S.K. Chimney Sweeps - a family business

Q. How much does it cost to have my chimney swept, and how do I pay?

A. A standard chimney sweep starts from £55.00. The final price will be confirmed at the time of booking and depends on factors such as when the chimney was last swept, the type and condition of the chimney, and whether there are any obstructions (for example, bird nests).
Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer.

Q. I don’t live in the areas listed – can you still carry out a sweep?

A. In most cases, yes. If your property is slightly outside our usual service area, an additional travel charge may apply. Any extra cost is always explained and agreed in advance when the quote is provided, so there are no unexpected fees. Feel free to get in touch and we can discuss your location.

Q. My fire bricks are damaged – do you replace them?

A. Yes, I can arrange replacement of cracked or broken fire bricks, whether that’s a single panel or a complete set. I’m also able to assist with replacing stove rope seals and damaged glass. Just give me a call and I’ll be happy to talk through the options.

Q. How can I tell if birds have built a nest in my chimney?

A. Typical warning signs include birds repeatedly entering or leaving the chimney, sounds such as chirping or scratching coming from the fireplace, small bits of nesting material falling into the hearth, or droppings nearby. You may also notice bad odours or smoke returning into the room when you light a fire.

Q. Is it safe to light a fire to drive birds out of a chimney?

A. Absolutely not. This is very unsafe and should never be attempted. A nest will block the flue, causing smoke and toxic gases like carbon monoxide to spill back into the room. There is also a high risk of a chimney fire if a nest is present.

Q. Will chimney sweeping leave soot everywhere?

A. No. Today’s chimney sweeping methods are clean and well controlled. I fully protect the surrounding area and use specialist equipment to ensure soot and debris are safely contained throughout the process.

Q. Can a chimney be swept if there is a stove fitted?

A. Yes. Chimneys with stoves are swept directly through the appliance using the correct brushes and rods. The stove is checked during the process and left clean, safe, and ready for use.

Q. Do you provide a chimney sweeping certificate?

A. Yes. After every sweep, an official chimney sweeping certificate is issued. This can be used for insurance purposes and provides written confirmation that your chimney has been professionally cleaned and checked.

Q. How long does a typical chimney sweep take?

A. Most chimney sweeps take around 30 minutes, although this can vary depending on the type of appliance, the condition of the chimney, and when it was last swept. I’ll always work efficiently while ensuring the job is done thoroughly.

Q. Can you remove bird nests from chimneys?

A. Yes. I am licensed to carry out bird nest removal where permitted and in line with current wildlife regulations. Once removed, I can also advise on fitting a suitable bird guard to help prevent future nesting.

Q. Do I need to do anything before my appointment?

A. A few simple steps help the visit run smoothly: make sure the fire or stove is completely cool, remove ash and fuel where possible, and clear the area around the fireplace to allow safe access.