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Chimneys can experience a range of problems from a downdraught creating smoke in a room to excessive fuel usage. Whether it’s a recent development or a long standing problem, with some investigation, Diamond Chimney Sweeps Ltd can identify the problem and come up with a solution for you.
If you are burning wood it should ideally have a moisture content of no more than 20%. Burning wet wood will not only be a major contributing factor in the build up of Creosote within the flue but it is very unlikely to produce any real heat as most of the energy produced is lost trying to dry the wood enough to burn.
❗ Creosote is corrosive and can damage flue linings even in recently relined chimneys which in many cases will invalidate your warranty.
🔥 Creosote build-up is responsible for a large number of chimney fires.
As of 1st October 2013. It is a legal requirement to fit an Industry approved Carbon Monoxide Detector in any room with a fuel burning appliance.
Poorly ventilated flues can cause Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if they are allowed to become totally or partially blocked.
CO has no smell or colour so you won’t know it’s there. The only clue will be that you or members of your family will feel unwell.
At higher concentrations CO could cause someone in your household to collapse and in a worse case scenario could even result in a death.
It is vitally important that you ensure your safety with regular chimney sweeping and inspection.
With the rising cost of fuel many people are once again embracing the solid fuel appliance as a cheaper and greener alternative.
But before you open up chimneys that have lay dormant for many years it is important that they are inspected to check the flue is sound and that there aren’t any unseen blockages in the chimney.
Yes. All natural, fossil fuels or wood burning appliances will create soot deposits within the chimney potentially leading to blockages or creating a fire risk. Safety and Frequency of Sweeping. It is recommended that chimneys are swept at least once a year, more often depending on the fuel types used or if used continually.
Absolutely not. We will do our utmost to make our process as clean as possible and take every reasonable step to ensure your room is fully protected. We pride ourselves on our cleanliness and reputation. We do however advise that you assist us by further protecting any soft furnishings and carpets ahead of our arrival.
There is the risk that the chimney will become blocked which can lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The chimney could also become a severe fire risk if not swept regularly. Also, a soot fall in your lounge can be most devastating!!
Yes, contrary to belief, once you have had a liner installed on your appliance it is particularly important to sweep the chimney on a regular basis. Yearly minimal intervals are recommended. However, it may be necessary to sweep the flue/chimney as often as every three months depending on the fuel types when in use.
Please feel free to contact us for advice. Sweeping intervals can vary dramatically depending on the type of flue, type of appliance, whether a boiler is fitted, and the amount of chimney draw you have.
Yes, nowadays many leading home insurance providers require you to have your chimney swept at least annually by a professional chimney sweep who will issue a certificate of chimney sweeping upon completion. In some cases, they require the chimney to be swept more often depending on the type of property (thatch roof etc) and type of fuel used. The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Certificate of Chimney Sweeping will be recognised by your insurance provider.
Our pricing reflects our vast experience, expertise and investment we have made over the years in the very latest and modern equipment and in our appearance, vehicles and up to date training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Our comprehensive Pricing and T&C’s tells you all you need to know.
It is strongly recommended that you use a chimney sweep who belongs to a Chimney Sweep, Trade Association, and or NVQ Qualified Chimney Sweep / Service and Maintenance Technician. ( All included within this qualification)
Diamond Chimney Sweeps Ltd is a Master Chimney Sweep member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps as well as being a NVQ Qualified Chimney Sweep and Service and Maintenance Technician, making me capable of undertaking various levels of associated works and advise on many areas in relation to the construction , installation , servicing and correct use of fuels in whatever appliance you had.
These Certifications and National Qualifications far out way a Competent Persons Schemes registrant direct entry level as an Approved Sweep.
You should try to book in for a chimney sweep in early spring or through the summer months. That way we should be able to get to you within a reasonable time frame. If you leave it until autumn and winter, we are always booked well ahead, and therefore it will likely take us several weeks to get to you. Avoid the disappointment!! Want to make a booking now?
Firstly, DO NOT PANIC. We get dozens of calls each year from customers with a bird stuck in their chimney. Give us a call / email immediately, and I will assist you with your plight. If for any reason we cannot be contacted, then please leave us a message. We will do our best to get back in touch as soon as possible Email me or call 07594634409
In the meantime, if you have an open fireplace or an open style gas fire, and are worried about soot, debris or a bird coming into your room, you can seal the front of the opening with a board, box or a taped large plastic style bag as a short term measure to prevent any escape or damage.(Ensure no part of the fire is lit). If you have a sealed inset type of gas fire fitted and you can hear a bird “flapping” behind it, and you are still concerned, contact a local gas safe registered engineer for assistance. (NEVER attempt to disconnect a gas supply of remove a closed in appliance)
Yes, quite simply is the answer to that. Please click on the link for all the information you will need to know about our bird nest removal and prevention services. Bird Nest in Your Chimney or Email or call 07594634409
Yes. It is likely that you have a dead bird or vermin in your chimney, and it has started decaying. If the fireplace is open in your lounge or bedroom etc, seal off the opening with a taped bag or box so the flies cannot come into the room. (ensure there is no lit flames in the fire). If the chimney breast has a vent fitted in the wall, put some strong tape over the openings and this will help stop the problem in the short term. Get in touch with us and we can assist you further. 07594634409 or Email me
No. Only burn seasoned quality logs in your fire. Logs must have a moisture content of less than 20%. The fact you have asked us this question is very worrying, so please take a few moments to check out the video in the link, that way you will be Getting it Right
No. This information has been totally misleading. Government measures have been introduced to remove the most polluting types of fuels. Bituminous coal is being phased out completely soon, and wood can still be used as a fuel. The solid fuel and stove industry have introduced measures meaning only the cleanest burning stoves/appliances will be available from 2022, with many stove manufacturers already selling these well ahead of that date. These are known as Ecodesign compliant. More information on the government measures can be found in the link. Clean Air Strategy 2020
Yes, is the simple answer to that question, Carbon Monoxide poisoning is another reason why your chimney should be swept regularly.
A gas appliance can give off Carbon monoxide up to 100ppm where as a solid fuel appliance can give of as much as 32000 ppm
Did you know that since 2010 (2013 in Scotland) it has been a legal requirement to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room as a newly installed solid fuel/wood burning appliance? We also strongly recommend fitting alarms retrospective of that date.
Furthermore, private sector landlords have since 1 October 2015, been required to ensure there is a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel/wood burning appliance and in continual working order. This includes Open Fires.
We take your safety very seriously. Check out the stringent measures we have put in place on our website link. Covid-19 Customer Safety Information
Yes, we fit a range of different types of bird guards and cowls depending on the type of appliance fitted. We also fit caps to redundant chimneys. Check out the website link for detailed information on our service. Chimney Cowls and Bird Guard
Your fire / appliance requires air / oxygen to complete the burning / combustion process, it also needs a quantity of air to allow the fumes to get drawn up the chimney safely. If your fire/ appliance requires a vent and you do not have one, or decide to just “block it up” you will likely get smoke or fumes coming back into the room and in more serious cases can lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Some stoves can now work with a Direct Air Supply.
If the vent is correctly sited, it will generally reduce or actually eliminate the annoying, uncomfortable draft which you can get under a door or down your back from a window. ( If you get cold feet , especially when the fire is a light , this is often the cause and evidence the appliance is in need of extra ventilation.
We often get asked what we do with the soot that is removed from the chimney
Because it is classed as household waste it is normally left with the customer in a sealed bag for disposal. Sometimes customers who have allotments or cottage gardens like to use the soot for the ground.
If kept dry and allowed to stand for several months, soot becomes mellowed, when it safely can be used as soil enhancer, in powder or liquid form. This soot may also be used to scatter along rows of some vegetables etc to prevent root worms or maggots.
If customers prefer us to remove the soot off site, as a registered low- tier waste carrier we will happily oblige, but there may have to be a small additional charge for this service dependant on the quantity.
From cottages to castles, Diamond Chimney Sweeps ltd, provide a professional chimney cleaning and maintenance service covering Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire since 2010.
