Services

Chimney Cowls
A chimney cowl is a metal cover with holes that is secured to the top of the chimney pot to help ventilate a solid fuel stove. The chimney cowl is designed to help your fire burn more efficiently by eliminating any downdraft. Chimney cowls also prevent harmful carbon monoxide fumes from coming back down the chimney. There are numerous chimney cowl types to choose from. Some styles enhance stove performance, keep rain and hail out, some increase updraft and others stop birds and squirrels from nesting in the chimney. With all this choice, it is very important to get professional advice before buying one.

Chimney Pots
A chimney pot is an extra piece of chimney, made from terracotta, added to the top of the existing chimney stack which extends the chimney’s height. You may have seen the red clay pots while out and about. They can be either round or square and come in numerous different aesthetic styles. Their purpose is to increase the air drawn up by the chimney reducing soot and fumes. They also keep rain and hail from entering the chimney which can rust your stove and cause damp.

Chimney Guards
A chimney bird guard also known as a chimney bird cover, is similar to a chimney cowl. They have a flat or domed top with a space underneath covered by a grill and they can be round or square. They are designed to allow air in and smoke out, while also keeping birds and squirrels out. There are numerous different types of bird guard to choose from. They can be made of terracotta, metal or plastic. You can even get a spinning metal one. The type you need fitted will depend on your chimney’s dimensions and style.

A damaged or broken chimney cowl can severely affect the performance of your fire or solid fuel stove. A chimney cowl, pot or guard needs to be replaced if it:
• Has large cracks.
• Is showing severe weather wear signs.
• Has a broken bird cage on the top.
• Is poorly fitted with the wrong size and shape of cowl, pot or guard for the chimney.

A flue liner is just what it sounds like! Also often referred to as a chimney liner, a flue liner is a flexible tube that is connected to your stove pipe to line the inside of your chimney. It runs up the entire length of your chimney, carrying the fumes up your flue liner instead of releasing them straight into your chimney cavity.

We offer chimney repairs if your chimney is showing signs of damage. If you are unsure and would like a free quote, please contact us.

By their very nature flues are hidden. On initial survey our experienced surveyors can explain a lot of the likely problems that may be present, however, using a CCTV camera give us the best view possible of the condition of the inside of the chimney without opening up access holes.

The camera is carefully passed through the full height of the flue, ideally from the top. Configuration and condition can be assessed as well as dimensions.
There are many examples of kinds of damage to chimneys and flues that simply cannot be seen without a camera.

From time to time we discover that a flue has been encroached upon perhaps to create a cupboard; on occasions the chimney breast has been used to provide support and a timber joist has been lodged in the brickwork. Thanks to the modern camera technology, it’s possible to get a good look at the condition inside any chimney or flue liner and spot these potential problems.

If you think you have a birds’ nest in your chimney – DO NOT light a fire. This might seem obvious but some people try to burn the nest out. You run the risk of setting fire or filling the whole house with smoke.

A CCTV inspection is carried out to ensure that all the debris has been cleared. Finally, a smoke test is performed to confirm the correct draw is available to the fire. A successful test means that there is a smooth passage for the products of combustion to evacuate freely, with the nest no longer serving as an obstruction.

How Do I Stop Birds Nesting In My Chimney?

Once you’ve had your chimney cleared, you should consider having your chimney fitted with an appropriate bird guard. Jackdaws, Rooks and Starlings, often birds to blame for nests in your chimney, usually try to return year after year to the same nesting site when they come back form their annual migration.

If you suspect you have a birds nest in your chimney, please give us a call.

Fire bricks need replacing if damage to them begins to expose the stove’s bodywork to flames. In severe cases of prolonged exposure this could permanently damage the stove by cracking a cast iron side panel or warping the steel bodywork.

Even though stove fire rope is just a simple piece of rope which seals doors, glass and sometimes other parts of the stove, it is very important. As soon as the fire rope begins to crack and break it is compromised and needs to be replaced.

We recommend inspecting your rope seals annually. Have you noticed your stove is drawing more fiercely than it once did or the glass seems to have tar deposits forming quickly? This is a sign your seals need addressing