Chimney sweeps · Devon

Listings last refreshed 9 October 2026

Best Chimney Sweep in Barnstaple [Reviewed & Ranked]

1 chimney sweep in Barnstaple, ranked by Sweep Score using Google reviews and profile data.

✓ How we rankFree directory, no pay-to-rank

1sweep ranked
9Google reviews analysed
0open Saturdays
£60–90typical standard sweep

Hiring a Local Chimney Sweep in Barnstaple

One rated chimney sweep in Barnstaple covers the EX31 postcode, serving the Barnstaple with Pilton neighbourhood in North Devon. SFL Flues & Chimneys has 9 customer reviews and a Sweep Score of 4.7 out of 10. To avoid the September rush, book your sweep between May and August so your chimney is clean and safe before the heating season starts.

Top Rated Chimney Sweeps in Barnstaple Compared

Compare the top picks side by side. Full write-ups follow below.

#SweepBest forScoreRatingVerified
#1SFL Flues & ChimneysChecking services and hours online before you call4.79 reviews—
  1. 1SFL Flues & ChimneysChecking services and hours online before you call4.7

Barnstaple Chimney Sweep Reviews and Ratings

1

1. SFL Flues & Chimneys

Best for: Checking services and hours online before you call

4.7Sweep Score

Barnstaple9 reviews

Score breakdown and details
Location
Barnstaple · Riverside Rd, Barnstaple EX31 1LZ
Track record
New or lightly reviewed
Rating
9 Google reviews
Profile
Unclaimed listing (Google data)
Today
See hours on profile
Recommendation3.7
Trust6.2

Confidence: low

Strengths

  • Direct phone number published, no lead form in the way
  • Has its own website with more detail on services
  • Opening hours published

Watch Out For

Only 9 reviews so far, so the rating could still move. Worth asking about experience.

Our take: Our top pick in this area. A Sweep Score of 4.7/10 reflects the best combination of rating, review depth and profile completeness here.

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost in Barnstaple?

Chimney sweep prices in Barnstaple follow the standard Devon pattern, with costs shaped by the type of appliance and the work needed. A standard open fire sweep runs £60 to £90, while wood burners and multi-fuel stoves are typically £65 to £95. More specialist jobs, like CCTV inspections (£90 to £155), bird guard fitting (£70 to £155), or power sweeping for heavy tar (£90 to £155), cost more because they require additional time and equipment. Structural work such as chimney pot replacement (£155 to £410) or stack repointing (£305 to £1020) reflects the materials and expertise involved.

Typical standard sweep£60 to £902026 guide price for Barnstaple
Chimney sweep Barnstaple prices
Typical chimney sweep prices in Barnstaple
ServiceGuide price
Sweeping
Open fire chimney sweepStandard brick chimney, one flue£60 to £90
Wood burner or multi fuel stove sweepIncludes flue liner and baffle clean£65 to £95
Range cooker or Aga flue sweepExtra time to strip down and reassemble£80 to £120
Second flue on the same visitDiscount for an extra flue at the same address£30 to £50
Power (rotary) sweep for heavy tarFor glazed or tarred flues a brush cannot shift£90 to £155
Inspection and safety
CCTV chimney inspectionCamera survey with recorded footage£90 to £155
Smoke or draw testOften included with a sweep; checks the flue pulls£40 to £70
Wood burner annual serviceRope seals, glass, firebricks and baffle checked£90 to £155
Repairs and fittings
Bird nest removalOutside nesting season; depends on size and depth£80 to £165
Bird guard or cowl fittedSupply and fit, access dependent£70 to £155
Chimney pot replacementAccess equipment or scaffold extra£155 to £410
Chimney stack repointingSize, condition and scaffolding dependent£305 to £1020
Flexible flue liner supply and fitHeight of chimney and liner grade dependent£920 to £2245

Guide prices only, not quotes from listed businesses. Always confirm with your sweep.

SFL Flues & Chimneys: Barnstaple's Local Specialist

SFL Flues & Chimneys is the rated chimney sweep serving Barnstaple. The business has collected 9 customer reviews, with a Sweep Score of 4.7 out of 10, and maintains an active website for booking and enquiries. As an urban-based operator, they serve Barnstaple residents directly from the EX31 area.

The sweep offers the full range of services most homeowners need: standard sweeping for open fires and stoves, CCTV inspections to check flue condition, and repairs such as bird guard fitting and chimney pot replacement. If you need specialist work, flue lining, stack repointing, or heavy tar removal, ask whether they handle those jobs or can recommend a contractor.

  • 9 customer reviews, Sweep Score of 4.7 out of 10
  • Website available for direct booking
  • Covers Barnstaple and Barnstaple with Pilton
  • Open weekdays (closed Saturdays)

When Neighbouring Towns Matter for Barnstaple Sweeps

If SFL Flues & Chimneys is fully booked or doesn't suit your needs, sweeps in nearby towns are within reasonable distance. Bideford is 6 miles away with one rated sweep; Ilfracombe is 8 miles north with four sweeps; and Torrington is 9 miles inland with three options. Umberleigh (8 miles) and Chulmleigh (15 miles) each have one sweep, and Okehampton is 18 miles south.

Before booking further afield, contact the Barnstaple specialist first. Many sweeps will travel beyond their listed area for a single job, especially if you're flexible on timing. Travelling to a neighbouring town is only worth considering if your preferred sweep can't help or if you need a specific service they don't offer.

Booking Your Barnstaple Sweep Before The Rush

Barnstaple residents should aim to book between May and August to avoid the September-to-December scramble. This window lets you secure a convenient date, ensure your chimney is clean before you need heating, and often avoid last-minute premium pricing. The longer you wait into autumn, the harder appointments become across North Devon.

Get a date locked in early if you burn wood, oil, or solid fuel regularly, these fuels warrant annual sweeping. Once booked, clarify whether the sweep will provide a certificate of cleanliness (often required by insurers and appliance manufacturers) and whether they'll run a smoke or draw test if you've noticed draft issues.

  • Book May to August for improves your chance of getting the availability you want
  • Annual sweeping recommended for all fuel types
  • Ask for a cleanliness certificate post-visit
  • Smoke tests cost £40 to £70 if flue draw seems weak

Best Time to Book Chimney Cleaning in Barnstaple

In Barnstaple, book your chimney sweep between May and August to beat the autumn rush. Most sweeps fill their diaries by September as the heating season approaches. Sweeping before you start using your fire or stove keeps your flue safe and ensures your insurance remains valid.

General UK booking pattern for chimney sweeps, shown as a guide rather than measured local data.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeps in Barnstaple

Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask before booking a sweep.

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How much does a chimney sweep cost in Barnstaple?

A basic open fire sweep in Barnstaple costs £60 to £90; wood burners are £65 to £95. CCTV inspections run £90 to £155. Specialist work like flue lining (£920 to £2245) or chimney stack repointing (£305 to £1020) costs significantly more. Prices depend on appliance type, flue condition, and whether structural repairs are needed.

Is there a chimney sweep in Barnstaple with weekend appointments?

The rated sweep in Barnstaple currently operates weekdays only and is not open on Saturdays. If you need a weekend slot, contact them first to ask whether they offer Saturday bookings or can refer you to a neighbouring sweep that does.

How often should I get my chimney swept in Barnstaple?

Open fires should be swept at least once per year. Wood burners and multi-fuel stoves are typically swept 1 to 2 times yearly depending on fuel type and usage. Oil Aga and range cookers need sweeping once annually. Ask your sweep for a recommendation based on your appliance and fuel.

What happens if a bird's nest is blocking my chimney?

Bird nests are protected during nesting season (March to August). Removal outside this window costs £80 to £165. If a nest is active, the sweep cannot remove it; you'll need to wait until the season ends. A bird guard (£70 to £155 fitted) prevents future nesting.

Do I need a chimney sweep certificate?

Your insurer and appliance manufacturer may require proof of a professional sweep. Most sweeps provide a certificate of cleanliness after the job. Check your home insurance policy and ask the sweep to confirm they'll issue one.

What if my chimney has heavy tar buildup?

Heavy tar or creosote needs a power (rotary) sweep, which costs £90 to £155. This method is more thorough than standard sweeping. If your flue has significant buildup, the sweep will identify it during inspection and recommend the best approach.

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