion of work they will issue a NACS Smoke Test Certificate.

    Re-Lining of Chimneys

    There are various types and methods of re-lining flues that have been condemned as dangerous and defective. One method that is fairly easy and quick to install is a stainless steel flexible liner which is inserted down into an existing chimney. Other methods include a cast in-situ system where perlite and concrete is pumped into a chimney.

    NACS strongly recommends that chimneys using the following fuels are cleaned:

    • Smokeless Fuels: At least once a year
    • Bitumous Coal: At least twice a year
    • Wood: Quarterly when in use
    • Oil: At least once a year
    • Gas: At least twice a year
    • Biomass: At least once a year

    NACS Chimney and Appliance Check List

    • Chimney Cleaned
    • Smoke Tested
    • Certificates Received
    • Access for Cleaning
    • Adequate Ventilation
    • Suitable Flue Termination
    • Chimney Data Plate
    • Operating Instructions

    Suitable access must be provided for the cleaning & inspection of flues to comply with the current building regulations Approved Document J (ADJ) and Scottish Building (Standards) Regulations (SBR) (i.e. soot doors & cleaning plates on flue pipes either through the appliance or using the following).

    Chimney Pots and Cowls/Terminals

    The correct flue termination is essential to ensure that your heating appliance (solid fuel / gas or oil) is able to work properly and safely. All appliances need to be able to ‘breathe’ in and out. There are numerous types and designs of chimney pots and cowls that can be fitted. Some are made of terracotta whilst other cowls may be manufactured from stainless steel or galvanised metal designs.

    SAFETY NOTE the chimney top – pot / cowl or terminal must be compatible with your heating appliance. Always check with your appliance manufacturer (or instructions if available), installer or consult your NACS Chimney Sweep who will assist and may offer a supply and fitting service.