This cost guide will give you all the information you need about the pricing associated with chimney sweeping in the UK. First, we will look at the overall cost of the chimney sweep and then break it down into different components. Finally, you are going to learn about the factors that may affect your chimney sweeping cost in the UK.
Introduction
As the season changes and the temperatures start to drop, the first thing you want is to light up your chimney for homely warmth forgotten during the summer. If you are lucky enough to have a chimney in your home, you know it brings the feeling of the festive season just around the corner.
With the excitement of having a roaring fireplace comes the cleaning task of a chimney sweep. This is necessary to get rid of or prevent any build-ups and blockages from the burning wood.
However, if you are wondering what it may cost you? This cost guide for a chimney sweep is a quick read to get a rough estimate. If you have central heating instead, then check out our blog on “Central Heating Boiler Prices and Cost Guide – Gas, Warm Air Central Heating Boilers.”
Average Cost of Chimney Sweep in the UK in 2021
The national average cost for a chimney sweep in the UK falls within the range of £40 to 150. However, this price may vary depending on various factors such as the size of the chimney, ease of access, and where you live.
The type of chimney you have will also determine how much a chimney sweep project will cost. This is mainly due to the degree of work and maintenance efforts required for each type. Here is an estimated cost of chimney sweep for three major chimney types found in the UK.
Type of Chimney | Average Cost |
Open Fire Chimney | £60 to £100 |
Unlined Stove Chimney | £90 to £150 |
Lined Stove Chimney | £80 to £120 |
Cost Factors Involved in Chimney Sweep
It may have around an hour or so for an experienced chimney sweep service provider to complete a job. Here is the breakdown of the chimney sweep cost.
Contractor’s Fee
For a budget chimney sweep, a contractor will charge you around £60 for an open fire chimney. However, an unlined chimney may take longer and will cost you up to £150 depending on the complexity of the job.
The time required to complete the job can actually increase your cost, especially if your chimney has excessive deposits of creosote.
Bird Nest Removal
Your chimney sweep cost may increase if the cleaning company has to remove bird nests. This task may range from £100- £120. However, in most cases, this is a part of the basic package. This may actually take a full day depending on the accessibility of your chimney because the company may have to use specialist requirements to address this issue.
Your Location
Your location plays a vital role in how much a chimney sweep will cost you in the UK. For example, if you are in London, you can expect to pay up to £150. However, in Manchester, the same job may cost you as little as £60. Therefore, do some research to find a company offering you the best rate for a comprehensive chimney sweep services.
Additional Costs
While carrying out your chimney sweep, the cleaning technicians may point to some underlying issues that may add costs to your overall project. These are not a part of a chimney sweep and you are not under obligation to address them right away. These may include the following.
Chimney Lining
If you have an unlined chimney or damaged lining, it may cost you an extra £150 to £250.
Gas Fire
Wishing to install a gas fire or replacing an existing one may cost somewhere around £160 and upward.
Log Burner
An average cost of a new log burner ranges from £300 to £4000.
New Hearth
A damaged hearth can expose your home to fire hazards. Therefore, a replacement is always a good idea that may cost you between £50 and £300.
Fire Guard
A new fireguard will probably cost you from £20 to £250.
DIY Chimney Sweep Cost
If you are a DIY enthusiast, here is what it might cost you.
Equipment | Average Cost |
Dust Mask | £1 to £25 |
Duct Tape | £3 to £10 |
Flashlight | £1 to £45 |
Drain Rod Set | £15 to £40 |
Poly Sheeting | £10 to £14 |
Chimney Brush | £8 to £15 |
Safety harness | £18 to £250 |
Safety glasses | £1 to £14 |
Shop Vacuum | £35 to £300 |
Your home insurance company would not want you to treat chimney sweeping as a DIY project. In this case, if there is a fire incident on your property because of the chimney, your insurance might deny the coverage.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Chimney Sweep Company
Chimney sweeping must be a part of your home’s regular repair and maintenance routine. However, if you are wondering how often you must do it, then the answer depends on the fuel source for your chimney fire.
In case you have a chimney using gas, then cleaning it once a year will suffice, and the same applies to an oil-fired chimney.
On the other hand, if you are using a wood fire chimney, this will require frequent cleaning up preventing any build-up of creosote and blockage. In this case, it is best to carry out a chimney sweep once every 3 to 4 months. However, you must only do it when the chimney is in use.
Last but most importantly you must always hire chimney sweeps registered with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS). A safe undamaged chimney sweep by trained and certified professionals will ensure a job well done and the safety of your household from any chimney-related fire hazards.
Now that you know the cost of a chimney sweep, you can use this information as your guide to picking the right chimney sweeps in your area. Additionally, it would be wise to always ask your contractor to give you an estimated itemised quote in writing to avoid any last-minute surprises.
In case you are thinking about moving from chimney heating to a more modern option, then do check our blog on “Gas Boiler Installation Cost Guide.”
