National Chimney Fire Safety Week

You probably won't be aware that this week is National Chimney Fire Safety Week.  With weeks for pretty much everything nowadays, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is one that you may not need to bother about - but in fact it is all about reminding you to check your chimneys before you start using fires or stoves as the chilly weather approaches.

One of the main causes of chimney fires is people using unseasoned or wet wood or not having their chimney swept. Over the years, we've had a number of customers who've thought they had a problem with their chimneys only to discover that they hadn't swept them for years and a visit from the sweep quickly sorted out the problem. All chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year - and you should get a sweep certified by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps to do the job. At Westcombes, we can recommend someone to you.

Chimney fires may not sound dangerous, but they really can be extremely dangerous so do stay safe and get your chimney swept regularly and use good quality fuel.

The importance of chimney sweeping

It's something people often forget, but you should have your chimneys swept on a regular basis.  Whatever type of fuel you burn, deposits can build up inside the chimney and you should have it cleared by a sweep at least once a year.  When soot and ash collects inside the chimney, it restricts the flow of air and can make the fire less efficient. The deposits can even catch fire, causing a potentially hazardous chimney fire.  Chimney pots are popular places for birds to build their nests and a sweep will also clear these out, along with any other debris that has gathered.

In Victorian times, it was small boys who climbed up chimneys to clear them but today it's a highly professional job which is usually done with no mess at all. Sweeps don't only clean, but may also be able to spot any other problems with the chimney, too.  What's more, chimney sweeps are meant to bring good luck, which is why they were traditionally paid to turn up at weddings, so you can have a clean chimney and some good fortune thrown in!

We can recommend sweeps at Westcombes as well as advising on the right sort of fire and fuel for your home - visit our website at www.westcombes.co.uk for more information.