Churchley Chimney’s Deliver High Quality Chimney Sweep Services
in Staplehurst, Kent and Surrounding Areas

We Are a Local Chimney Sweep Company Based in Staplehurst, Kent, Serving the Surrounding Areas

The Churchley Chimney’s team has been trained through the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and adheres to a strict code of ethics. We are also security cleared and have public liability insurance.

Our priority is your safety and the safety of your property. There is nothing better than having a wood-burning stove or open fire; they are comforting, attractive, and a huge selling point. However, they need to be maintained and cleaned to prevent the build-up of soot and creosote, which can be the main cause of chimney fires.

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Churchley Chimney’s Services

Chimney Sweeping

This is the process of cleaning and maintaining chimneys to ensure they are free from blockages, soot and creosote buildup. This is essential for preventing chimney fires and maintaining the efficiency of fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating systems. This service includes pre-installation sweeps as well.

CCTV Inspection

We use a specialised camera to examine your flue system, identifying tar buildup, blockages and structural damage. By doing this we can ensure an accurate diagnosis enabling effective maintenance, improving the safety and longevity of your system.

Bird Nest Removal

Bird nests in chimneys are a fire risk and a health hazard as bird droppings can carry disease. Churchley Chimneys can safely and effectively remove nest material in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

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“We were so pleased with Neil’s work as our chimney sweep. I was worried about the process, but Neil made having the chimney swept so easy and stress-free for us.”

Sophie Braxted

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re curious about what the service includes or what to expect on the day, here are the most frequently asked questions.
If you would like to know any more information, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

What is a Chimney Sweep?

Most people associate chimney sweeping with the Victorian era. With this comes the image of a soot-covered man from a poor background. Chimney sweeping at this time was seen as a job for people who didn’t have any formal education. Chimney sweeping in those days was extremely dangerous and involved climbing up the chimneys. The working day was from dusk til dawn and often small boys were used to assist in the cleaning process to access the narrower parts of the chimney. Thankfully times have moved on and the modern chimney sweep is better trained, cleaner and use a comprehensive range of conventional and modern equipment such as CCTV cameras and HEPA filtered Vacuum cleaners.

Do Chimney Sweeps bring good Luck?

Chimney sweeps are still considered as symbols of luck for all who that encounter them. In fact just over 100 years ago it was common place for men and women to bow and curtsy to the sweeps when they passed them in the streets. It is also said that chimney sweeps are considered as good luck at weddings and that the bride and groom would benefit from a great future if wished luck by a chimney sweep.
With this in mind I will ask the customer to come and see the sweep’s brush out of their chimney and make a wish. Make sure you don’t tell anyone as your wish won’t come true.

What is a chimney fire?

A chimney fire is the combustion or burning of residue deposits also known as soot or creosote on the inner surfaces of a chimney, chimney tiles, flue liners or stove pipes.

Chimney fires are extremely dangerous and in severe cases chimney fires can destroy homes and put people’s lives at risk. Chimney fires can destroy liners and brick work and this is not surprising when a chimney fire can reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius.

– Regular inspections and sweeping of Chimneys
– Burn only seasoned wood with a moisture level below 20 %
– Appliance maintenance
– Ensure the fire is extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house
– Don’t slumber the fire, burn hot to help stop the build up of creosote

Does chimney sweeping make a mess?

The image of Dick Van Dyke covered in soot springs to mind; thankfully, times have changed, and your home and safety are the top priority. Techniques have evolved since Victorian times. I use the best equipment, including a HEPA filter hoover to remove soot and particles. I wear an FFP3 respirator and use dust sheets and overshoes. Any furniture close to the appliance will need to be moved, or I will cover any areas at risk.

Your home will be left just as we found it.

What happens if my chimney, flue, or appliance receives a warning notice?

In some cases, I may need to apply a warning notice to the appliance for your safety, indicating that there is a dangerous issue with it. I will discuss all my findings with you and, where possible, show you the problem using CCTV equipment. Together, we can explore options to resolve the issue. As a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, I have strong connections with installers, service technicians, and maintenance engineers.

Our mission is your safety, and the safety of your property.

Do I need to make any preparations prior to the chimney being swept?

There are a few things you can do before my arrival:

– Please provide a clear, unobstructed passage from the entry point to the fireplace. I may ask you to move items if I deem them a risk or trip hazard.
– Clear a 2m x 2m space in front of your fireplace(s).
– Ensure that your stove or fire has not been used for 12 hours before my arrival.
– Remove any delicate or fragile items on or near the fireplace(s).
– Once I’ve made a big fuss of your four-legged friend, please place them in a secure room while I sweep.
– Ensure that there is an easily accessible electrical socket. We can use an extension lead if needed.
– Children or adults with autism can be hypersensitive to loud noises. The sweeping process can be loud due to the nature of the equipment used. Please inform me of any special requirements so we can make the visit as comfortable as possible.

How often should I get my chimney swept?

There are a number of factors that can influence how often your chimney needs sweeping, such as the type of fuel, frequency, and duration of use.

Wood: At least once a year / every 6 months for heavy use
Smokeless Fuels: At least once a year
Coal: At least twice a year
Oil: Once a year
Gas: Once a year

Please do not be tempted to sweep your own chimney. If the worst happens, your insurance cover could be void, and it could be potentially dangerous. Call me today for your chimney sweeping needs.

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Churchley Chimney’s Deliver High Quality Chimney Sweep Services in Staplehurst, Kent and Surrounding Areas

We Are a Local Chimney Sweep Company Based in Staplehurst, Kent, Serving the Surrounding Areas

Churchley Chimney’s Services

Chimney Sweeping

CCTV Inspection

Bird Nest Removal

Frequently Asked Questions

Churchley Chimney’s Deliver High Quality Chimney Sweep Services
in Staplehurst, Kent and Surrounding Areas