Chimney / flue sweep
A sweep of the chimney or flue serving any open fire or solid fuel stove, clearing soot and creosote deposits and checking the flue is clear and undamaged, with a certificate of sweeping.
A sweep of the chimney or flue serving any open fire or solid fuel stove, clearing soot and creosote deposits and checking the flue is clear and undamaged, with a certificate of sweeping.
Soot and creosote build-up is the leading cause of chimney fires, and a blocked or damaged flue can let carbon monoxide back into the room. Insurers commonly expect a current sweeping certificate for any venue with a solid fuel appliance.
Ask for a HETAS-approved sweep and a certificate of sweeping to keep on file for your insurer.
Who this is for
Any venue with an open fire or a wood-burning or solid fuel stove in a customer or staff area.
What you’ll hold
- Certificate of chimney sweeping showing the date and sweep's details
- A note of the fuel type burned since the last sweep
Watch out for
- Sweeping once a year regardless of fuel — wood and house coal need it twice a year, not once.
- Not keeping the certificate — insurers ask for documentary proof, not a recollection of the visit.
- Skipping a sweep because the fire has barely been used — resin and creosote still build up from occasional use, and nesting birds or vermin in an idle flue are a common problem.
Sources
- HETAS — When should I get my chimney swept? checked 2026-09-02
See also
This is item 5 of 60 in the free UK Compliance Calendar. See the whole list →