7 Best Chimney Sweeps in Cheltenham: Trusted & Reviewed

Open fires need sweeping at least once a year, ideally before winter. Wood burners and multi-fuel stoves used frequently should be swept 1 to 2 times yearly, depending on the wood and how often you use them. Agas and range cookers used regularly may need sweeping every 6 to 12 months. Ask your sweep for advice specific to your appliance and usage.

A CCTV inspection lets a sweep see inside your entire flue without climbing onto the roof. It reveals cracks, loose mortar, blockages, creosote buildup, bird nests, or debris. It costs £90 to £155 and is especially useful if your flue is hard to access, you've noticed poor draw, or you're buying a property and want to check the chimney before using it.

A sweeping certificate isn't legally required for most domestic chimneys, but it's useful for insurance claims and proof of maintenance if you ever need to show the work was done professionally. Ask your Cheltenham sweep whether they provide one as standard after sweeping.

Yes, but timing matters. Active nests (with chicks or eggs) are protected by law during breeding season, so removal is blocked until the birds have left. Outside the season, a sweep can remove old nests and fit a bird guard or cowl (£70 to £155) to prevent future problems. Removal alone costs £80 to £165.

A smoke or draw test (£40 to £70) checks whether your flue pulls correctly, important for safety and efficiency. The sweep introduces smoke and watches how it moves up the chimney. Poor draw suggests a blockage, a crack, or a flue that's too large or small. It's a quick way to spot problems before they become serious.

Bigger jobs cost more: repointing a chimney stack runs £305 to £1,020 depending on damage; installing a flexible flue liner is £920 to £2,245; replacing a pot is £155 to £410. Even routine sweeps vary (£60 to £95) based on soot buildup, flue access, and whether power sweeping is needed for heavy tar deposits.