Chimney Sweep in Berkshire (10)

Getting your chimney swept means a safer home and a more efficient fireplace or wood-burning stove.

To hire with confidence, read our answers to the most commonly asked questions about chimney sweeps near you, including when to book a sweep, how much it costs, and who can help.

How much does a chimney sweep cost?

Here are the average costs of a chimney sweep in Berkshire:

• £90 : chimney sweeping service
• £90 : open fire chimney sweep
• £85 : gas fireplace chimney sweep
• £105 : chimney sweeping in London
• £100 : sweep one chimney (last cleaned over 2 years ago)
• £150 : sweep two chimneys (last cleaned over 2 years ago)
• £250 : a CCTV chimney survey
• £150 : bird nest removal

Prices for chimney sweeping typically depend on factors such as rates in your area, the attached appliance, the condition of your chimney, and when it was last cleaned.

It is often helpful to get several written quotes, including VAT, to compare prices and services. Try our request a quote tool - it's quick and easy!

If you have a log burner, sweeping costs are usually similar to open fires and should be carried out at least once a year (or quarterly if burning wood regularly).

Does a chimney sweep need to be certified?

Finding a chimney sweep with the right qualifications can ensure your chimney is safe and efficient to use.

Here are our top tips for hiring a qualified chimney sweep in Berkshire:

Search Checkatrade

• Search a trade directory, such as Checkatrade; it's a quick way to find checked chimney sweeps covering your local area

• All Checkatrade members must pass up to 12 checks and adhere to The Checkatrade Standard

• We also check their reviews - so you can trust the information you see

Check the national trade associations

• Look for members of trade organisations, such as the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) or the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps

• Members of these organisations are trained and certified to meet strict industry standards, meaning their work should be of high quality and compliant with safety regulations

Check reviews

• Always take the time to read customer reviews before you hire

• It's a simple and fast way to see what previous customers think of a chimney sweep's services

Ask for recommendations

• Ask your friends, family and neighbours for recommendations

• If you know anyone with a log burner or an open fire, they will likely have used a chimney sweep before

• Don’t forget to cross-check your recommendations with our homeowner reviews

What are the benefits of getting your chimney swept?

Hiring a chimney sweep is money well spent. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a checked chimney sweep in your area:

• Chimney sweeps are skilled in safe and efficient sweeping
• Hiring a sweeping service saves you time, hassle and mess
• The cost of a chimney sweep is affordable for many
• They have the tools to do the job properly
• They'll clean up any mess after they've finished
• A dirty chimney can put you and your home at risk

Can I sweep my own chimney?

Looking to save a few pennies by taking a DIY approach to chimney sweeping?

While this is possible, bear in mind that chimney sweeping can be incredibly messy. Always cover the room with protective sheets before you start. If not, you can ruin your carpet or furniture.

Hiring a checked chimney sweep near you can save you time and mess, plus, you’ll know the job has been done correctly.

We can help you find a tradesperson. Use our online search, or request a quote to find chimney sweeps operating in Berkshire.

How frequently should you sweep your chimney?

Standard guidelines state that a chimney should be swept once a year. However, you may need additional chimney sweeps depending on:

• How much you burn
• Condition of your chimney
• Type and size of fireplace
• Type of fuel you burn

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) recommends these timeframes for getting your chimney swept;

• Smokeless fuel – at least once a year
• Wood burning fires and bituminous coal – quarterly, when in use
• Gas and oil-burning appliance chimneys – once a year

Preparing your chimney for winter

The best time to get your chimney swept is in the summer or early autumn, before the start of the heating season.

Want to get your chimney prepared for winter? Check out our top chimney sweeping tips.

You can also connect with chimney sweeps working in Berkshire for guidance on how best to care for your chimney.

What's involved in a chimney sweep?

Chimney sweeps in Berkshire use tools like brushes, vacuums, and cameras to inspect and clean your chimney. They will usually check for:

• Soot and creosote buildup
• Blockages from birds' nests, debris or fallen masonry
• Cracks, loose bricks, drafts, or deterioration in the flue liner
• Smoke and gas exiting through the chimney
• An intact cap and crown to prevent weather damage or animals entering
• Connections linked to stoves or fireplaces are free from unsafe leaks or damage

Do I need a certificate once my chimney is swept?

You may need a chimney sweep certificate when selling or renting a property or for insurance purposes.

A chimney sweep certificate is an official document given to a homeowner or landlord after a sweep or unblocking is completed. It confirms that a chimney has been professionally cleaned and inspected and is safe to use.

Read our guide to chimney sweeping for more details.

How to tell if your chimney needs sweeping?

Look out for these signs that your chimney needs sweeping:

• Smoke entering the room
• Visible soot deposits around the fireplace or flue
• Fires that struggle to stay lit or produce less heat than usual
• A strong sooty or smoky smell
• Sounds or signs of nesting in the chimney

Regular inspection helps prevent these issues and ensures your chimney is safe.

Why use Checkatrade for chimney sweeps in Berkshire?

• Fully checked chimney sweep services
• Insurance and qualifications listed
• Compare multiple profiles
• Read reviews from real customers
• Covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply)

Ready to book your chimney sweep? Use our search tool to connect with checked and reviewed chimney sweeps in Berkshire.