06/05/2026
98% of Homeowners Don’t Know This About Their Fireplace and Chimney safety
Most people do not realise that a chimney should be cleaned and maintained every year. At our offices, we do timeous follow-ups to remind customers when their fireplace or chimney maintenance is due. However, many customers still ask to leave it “until next year” or “until after winter.”
The truth is simple: chimney cleaning is not only needed when the fireplace starts smoking.
It is also not safe to say, “We hardly used it this year.”
It can take just one use for dust, soot, and debris to stick to the creosote already inside the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable, and once it builds up, you could be sitting with a fire inside the chimney cavity without even knowing it.
The Dangerous Part Most People Don’t Know
Many homeowners do not realise their chimney is on fire until the situation becomes serious. In some cases, people only become aware when:
1. the roof starts cracking,
2. there is excessive heat around the chimney area,
3. smoke starts pushing back into the house,
4. flames or sparks appear from the chimney,
5. there is a strong burning smell,
or surrounding roof material becomes affected.
By that stage, the consequences could be dire.
Thatch Roof Homes Need Even More Attention
If your home has a thatch roof, maintenance is even more important. A thatch roof should have bi-annual maintenance, meaning checks and cleaning should be done twice a year.
Thatch is naturally more vulnerable to heat and sparks. Your chimney, cowl, spark arrestor, and fireplace system must be kept in safe working condition to reduce the risk of fire.
Don’t Wait for Smoke Before You Act
A chimney does not have to smoke to be dangerous. A fireplace does not have to be used every day to need cleaning. Waiting until there is a visible problem can put your home, roof, and family at risk.
Annual chimney cleaning is not just maintenance — it is fire prevention.
Book your chimney sweep on time. Don’t leave it until next year. Don’t wait until after winter. Maintain your fireplace before it becomes a danger.