Another chimney thread

[TonyK]

Just following up on another post:

How of often should this chimney be swept?

Basically burning logs and a tiny bit of coal 4 times a week for 18 weeks of the year. Is once a year enough?

TIA

[Huge]

Yes.

That's what we do.

We mistakenly "stretched" it to three years this time. Fortunately it was only a small chimney fire, easily extinguished. Amazing what a spare sheet of Aquapanel can be used for.

[The Natural Philosopher]

:-)

Ive actually set fire to a chimney after only 4 months of tar build up from swept...three times..swept in september, fired three times in December.

Greenish wood in a coal fire is the worst. The flues are narrower and the tar emitted is large.

On a large area flue as used fo older style wood fires, once a year is plenty. and coal - especially low smoke coal - produces much less.

[The Natural Philosopher]

In case teh OP hasn't has a chimney fire, the best procedure is to ciover teh fire front with something that will stop air getting up teh chimney: That is what te aquapanel is for...and then diuse teh fire with water to prevent reignition, and cool teh flue with damp water vapour.

Wait at least several hours before re-relighting and preferably till aftre its been swept.

OTOH if its cermic lined and in good condition, and the roof aint thatch...go outside and watch it burn itself out. Its spectacular...

One way to clean a chimney :-)

[Rick]

I was told that when bits start to drop - it needs sweeping.

Rick

[John]

It was common in the village I grew up in. As you say spectacular