Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeping Costs

Why do some chimney sweeping jobs cost more than others?

Every chimney is different. Factors such as the appliance type, the condition of the flue, accessibility, the amount of soot and tar present, and whether additional inspection work is required can all affect the time involved. We provide transparent pricing and never add hidden charges.

What's included in a standard chimney sweep?

Our chimney sweeping service is tailored to your chimney and includes a no-mess sweep of the flueway followed by the careful removal of soot using professional vacuum equipment. We normally leave a small bed of ash in wood-burning appliances as wood burns more efficiently on a bed of ash, although all ash can be removed on request.

Minor adjustments, servicing and small repairs are carried out free of charge wherever possible by your chimney sweep, who is also a qualified HETAS service technician. We also check that everything is operating safely and provide advice on fuel quality, firewood storage and appliance operation.

Why are inglenook fireplaces more expensive to sweep?

Large inglenook fireplaces can be exceptionally challenging to sweep properly and are often very demanding on both equipment and personnel. We prefer to sweep inglenooks between January and August so that work can usually be started and completed during a single visit.

Where an inglenook sweep costing £150 exceeds two hours, additional time is charged at £75 per hour.

Why can heavily tarred inglenook chimneys require multiple visits?

If an inglenook chimney has been neglected for many years, it may not be possible to remove all tar deposits safely during a single visit. In many cases, the safest approach is to burn suitable quantities of smokeless fuel and sweep the chimney two or three times per season over two or three years.

There are no chemical or mechanical shortcuts that can remove heavy tar deposits without risking damage to the delicate fabric of the flueway.

Can a chimney liner be installed in a heavily tarred chimney?

Sometimes a chimney liner can be wrapped to help protect it during installation, which may speed up the process. However, this is not always possible.

In some cases, a practical alternative is to install a multifuel appliance without a liner and burn smokeless fuel, together with small amounts of kiln-dried firewood, while having the chimney swept every three months until conditions are suitable for a liner installation.

What's included in a Level 1 Chimney Inspection?

A Level 1 Inspection includes:

Review of available paperwork
External visual inspection with feet kept safely on the ground
Safety and compliance checks
Dismantling, sweeping and cleaning where required
Examination of soot and debris deposits
Reassembly of the appliance
Brief camera inspection of the flueway
Type 2 smoke evacuation test
Ventilation and CO alarm checks
Detailed PDF report sent by email and WhatsApp

Why does a Level 2 Inspection cost more than a Level 1 Inspection?

A Level 2 Inspection is significantly more comprehensive and time-consuming. It includes everything covered by a Level 1 Inspection, together with:

Full flue camera survey
Type 1 captive smoke leakage testing
Detailed external inspection using a 4K drone and/or scaffold access where appropriate
Recommissioning of the appliance where safe to do so
Comprehensive written report

In some cases, chimney pots, cowls, register plates or coverings may need to be removed to fully assess the system.

Why can bird nest removals vary in cost?

Most bird nest removals are completed within one hour, and photographic evidence of the completed work is provided.

Occasionally, nests can be exceptionally large, compacted or difficult to access. These jobs are both technically and physically demanding and require specialised equipment that is expensive to maintain and replace, which can increase the time and cost involved.

When can live bird nests be removed?

In accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and out of genuine concern for local wildlife, live nest removals are normally carried out between September and February.

Before work begins, drone surveys and flue camera inspections are used to confirm that no eggs or chicks are present.

Why isn't door gasket replacement carried out during a chimney sweep?

Replacing a stove door rope seal requires the old gasket to be removed, the channel cleaned and prepared, and the new seal professionally fitted and bonded. The adhesive must then be allowed to cure correctly.

For this reason, door gasket replacement is usually identified during a chimney sweep visit and then carried out during a separate return appointment.

What is included in a stove door gasket replacement service?

Our door gasket replacement service includes:

Removal of the old gasket
Cleaning and preparation of the gasket channel
Supply of a high-quality replacement rope seal
Professional fitting and bonding
Inspection of seal integrity and appliance operation

This service helps maintain appliance efficiency, safety and performance by ensuring an effective door seal.