In general we will need a clear passage to the chimney and adequate space to work in. Clear ornaments from the hearth and perhaps from the mantelpiece. In particular, clear the grate of any fuel / ash / rubbish.

Chimneys need to allow free passage of dangerous combustion gasses. Regular cleaning will remove soot and creosote, helping prevent dangerous chimney fires. Cleaning will increase the efficiency of some appliances. Bird nests, cob webs and other blockages will be removed.

Yes. Although burning these fuels does not normally deposit soot there are numerous other problems which can affect chimney function and sweeping can solve or identify these. In countries such as Germany, where sweeping all chimneys and flues is a legal requirement, the number of carbon monoxide poisonings and chimney fires are a fraction of the UK.

Guild sweeps undertake an extensive training and assessment process. Training is based around the most comprehensive training manual in the UK. Guild membership requires members to be insured for Chimney Sweeping and equipped to deal with all standard job situations. Because the Guild is owned equally by all its members it can act like a co-operative, sharing information and solving customer problems.

You can check the details and services of any member on their personal profile page on this site. A professional sweep can save you money, keep you safer and help you use your fuel and appliance more efficiently. 

Perhaps only 30% of your sweeps work is cleaning your chimney. The rest of the job comprises multiple small checks, tests and appraisals of your whole system including fuel and user operation. If there is something you need to know to get more from your fire, a member of The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps will be happy to tell you. 

Yes. As a member of the Guild of Master Sweeps all our sweeps come with a certifcate that is a detailed record of the work and checks we have undertaken for you. The certificate can be provided as evidence to your home insurance provider that you have had your chinmey swept by a proffesional chimney sweep.