Stepan Chimney Sweep

16/03/2026

During and after from a recent chimney sweep 😳

This chimney had a heavy soot build-up that was a fire risk and/or a carbon monoxide poisoning risk. The image on the left shows a lot of the soot from the flue liner after sweeping (some had already been sucked up by the vacuum).

A regular chimney sweep keeps your stove working efficiently and your home safer.

If you need yours done, message the page to book.

07792 352992

11/03/2026

You might have birds nesting in your chimney…

Spring is when birds start looking for nesting spots, and chimneys are a favourite place for Jackdaw nests.

Signs you may have birds nesting include:
• Twigs falling into the fireplace
• Scratching or chirping sounds
• Birds flying in and out of the chimney pot

Remember, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it’s illegal to disturb an active nest. Disappointing news for a customer today, but booked for a sweep in early September.

Have you noticed birds going in and out of your chimney recently?

27/02/2026

I am often asked: are wood-burning stoves being banned? 🔥

No — there is no ban on wood-burning stoves in the Midlands.

The UK government is not planning to make it illegal to own or use a stove. Current discussions are about reducing emissions from new appliances and fuels, not banning existing stoves.

Some areas are Smoke Control Areas, where specific fuel rules apply — but that’s longstanding regulation, not a new ban.

Bottom line: Stoves aren’t being banned — the focus is on cleaner use.

24/02/2026

19/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Opening Hours 🎄

Please note that we will be closed for the Christmas period from
📅 Friday 19th December until
📅 Sunday 4th January

We will reopen on Monday 5th January.

✨ Enquiries and bookings are still welcome, however replies may take a little longer than usual during this time.

Thank you for your continued support — we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🎁

19/03/2025

Managed to rescue this cheeky chap from a chimney, this morning. It was weak, but totally functional, and flew off after around an hour.

Worth avoiding the worry of unwanted visitors in your chimney? For more information about installing a bird guard, call me on 07792 352992

26/09/2024

I recently went to sweep a new customer's chimney from an appointment I had made three weeks previously, to discover a mix-up between my customer and another chimney sweep. She thought he was affiliated with me and had re-scheduled an earlier appointment, just after I made the appointment with her. This led to her distress, especially since the previous sweep left a mess of soot all over her furniture and living room, as well as failing to provide a Certificate of Sweeping – the standard that states a chimney and appliance is safe for use. Additionally, I found that the stove hadn’t been cleaned internally, all in all, raising safety concerns.

To rectify this, I re-swept the chimney, thoroughly cleaned inside the stove, and conducted standard safety checks, all without creating a mess. I’m pleased to report that on this occasion, I was able to pass the chimney and appliance and issue a Certificate of Sweeping.

Remember, chimney sweeping is unregulated, so it's essential to choose a reputable sweep who is competent in fault finding and issues correct safety documents to their customers. Always check reviews—ensure you get the job done cleanly, but more importantly, knowing that your system is safe to use.

27/06/2024

Have you seen our website, packed with helpful advice and tips?

Chimney sweep

20/05/2024

Can I burn logs and smokeless coal at the same time?

Many people now have modern multi-fuel stoves installed in their homes. The name ‘Multi-fuel’ suggests that these types of appliances can burn different fuels including wood, coal or smokeless fuel. This is true, but you should never burn more than one type of fuel at a time.

Regular House Coal, Smokeless fuel and Firewood burn in very different ways: wood requires air from above to aid combustion, whereas coal and smokeless fuel require air from below. A multi-fuel stove has a grate, allowing air to circulate below the fuel and to allow ash to drop through to the ash-pan below.

Allowing a stove to burn both wood and solid fuels means there are two fuels competing for the air available in the stove. The real danger with mixing wood and coal is that the moisture in wood mixes with the sulphurs in solid fuel to create a highly acidic residue that will corrode stainless steel flue liners. This is quite dangerous over a longer period, but at its’ worst, a liner can be rendered inoperable within 12 months of installation. It is also an expensive mistake, as the liner will have to be replaced.

10/05/2024

Where should I place a CO alarm?

They are best placed in the same room as a possible source of Carbon Monoxide, ie between 1m and 3m in front of the appliance. They are better being fixed on the wall - ideally, at least 15cm away from the ceiling. However, it is possible to fix them to the ceiling too. But you will need to make sure it’s at least 30cm away from walls or other obstructions, like light fittings.

The alarm needs to remain in the open air so it’s monitoring the same air that everyone is inhaling, so make sure it is not blocked by furniture.

Remember: CO alarms need to be tested regularly! “Test-It Tuesdays”

Any safety concerns about your chimney, why not give us a call for friendly, no-obligation information or advice.
07792352992

09/05/2024

Should I have a Carbon Monoxide alarm?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell. That makes it impossible to detect without an alarm. It is a therefore a good idea to fit a CO alarm in any room with appliances which can produce the gas. These include boilers, gas cookers and solid fuel appliances like fireplaces.

In rented accommodation, fire safety regulations now state that landlords must provide a CO alarm where there is a used fireplace.

Any safety concerns about your chimney, why not give us a call for friendly, no-obligation information or advice.
07792352992