Chimney sweeping and cleaning

Identify each appliance and flue. Ask whether the connector, smoke chamber, firebox and accessible termination are included, how dust will be contained, and whether difficult access costs extra. Cleaning and inspection are different tasks; confirm the inspection level separately.

Request a service record identifying the flue, deposits found, accessible areas cleaned, inaccessible areas and recommendations. A clean firebox alone does not establish that the full venting system has been assessed.

Let the appliance become completely cold according to the company's instructions. Clear the work area, keep pets away, and provide previous reports. Do not climb onto the roof to prepare for the visit.

Confirm appointment access, who will be present and what records to have ready. Preparation does not mean dismantling the appliance, climbing the roof or reproducing a dangerous symptom.

• Confirm experience with your chimney type and appliance model. A company that cleans masonry fireplaces may not service every gas or pellet appliance.
• Ask who performs the work, what credentials apply to that person and how you can verify them with the issuing organisation.
• Check current insurance and any local licensing or permit requirements directly. A profile badge is not proof of every qualification.
• Compare access, materials, diagnostic work, disposal, exclusions and follow-up. A lower total can represent a smaller scope.

The service brief helps you commission the visit. Our longer guide explains terminology, system differences, examples, FAQs and its supporting sources.

Safety background: USFA, CPSC and recognised industry resources. These buying questions are editorial guidance, not installation instructions or an assessment of your home.

Ask each company to answer the same scope questions. A higher or lower price may reflect different work, access or deliverables.

Cleaning boundary

Name the flue, connector, smoke chamber and appliance areas included. A fireplace opening is not the entire venting path.

Deposit limitation

Describe how inaccessible or resistant deposits are documented and what is excluded from ordinary sweeping.

Containment

Confirm floor protection, dust collection, furniture access and cleanup responsibilities.

Keep the dated service record with the flue identifier, cleaning limits and any follow-up inspection recommendation. Add it to the system history so the next technician can distinguish new findings from unresolved ones.

Use the local guide to prepare questions about access, building history and the authority responsible for your address. The service brief is national guidance; local permits and current burn restrictions must be checked separately.