10/11/2021
Just a bit of news regarding chimney sweeping- very shortly we will be offering power sweeping.
There are many advantages to this - the main one being that the rotating head (drill does this so it rotates at speed), removes deposits that the traditional brush cannot do.
The head (below) doesn’t look like much but it is deceptive as it does an excellent job (see the photo of flue).
If you’re interested please keep reading. The paragraph on ‘Power Sweeping’(as well as ‘Before’ and ‘After’ photo) is borrowed from another page so I cannot take credit, and I have no name to credit it to- if it is yours and you’d like me to take it down, please get in touch.
If you would be interested in having your chimney power swept, please like or comment.
This method is particularly suitable for lined chimneys, although any chimney in good condition can be power swept safely.
The price shouldn’t differ very much from the traditional sweep. We are hoping to be offering power sweeping service from the middle of December.
We will also be able to offer CCTV should you want to see the condition of your flue - this, however, does need to be stated at the time of booking.
At the moment CCTV inspection is available, but not for the full length of the flue.
****
POWER SWEEPING
The most obvious difference between traditional sweeping and power sweeping is the brush used.
With power sweeping, the brush or ‘head’ looks a bit like a large spider. It has thick nylon strands as opposed to thin bristles, which is usually what traditional brushes are made off.
The second major and obvious difference is that with power sweeping, the ‘head’ rotates at speed. With the traditional method the head is pushed up and pulled down manually.
There is simply no argument or doubt in terms of which method of sweeping is more effective at removing soot and creosote.
Power sweeping is the clear winner. However, because power sweeping uses robust whipping action, care must be taken when using this cleaning system.
If the head rotates at too high a rate, the rendering in an older flue can be damaged, i.e., the rendering can be removed by the motion of the head.
To avoid this the chimney sweep will identify the type of flue, e.g., rendered, clay, stainless steel flexi or concrete sectional, as soon as they arrive, and before they commence the sweeping process.
At this pre-sweep flue inspection stage the sweep will determine at what speed the power sweep brush head should rotate at, to avoid damaging the flue walls, while also ensuring the flue is thoroughly cleaned.
Power sweep heads can have their rotational speeds varied according to the flue condition and type to be swept. Results are usually very good!
****
