Chimneys

Have chimneys inspected at least once every 3 years by a HETAS registered chimney engineer to ensure the liner and brickwork is good. A thatcher should check the hidden section when re-thatching.

Ensure the top of the chimney pots are at least 1.8 metres above the thatch.

The chimney should be swept twice a year or quarterly if wood is burnt.

Chemical flue cleaners are available to help remove and loosen tar deposits but care must be taken. They can be used before a chimney is swept to aid the cleaning.

Spark arrestors are not recommended. This is because they can become clogged (either naturally or through lack of maintenance) restricting free flow of combustion gases and also becoming a fire hazard in themselves.

Appropriate liners are essential depending on the fire below your chimney. Professional advice should always be sought.

Register plates - are non combustible horizontal plates fitted to close off large flues and allow a much smaller flue pipe to exhaust into them. Care must be taken and professional advice sought with the use of this method.