Chimney & Stove Guides
Practical, no-nonsense guides on keeping your chimney, log burner and open fire safe and running well. Written by a NACS-registered sweep.
What Is Creosote? The Hidden Chimney-Fire Risk
Creosote is the dark, tarry residue that builds up inside a chimney when you burn wood. It is highly flammable and the single biggest cause of chimney fires.
Chimney Fires: Causes, Warning Signs & Prevention
A chimney fire happens when flammable deposits in the flue, usually creosote, catch light and burn fiercely. It is a serious risk, but a very preventable one.
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost? (UK 2026)
A standard UK chimney sweep typically costs around £50 to £90, depending on region, appliance and the state of the flue. The fee usually includes a Certificate of Sweeping.
Do You Need a Certificate of Sweeping for Insurance?
A chimney sweep certificate, properly a Certificate of Sweeping, is issued once a chimney has been swept to standard. Insurers and many stove warranties expect to see one, so keep it safe.
How to Clean Log Burner Glass (and Keep It Clear)
Cleaning log burner glass is simple: usually just damp newspaper and a pinch of cool wood ash. Blackening comes from damp wood, a cool fire, or vents closed too far.
Wood Burner Maintenance: The Complete Care Guide
Wood burner maintenance is mostly small, regular habits: empty the ash, keep the glass clear, check the seals, and book an annual sweep. Done this way, a good stove burns cleanly and safely for decades.
The Best Wood to Burn (Seasoned Firewood Guide)
The best firewood is dry hardwood with a moisture content under 20%. Species like ash, oak, beech, birch and hawthorn burn well, but dryness matters far more than which wood you choose.
How Often Should You Sweep a Chimney?
How often to sweep a chimney depends on your fuel and how much you burn. As a UK guide: wood up to four times a year (at least twice), house coal at least twice, smokeless fuel, gas and oil once a year.
What to Expect From a Chimney Sweep
Most single, well-maintained chimneys take around 45 minutes to an hour to sweep, including inspection, room protection, the sweep, vacuum clean-up, a smoke test and your Certificate of Sweeping.
Birds and Jackdaw Nests in Chimneys
Finding a bird's nest in your chimney is common in spring and summer, and jackdaws are usually the culprits. Their bulky twig nests block the draught, push smoke back into the room and pose a fire risk.
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