How Often Should I Get My Chimney Swept in Poole, UK?

Keeping your chimney clean and safe is vital for any home with a fireplace or wood burner in the UK. But how often should you schedule a chimney sweep? The answer depends on a few factors, but here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Minimum Recommended Sweeping:

• At least once a year: This is the bare minimum for most homes, especially those burning smokeless fuels like coal or manufactured logs.
• Quarterly when in use (that's usualy twice a year in the UK): This is recommended for homes that burn wood regurly during the fire burning season or for fires that have been burning wet or unseasoned wood, which is never recomended as it creates more soot and creosote buildup.
• Learn more about why you should not burn unseasoned wood in your fire?

Factors to Consider for More Frequent Sweeping:

• Frequency of Use: If you use your fireplace or wood burner heavily throughout the winter, consider a second sweep in the year e.g September/October & Decemeber/ January.
• Type of Fuel: Wood gives off more soot then smokeless fuels, leading to more creosote buildup. Consider additional sweeps if burning a lot of wood.
• Visible Signs of Blockage: If you notice smoke billowing back into the room, unusual smells, or difficulty drawing a draft, a chimney sweep is needed immediately.

Benefits of Regular Chimney Sweeping:

• Prevents Chimney Fires: Creosote buildup is a major fire hazard. Regular chimney sweeping removes this buildup, reducing the risk of a chimney fire.
• Improves Efficiency: A clean chimney allows for proper airflow, maximizing heat output and reducing fuel consumption.
• Protects Your Home: Chimney fires can cause extensive damage. Regular cleaning helps prevent fires and protects your valuable property.

Finding a Qualified Chimney Sweep:

When seeking a chimney sweep, ensure they are registered with a profesional assosiation such as, 

• The C.S.A [The Chimney Sweep Academy Association chimneysweepacademy.co.uk]
• The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps: [guild of master chimney sweeps ON The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk]
• Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps (APICS): [apics chimney sweeps ON Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps apics.org.uk]
• Institute of Chimney Sweeps (ICS): [institute of chimney sweeps ON instituteofchimneysweeps.com]
• National Chimney Sweeping Safety Association (NCSSA): [NCSSA chimney sweep association uk ON National Chimney Sweeping Safety Association ncssa.co.uk]
• National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS): [NACS chimney sweep association ON National Association of Chimney Sweeps nacs.org.uk] 

This ensures a professional chimney sweep with the expertise to clean and inspect your chimney safely and thoroughly.

Remember: Regular chimney sweeping is a vital part of home maintenance in the UK. By scheduling sweeps at the recommended frequency, you can enjoy a safe and efficient fireplace while protecting your home from potential fire hazards.

Book You Chimnmey Sweep Today!

Breathe easy this winter! Get a safe and efficient chimney sweep with Jim Chim-in-ey, serving Bournemouth & Poole, Dorset, UK

Text Jim Today!

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For Poole chimney sweep prices visit this article...
Recommended article: https://www.jimchimney.co/p/prices.html

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Replacing Fire Rope in Your Wood Burner: A Step-by-Step Guide (Updated)

Keeping your wood burner operating efficiently and safely requires a well-maintained fire rope. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing your old fire rope, including using fire rope tape to prevent fraying.

It's always recommended to have a competent person fit your fire rope such a chimney sweep or woodburner installer.

Before You Begin:

• Safety First: Ensure your wood burner is completely cool before starting.
• Gather your tools: Ruler, flat head screwdriver, small steel brush, damp cloth, utility knife or scissors, replacement fire rope (high-temperature ceramic fiber recommended, size based on your measurement), high-temperature fire rope tape, fire rope adhesive (usually included with the rope), and gloves.

What are the new coal and wet wood fire rules? UK government - Wet wood & House Coal is being phased out this season. (February 2021)

News
Wet wood & House Coal is being phased out this season. (February 2021)

What is the new UK Government rules for fires and wood burners that burn wood and coal?

• The sales of all bagged traditional house coal will be phased out by February 2021.
• The sale of loose coal direct to customers via approved coal merchants by February 2023. 
• The sales of wet wood in units of under 2m3 will be restricted from sale from February 2021,

Coal burning customers
Buying smokeless coal (clean coal) will be your option.

Wood burning customers
This shouldn't effect you too much as most of my customer already buy fully seasoned / barn or kiln dried fire wood.

Looking at seasoning the fire wood yourself?
Wet wood sold in volumes greater than 2m3 will be sold with advice on how to dry it before burning from February 2021

Jim Chim-in-ey - Dorset Chimney Sweep for Bournemouth,C & Poole

Visit my advice page for more fire related guidance.
https://www.jimchimney.co/p/advice.html

Jim's Firewood articles

1. What is the difference between kiln dried and seasoned firewood?
2. #7 Ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn
3. The best way to store your firewood!
4. #7 Questions to ask before burning your firewood!
5. Softwood vs Hardwood.
6. Wood Types that are good and not so good to burn
7. Burning woodwork off-cuts
8. What wood gives off the best heat?
9. What size logs should you burn in your chimney or woodburner?

Looking for more information on the new fire & wood burner UK government regulation?
Please visit.

.Gov Website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-action-to-cut-pollution-from-household-burning

Easy Read Article:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/21/house-coal-and-wet-wood-to-be-phased-out-by-2023-to-cut-pollution]

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Coronavirus - Covid-19 update - Dorset Chimney Sweep - Poole Bournemouth Christchurch

Thank you to all the fantastic customers who helped support me over the last few days. You really have helped.

To adhere to the recent guidance, from today, (24/03/2020) Jim Chim-in-ey 🎩 is only available for an emergency call-out.

As usual Jim is available by phone 24H a day for any advice and guidance.
07837672548

Keep safe,
Jim Chim-in-ey
Keep safe,
Jim Chim-in-ey

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Coronavirus - Dorset chimney sweep?

IS IT SAFE TO BOOK JIM CHIM-IN-EY?
Your safety and my safety is important, I have a family member who is vulnerable so I have taken a few extra steps to ensure that I can minimise the risk whilst still providing the top chimmey sweep service.

WHAT AM I DOING?

I will be hand sanitizing before and after each sweep.

Disposable gloves at all times. (I double glove as standard when sweeping)

My chimney sweep face masks will be worn troughout my visit. (Standard practice when sweeping but I will now have it on throughout my visit)

No more coffee. Sadly as it's impossible to drink without removing the mask (Thank you for the offer but I regretfully will have to decline )

I will be politely requesting a 2 metre distance and that you sit in a different room throughout the visit.

Before attending the property, I will be asking if customers households have Coronavirus, are self-isolating or have any signs of symptoms as per UK Government guidelines.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend any property that is affected.

DO GET IN TOUCH
Its business as usual, Please call me anytime on 07837 672 548 or email me on jim@jimchimney.co

If you have any questions, want to book or would like a chat, do get in touch.

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Christchurch Chimney Sweep Interview with Homes with Love Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch - Part Two

How did you get into chimney sweeping?

Family friend was giving up the trade and my Aunt convinced me to go on a few jobs with him, I’m really glad I did. . . I took to it quickly and just fell in love with the job.

I was warned by James that when you get into sweeping chimneys all you do is look at chimney stacks, pots & cowls . . . even on holiday. I thought he was joking. . . .but that’s what I do. You can actually tell a lot about a what’s installed and what's being burned in a property just by looking up at the chimney stack.

What do you love about being a chimney sweep?

The social side is super important to me, you get to meet some lovely, interesting people.

Sooty & Sweep
I've swept for John the famous puppeteer of Sooty & Sweep over in Kinson, Bournemouth - He gave me a great pin badge and was kind enough to give me a photo opportunity with me and the genuine puppets of Sooty & Sweep.

Bournemouth Chimney Sweep in Kinson with Sooty and Sweep

Animals in Wool
Another time I was sweeping an open fire in Wool, Dorset and there was a cat that had just had a litter of kittens who had to be kept in a box while i was sweeping. While I’m sweeping I was then randomly asked if i liked snakes and next thing I know im posing for a photo with a big snake wrapped around my neck.

Lucky I Love Dogs
You have got to love dogs as a chimney sweep, as a guess ⅓  fire owners seem to have dogs. I sweep for a lady in Branksome who has a wonderful Great Dane and as I was sweeping her room I had to be welcomed in and was told to ignore her at first . . . which is pretty hard when shes jumping up at you and she’s 5ft tall.
After each sweep I shake my sheets out between each fire outside in the garden. The Great Dane was always interested in what i was doing and on the 3rd time. . . Out comes this great dane galloping over with her blanket and she starts shaking her blanket just like me, that was a cool moment.

Have you seen any great houses?

I see a wide variety of properties as a sweep, some modern some extremely old, some with beautiful views across Sandbanks and some big stately homes in rural Dorset to Lady’s & Lords.

I get to see some cool fires too.
Some so big you can walk into them and some with an open back so you can light one fire for two separate rooms. The most unique i sweep is a fireplace that's designed as an actual mouth with teeth.

Chimney Sweeping an open fire in Dorset

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Chimney Sweeping - Dorset BBC Radio Solent live with Jim Chim-in-ey

If you missed Jim Chim-in-ey talking about being a Dorset chimney sweep live at 7:50am on BBC Radio Solent.
You can watch the video below.



Talking to our Dorset life guest today and well Jim the Dorset Chimney Sweep is on the phone to talk to us.

Intro
Jim good morning I need your sign up on something, I want to do something a little bit cheesy, I guess this happens all the time whenever anybody talks about your life and stuff. Can i play Chim Chim-in-ey [Music] Dorset life time, I think it's only fair when you get a chimney-sweep on the show to play you know this from Mary Poppins and Dorset Life's guest today is who you've heard from it's Jim Chim-in-ey not his real name, after having had the nickname JC for years when this 31 year old took over a chimney sweeping business three years ago it seemed fitting for him to change his name. Jim lovely to have you on. 

Give me some give me a check on hows things are in the chimney sweeping world in the 21st century? 
Yeah it's going really well the wood burners has really helped thanks to the fashion of wood burners coming into homes has really helped to keep the business alive.

Your young, your 31 so how does one become a chimney sweep when they're in their late twenties?
I inherited the business from a feller named James and he is a family friend in my auntie, that is the person who knows knows the friend and she convinced me to go on a few jobs with him and I went went on a few jobs and I loved it.

What was he was the appeal? What did you what did you fall in love with quite so quickly?
Well I really liked the social side I love popping to people's houses and  having a chat and getting to know lots of interesting people.

When the James who was running the business before you Jim Chim-in-ey took over, did he pass the business on with any kind of a warning because I guess it's very easy from the outside to assume that chimney sweeping has quieten down over recent years.
He said there was just enough work out there just to tick on by and which was quite nice and I looked at the accounts and it turned out pretty good for myself so it's just just enough to survive which is what I wanted.

Is the job any different from what it would have been a hundred years ago? I guess you're not sending you know seven-year-olds up the chimney anymore but presumably its back breaking hard work is there any labor-saving devices? 
The biggest things happened in the chimney sweeping world is something called power sweeping which is attaching special chimney sweeping rods to drill and that's spinning for you so that when you get stuck on a bend and things like that it works a lot better. When I first started it was manual sweeping then ,you end up with a beach body in the winter, and you lose it just in-time for when the summer season hits. So power sweeping has definitely helped.

That's definitely interesting, we live in a house that is central heating but where my folks live in South Wales, my dad who's sixty nine now, he will still sweep the chimney and it's one of those jobs whenever he does it just the old-fashioned manual way then he'll come out with the creek in his neck and a sore back and I say why? Just get somebody in to do it
There is a lot more to it then you think, its about getting the rod sizes correct and making sure you get in a good clean, that is what we do.

You touched on there Jim that obviously the busy time it is ridiculous we're talking to a chimney sweep on a day like today, looking out my window blue skies and sunshine. Does anyone get there chimney swept in the summer is there any sense in that?
A few people do, but most people wait until September or February those are sort of our peak times either at the beginning of the season or at the end. If I swept it  mid summer and the customer is unfortunate enough to get a bird's nest afterwards, they would have to get it swept again to get rid of the nest before September, so a lot of people get its swept after the bird season.

So a bit quieter now, a chance you to take a break before things step up again, although there's every chance over the summer you might get a a wedding booking tell me a bit about this . . . you've had three over three years? 
Sweeps are famous for being being lucky, basically we saved king George II and he decreed and said that chimney sweeps we're lucky and he invited as sweep to his daughter's wedding and I'm from then we get invited. It was  our parents sort of era and their parents were the ones who bought us for the wedding and we turn up and we crash the wedding, steal the kiss from the bride and things like that.

How often have you done that?
I've done three of them so whats that. . . about once a year I get probably two phone calls.T

These aren't people that you know? You're just turning up to strangers weddings?
I found out about it because people were ringing me up asking if I do chimney sweep weddings in Dorset

Well there you go. Jim Chim-in-ey available to sweep chimneys and turn up at weddings.
Before we let you disappear is it is it true that you once swept sweeps chimney? Sweep of Sooty and sweep?
Yeah the property of John the puppeteer of Sooty & Sweep and I went in his house and the house is full of Sooty and Sweep and he was kind enough to let me take a photo.

Sooty and Sweep Dorset Chimney Sweep Jim Chim-in-ey

Who knew that chimney sweeps were good luck for weddings there you go um I do know we will check back in with Dorset lives on Monday morning about same time BBC radio Solent.

Thank you to Steve Harris & the BBC Radio Solent Team and to John Seaton for the Sooty and Sweep photo opportunity.

Jim Chim-in-ey
Dorset's Chimney Sweep Specialist

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Live on BBC Radio Solent - Dorset chimney sweep - Jim Chim-in-ey

Listen to Jim Chim-in-ey talk about being a Dorset chimney sweep live at 7:50am on BBC Radio Solent on Friday the 22nd June 2018.

Jim talks chimneys live on BBC Breakfast in Dorset.

Jim Chim-in-ey the Chimney Sweep as heard on BBC Radio Solent.

How to listen
103.8 FM in Dorset.
Digital Radio across the county (in east Dorset you may pick up both breakfast programmes).
Freeview Channel 726 in the South West.
You can't yet listen on the BBC iPlayer Radio app, but we are on TuneIn Radio and Radioplayer.

After the programme
Listen to all our programmes on the BBC iPlayer Radio App and online on the Breakfast in Dorset
homepage. (Or web search "Breakfast in Dorset" or click the "Breakfast in Dorset" buttong from
the station page: bbc.co.uk/solent - if you listen on here you'll get the other breakfast show).

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

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Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

Ask the chimney sweep Bournemouth Q&A live with Jim chim-in-ey

New Q&A with Jim Chim-in-ey

Want to talk to a chimney sweep or have a question about your fire?
Welcome to Jim's Live Q&A Webinar!
The Bournemouth & Poole Chimney Sweep Webinar

Where do go to find the link to join the chatroom?
http://www.jimchimney.co/p/bournemouth-poole-chimney-sweep-live.html

Jim Chim-in-ey runs live Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions that you can interact with, this gives you the chance to ask Jim any question you have about chimney sweeping, wood-burners and open-fires.

When will Jim be next online for Q&A?
Please find the 2018 calendar below.

2018 Chimney sweep Q&A Calendar
Monday 23rd April 2018 at 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Monday 4th June 2018 at 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Monday 9th July 2018 at 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Monday 20th August 2018 at 5:00pm - 5:30pm

How much does it cost?
This is a free service run by www.jimchimney.co

Facebook Event Page: Ask the chimney sweep Bournemouth Q&A live with Jim chiminey

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!