Chudleigh Chimney Sweep
Now that the wood-burning season is in full swing, it’s time to think about booking another sweep to keep your wood-burner functioning properly and reduce the risk of chimney fire.
Wood-burning stoves smaller flues and chimneys than open fireplaces, so the interior size is reduced dramatically as creosote build up. This reduction in available flue space can cause draft issues, performance problems, smoking and more seriously, a chimney fire.
Most modern freestanding wood-burning stoves utilize 6” diameter flexi liner. Open Fires normally use 9”x9” or 8” diameter clay or concrete lined flue. Compared to an open fireplace stove liners are small and need to be checked more often to ensure they are not blocked.
Wood-burning stoves should always be connected to a properly sized stainless steel flue liner which extends the length of the flue. Without this connection, excessive amounts of glazed baked-on third stage creosote will likely occur. This type of creosote is highly flammable. Stove manufacturers usually require this type of installation.
Most stove manufacturers recommend sweeping the chimney at least twice during the wood-burning season, or more often if the stove is used continuously.
All types of wood create creosote, even dry hardwoods such as Oak, so there is no way to avoid it. The creosote must be removed, and a professional chimney sweep is the most qualified person to perform this service. ProSweep know how to remove the baffle inside the stove, remove creosote from the pipe connector and flue, we also clean inside of your stove and the glass, and finally inspect the chimney system to make sure it is in good working order. We will also check clearances to combustibles to make certain the installation is correct and meets building regs, if this is not the case your home insurance may be invalid.
Chimney fires should be avoided at all costs. Not only can a fire severely damage a flue liner beyond repair, but if the fire escapes to nearby combustibles, a house fire may occur.
Book your mid-season ProSweep today on 01626 832051