Small wood burners, lined stoves and small open fires
Standard sized flues serving lined stoves and smaller open fires. Full sweep, clean and test of the appliance or set up, Carried out to both HETAS and The Guild of Master Sweeps standards, with certificate after payment. Blockages such as bird nests are charged separately.
75
Unlined stoves
Multi fuel stoves and wood burners installed into masonry or clay flues without a modern solid fuel liner. Full sweep, clean and test, Carried out to both HETAS and The Guild of Master Sweeps standards with certificate after payment. Blockages charged separately.
75
Large open or dog basket open fires
Full sweep, clean and test of larger open fires or dog basket style fires, carried out to both HETAS and The Guild of Master Sweeps standards, with certificate after payment. Blockages charged separately.
90
Inglenook open fire sweeping
Full sweep, clean and test of inglenook open fires, Carried out to both HETAS and The Guild of Master Sweeps standards with certificate after payment. Blockages charged separately. Ideal for older and character properties.
90
Pre installation or flue closure sweep
Sweep and test of a flue before a new appliance is installed, or before a flue is decommissioned. Includes sweep to remove soot and debris, plus a CCTV examination of the flue and test where possible. Certificate issued after payment. Blockages charged separately.
150
CCTV inspection (add on)
CCTV examination of the flue where required during a sweep or service. Used to assess condition, identify blockages or confirm safety. May attract an additional charge on top of the standard sweep price.
150
Birds nest and live animal removal
CCTV inspection to identify the nature and position of the blockage, removal of any uninhabited nest or animal obstruction, full sweep, clean and test, with certificate after payment. If a live nest is identified, we will follow the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and will not remove it until it is no longer active.
150
Tar blockage and hard soot removal sweep
Additional works where hardened tar or soot have blocked the flue and cannot be cleared by a normal sweep. Removal of deposits, followed by a full sweep, clean and test, with certificate after payment.
150
Tar and creosote removal
Chemical treatment and remedial work where there are considerable tar or creosote deposits and a significant fire risk. Followed by a full sweep, clean and test, with certificate after payment.
Missed or late cancelled appointment
If we cannot gain access on the day, or an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, or the appliance cannot be swept due to its condition, the full sweeping fee will be charged.
Emergency and call out fees
For unscheduled or short notice visits classed as an emergency or same day request, a call out fee will be charged in addition to any sweeping charges.
Are there any extra charges like parking or congestion fees?
Any additional costs we incur to reach your property – such as parking, congestion, emission charges or tolls – will be added to your invoice on top of the sweeping or service fee.
What do I need to do before you sweep my chimney?
Please make sure your fire, wood burner or appliance has not been used for 24 hours before the appointment so it is completely cool. The appliance should be free from ash, fuel and combustibles and in a clean condition.
We need a clear working area of around 2 metres in front of the fireplace or stove, with furniture, tables and chairs moved out of the way and nothing on top or to the sides of the work area. We will also require access to a power socket.
Who is responsible if damage occurs during or after sweeping?
We are not responsible for any damage that may occur as part of, or be associated with, the sweeping process. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to stacks, chimney pots, liners, property or persons.All fires, burners and flues must be serviceable and in good working order at the time of the sweep.
How often should I get my chimney swept in Bury St Edmunds
Most homes only burning in winter need a chimney sweep once a year. If you use your wood burner or multi fuel stove most days, every six months is usually safer. We will always recommend a sweeping schedule based on how often you use your fire and what you burn.
Do I need my chimney swept if I have a log burner or multi fuel stove?
Yes. A log burner or multi fuel stove still produces soot and tar that builds up inside the flue. Regular sweeping keeps the flue clear, improves draw and reduces the risk of a chimney fire, just as it does with an open fire.
Is chimney sweeping messy?
A professional chimney sweep near Bury St Edmunds should leave your room as clean as they found it. We use sealed dust sheets, tape around openings and powerful vacuums to contain soot and ash so it does not spread into the house. Any mess from the flue is cleared away before we leave.
Do you issue chimney sweep certificates for insurance?
Yes. After every sweep we can provide a chimney sweep certificate showing the date, address and appliance. Many insurers now ask for proof that the chimney has been swept by a competent professional within the last twelve months, so keep this with your home documents.
Can I sweep my own chimney instead of using a professional?
DIY chimney sweeping kits rarely clean the full length of the flue and can damage liners if used incorrectly. Many insurance policies expect the chimney to be swept by a professional sweep and may not accept DIY cleaning as evidence of maintenance. Booking a qualified chimney sweep in Bury St Edmunds is the safest choice.
Do you sweep gas fire and oil flues as well as solid fuel?
We sweep oil appliances but unfortunuatly do not touch gas fires . It is important that any gas work is checked by a Gas Safe engineer. Contact us with your appliance details and we can advise what chimney sweeping is appropriate.
Is it legal to remove a live bird nest from a chimney?
In the UK it is normally illegal to disturb an active bird nest, even if it is in a chimney. Once the nesting season has finished and the nest is no longer in use, a chimney sweep can remove it for safety reasons. We follow current wildlife guidance and will always advise you on the correct timing.
How often should I have a thatched cottage chimney swept?
Insurers often expect a thatched cottage chimney to be swept at least twice a year because of the higher fire risk. We specialise in thatched and historic properties around Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and surrounding villages and can advise on the schedule your insurer requires.
Do lined chimneys still need sweeping?
They do. Stainless steel and pumice liners collect soot and residue just like a traditional brick flue. Regular chimney sweeping keeps the liner clear, protects it from corrosion and maintains good draw.
How should I prepare my room before the sweep arrives?
Please clear ornaments and logs from the hearth and move any fragile items away from the immediate area. Make sure the fire has not been used for at least twelve hours so the fireplace and ash are completely cool. This helps us set up our dust sheets and equipment quickly and keeps your chimney sweep appointment running smoothly.
Can you help if my room fills with smoke when I light the fire?
Yes. If you have smoke coming into the room there may be a blockage, poor draw, downdraught or an issue with the flue size or ventilation. We can inspect and sweep the chimney, carry out tests and if needed recommend a CCTV chimney survey or other remedial work.
Do I really need a carbon monoxide alarm with my stove?
Yes. Any solid fuel, gas or oil appliance that burns in your home can produce carbon monoxide if something goes wrong. We strongly recommend fitting a compliant carbon monoxide alarm near your stove or fireplace and testing it regularly as part of your chimney safety routine.
What areas do you cover for chimney sweeping?
We are based near Bury St Edmunds and usually work within about a twenty mile radius. This includes towns such as Stowmarket, Thetford, Newmarket, Mildenhall, Diss, Sudbury, Haverhill and many surrounding villages across West Suffolk and nearby counties. If you are unsure, just ask and we will confirm if we can visit your area.
Can regular chimney sweeping help my stove burn more efficiently?
A clean chimney improves airflow, which allows your wood burning stove or open fire to burn hotter and cleaner. This means you get more heat from the same amount of fuel and produce less smoke and residue, which is better for your flue and the environment.
How do I book a chimney sweep near me?
To book a chimney sweep in Bury St Edmunds or the surrounding villages, simply call, email or complete our online contact form. Let us know where you live, what type of fire or stove you have and how often you use it. We will offer the next available appointment and confirm everything by your preferred method of contact.
When and how do I pay for my chimney sweep?
Payment is due on the day of the sweep or service. We accept cash and card payments and do accept cheques.
If we issue an invoice, payment terms are strictly 7 days.
Late payments may incur a £50 administration fee plus interest charged at 8%. By booking an appointment, the person making the booking is responsible and liable for payment.
What happens to the soot and waste after you sweep?
Any waste and soot from the sweeping and cleaning process will be left with you, the client, to dispose of. You are responsible for ensuring all waste is disposed of in a safe and compliant manner.
Who is responsible for my stove installation and chimney components?
You, the client, are responsible for ensuring the correct cowl or terminal is fitted at the top of any flue we sweep, and that it is properly secured. You are also responsible for making sure your stove or appliance installation complies with current industry standards and any local council or planning requirements.
We do not install or certify stoves, appliances or fireplace openings. If we notice any issues or concerns during the sweep, we will point them out once we have finished. We strongly recommend that any remedial work is carried out by a competent, qualified installer before you use the appliance again.
What is the average chimney sweep cost in my area
The cost of chimney sweeping in the Bury St Edmunds area depends on the type of appliance, access and how long it has been since the last sweep. Most standard domestic sweeps fall around the typical UK average of £75 but bird nest removal or CCTV inspections cost more. We will confirm the price with you before we start work so there are no surprises.
What are the signs my chimney needs sweeping?
Common signs your chimney needs a sweep include more smoke in the room, a dark tar like smell, bits of soot dropping into the fireplace, a blackened fire surround or a fire that burns poorly even with good fuel. If you notice any of these, book chimney sweeping in Bury St Edmunds as soon as possible.
How long does a chimney sweep take?
For a standard domestic chimney that was swept within the last year, allow around 45 to 60 minutes per appliance. If we need to remove a bird nest or carry out a CCTV chimney inspection, it can take longer, but we will discuss this with you on the day.
Do I still need a sweep if I have not used the fire for a while?
Even unused chimneys can develop problems such as bird nests, fallen brickwork or moisture damage. If your chimney has not been swept for several years, or you are moving into a new property in Bury St Edmunds or the surrounding villages, we recommend a full sweep and inspection before you light a fire.
What happens during a chimney sweep visit?
We protect the area with dust sheets, seal the fireplace opening, set up our vacuum and then sweep the flue from bottom to top using either traditional rods or rotary power sweeping equipment. Once the chimney is clean, we check the draw, tidy the area and issue a sweep certificate if required.
Do you offer bird nest removal from chimneys?
Yes. We regularly carry out bird nest removal from chimneys throughout Bury St Edmunds and nearby Suffolk villages. Once the nest is no longer in use, we can remove the material from below, sweep the chimney and advise on suitable bird guard or cowl to prevent future nesting.
Do you work on historic or inglenook fireplaces?
Yes. Many of our customers have older properties with inglenook fireplaces and historic brickwork. We use suitable sweeping methods to protect delicate flues, and we can talk you through safer burning techniques and ventilation in these traditional homes.
When is the best time of year to book a chimney sweep?
Autumn is very busy for chimney sweeps in Bury St Edmunds as everyone gets ready for colder weather. If you want the widest choice of appointment times, it is best to book in spring or summer so your chimney is clean and ready before the first cold snap.
Can you sweep more than one chimney in the same visit?
Yes. Many homes around Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket and Thetford have more than one fire or stove. We can sweep multiple chimneys during the same visit, which is usually more convenient and can sometimes work out better value than separate appointments.
Do you provide CCTV chimney inspections?
We offer CCTV chimney inspections to check the internal condition of the flue, investigate chimney fire damage or persistent smoke problems. The camera shows cracks, joints, obstructions and other issues that may not be visible from the fireplace alone and can be useful evidence for insurers and surveyors.
Do you work with landlords and letting agents in Bury St Edmunds?
We regularly help landlords and letting agents meet their safety obligations by providing scheduled chimney sweeping, certificates and reminder dates. If you manage rental properties in Bury St Edmunds or the surrounding area, we can organise visits directly with tenants to make the process as simple as possible.
Are you a qualified or HETAS recognised chimney sweep?
Yes. The Good Sweep is fully trained and accredited with HETAS and The Guild of Master Sweeps, with additional experience in building and energy efficiency. Using a qualified chimney sweep gives you peace of mind that work is carried out correctly and supports any insurance requirements you may have.
Will you protect my carpets and furniture during the sweep?
Yes. Before any chimney sweeping starts we lay down dust sheets and protective covers over the hearth and surrounding area. We work neatly and use a vacuum to contain soot so your carpets and furniture stay clean. If anything needs moving, we will always ask before we touch it.
