UK fire statistics show that every year over 31 thousand houses have chimney fires. This is due largely to infrequent sweeping, which results in a build up of flammable tar within the appliance or flue.
Many insurance companies will no longer pay out for claims made due to chimney fires unless the chimney has been swept by a professional chimney sweep and a recognized chimney sweeping certificate has been issued.
Also if the fire brigade is called out due to a chimney fire and it is proven that the chimney has not been maintained properly the local council can bill you for the call out, and in some cases this has been known to exceed £2000 per fire crew.
Ensure a Guild of Master Sweeps certified chimney sweep inspects your solid fuel appliance, cleans the chimney and recommends repairs whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations or helpful tips on the use of your fireplace or appliances. Guild Sweeps are highly trained and are conversant with the complexities of solid fuel heating and venting systems. Many Guild Sweeps are also able to advise on gas and oil appliances as well as solid fuel.