How to sweep a chimney

Although winter is still some way off, the days are starting to get shorter and have reminded us that soon we will be wanting to light the fire of an eveing. Our previous blog 'Chimney Sweeping - Why Do I Need To Sweep My Chimney'  showed why it is important to sweep your chimney and this week we are going to give a rough guide on how to do it.  

If you have ever watched a chimney sweep in action, aside from Bert from Mary Poppins, you will realize that being prepared and having everything you need before you start is the key to getting the job done. An annual sweep is usually within the capabilities of most DIYers and should be done prior to lighting your fire for the first time that season.

How to Sweep Your Chimney

The following is a guide to How To Sweep Your Chimney:

1.  Prepare everything you need in advance, this may involve shopping for some of the more specific tools.

An Emptied Chimney Flew

• A Chimney brush - there are many types of brush on the market both wire and plastic available in a variety of shapes and sizes and you will need to buy the right size to match your chimney. Measuring the sides of the chimney from the bottom will help you make this decision. 
• Brush rods, extension pipes or weighted rope - Depending on the method of cleaning (see below) bottom up or top down. You may need to estimate the height of the chimney, in this case it is best to over-estimate.
• Stiff wire brush - A small hand held brush, used for DIY tasks.
• Tarpaulin, blanket or dust sheet - to cover furnishings and floor.
• Dustpan, Brush & Metal Bucket - to collect the debris.
• Torch
• Gloves, dust mask and goggles - Long rubber gloves will suffice.
• Ladder - if using the top down method.

2. Before you begin.

• Prepare your house - Cover all nearby furnishings with your dust sheets.
• Dress in appropriate clothing as this can be a messy job.
• Check for animals - Using your torch, look up the chimney to check for birds or squirrels that may be lodged there.
• Remove the damper - Usually a wiggle is all that is required. Brush with wire brush and set aside.

3.  Decide which method of Chimney Sweeping works best for your situation.

• Bottom up - Rod up. 

Working from the fireplace opening inside the house. Assemble the brush and one section of pipe. Attach the first piece of pipe to the brush. Insert the brush into the chimney through the fireplace. Use slow and gentle up and down motions to scrub the chimney/flue clean. Add another section of pipe to enable you to extend the brush further up the chimney. Continue until the brush feels no resistance or pops out the top.

• Top Down - Rod Down

This method requires that you be on the roof and access the chimney from the exterior. The first piece of pipe is attached to the brush and inserted into the chimney, using the same technique as above. The benefit of this method is that the open fireplace can be screened off with tarpaulin and tape so dust inside the home is kept to a minimum. Care needs to be taken while working at height.

• Top Down - Rope and Weight

This method also requires you to be on the roof but there are no rods or extensions involved. Instead a weighted brush is attached to a rope and lowered into the chimney, pulling and lowering to gently scrub the chimney.

A Roaring Fire

• Top Down - Pulley / Dual Line System

This method requires two people, a brush and two lengths of rope. One person takes the brush and rope on to the roof and lowers it into the chimney, the 2nd person grabs the rope from the fireplace inside the house and each takes it in turn to pull the brush up and down the chimney. The downside to this method is that the fireplace is open and can be messy.

4.  Finish the Job

The grate and lower portion of the chimney will benefit from a brush. A final sweep with the dustpan and brush or even a vacuum to ensure all debris has been removed will leave the fire ready for use.  

After all this effort you want to make sure that the fireplace is looking its best. Dorset Log Stores offer a great range of fireside accessories to suit open fires and log burners. Of course now is the time to order in your logs before the rush and we have an excellent range of log stores to store your winter firewood and kindling in as well as a stylish range of log baskets for inside the house.

If you have any questions about our log stores, why not give us a call on 01300 345916 to talk to a member of the Dorset Log Stores team. 

Thanks for Reading

James 

Garden Stores for the Allotment

The Sentry Box with removable shelf

It is usually at this time of the year that I find myself making daily trips to the allotment to keep up with the watering and the bean picking. August is always the month where I find little time to do all the jobs necessary, but "grow" increasingly aware that the days are beginning to get shorter and the evening require a jumper. But still I cannot resist staying out just a little bit longer, planning and scheming for the winter.

Storage has always been a problem at the allotment, the kids have their spare wellies here and there is a growing collection of garden tools that need to be kept safe, out of the weather and locked away. As with many Council run allotments, there are rules about sheds and what is allowed, most councils will only accept structures which can later be removed.  

The Dorset Log Stores range of garden storage ideas is of increasing interest to gardeners and allotment owners.  Built for a tough life outdoors, our range of Garden Stores offer a durable and stylish solution for the garden or allotment.

The Sentry Box is our most popular garden tool store. This stylish store is approximately 6ft tall by 2ft wide and the removable internal shelf makes this a flexible space for storing a range of tools and gardening items. The secure lockable hasp and staple make this a strong safe store for keeping all your important tools, boots and bits-n-bobs in. 

Garden Store for the small space

For the smaller space the Short Garden Store, at a compact 4ft, 6in high by 5ft wide, is perfect for small gardens or allotments. The cupboard with a movable shelf is perfect for storing tools and the open space is useful for storing garden chairs, pots or winter logs. A taller version is available standing at 6ft high and has space for everything from even the most clutter filled garden.

To find out more about our range of Garden Stores, call us on 01300 345916 to speak to a member of our team or leave a comment below.


Thanks for Reading
James