- +44 7480 789917
- peter@clean-sweep-chimneys.com
A large open fireplace creates a warm centrepiece in many homes. Yet these spacious chimneys can accumulate soot quickly, especially if the hearth sees frequent use. When owners skip regular sweeps, they might notice heavier smoke, soot markings on the surrounding brick, or that signature “fireplace smell” lingering even when the fire is out. For these bigger, traditional systems, a manual sweep using rods and brushes often proves most effective.
While modern rotary or viper sweeps are fantastic for certain flues, they may not match the range of motion a manual technique offers in a broad, older chimney. If you rely on an open fire for the atmosphere or extra heat, ensuring a thorough cleanup helps maintain clear airflow and reduces hazards like chimney fires caused by creosote buildup.
High-volume soot buildup and incomplete cleaning.
Open fires tend to burn more fuel, sometimes at cooler temperatures if logs aren’t fully seasoned or if the flame flickers in and out. This can create additional smoke and soot. Over time, the chimney walls become layered, narrowing the flue. If you use standard rods or partial sweeping methods, you might miss corners or wide sections, leading to leftover debris.
Missing or delaying sweeps for a year or two can mean quite a bit of residue. Some homeowners try to clear the bottom portion themselves but realize the upper chimney remains coated. This partial approach doesn’t solve lingering odors or smoky backdrafts, leaving the fireplace less reliable and potentially riskier.
Hands-on brushing for better coverage in large flues.
At Clean Sweep Chimneys, we recommend manual sweeping for many spacious, older fireplaces in Pontefract. Our technician uses rods and adjustable brush heads, gently working from bottom to top while feeling for any obstructions. This hands-on method ensures no spot is overlooked, which is especially critical if your flue is wide or has unusual contours. During the sweep, we position dust sheets around the hearth and use a vacuum to capture loosened soot.
If we notice any damage—cracks in the lining or loose bricks—we’ll let you know before finalizing the job. Sometimes, older fireplaces benefit from additional solutions like vermiculite boarding or partial relining, especially if they show signs of heat stress. Whatever the case, we keep you informed so you can decide how best to proceed.
Give us a call or fill out our online form, sharing that you have a large open fire. Mention any issues like smoke escaping or soot stains.
We visit your property, evaluate the fireplace’s condition, and set up dust sheets. Using manual rods and brushes, we remove soot while collecting debris in a controlled manner.
After cleaning, we conduct a quick smoke test if needed. We note any structural concerns and provide tips on fueling your open fire for improved performance.
“They tackled my old stone fireplace, which is quite large. The difference in draw is huge, and no dust was left.”
Our open fire hadn’t been swept in years. They did a thorough job, found a small crack, and explained how to fix it.”
“Manual brushing worked better than previous attempts with fancy tools. Highly recommend for big chimneys.”
We use dust sheets and a vacuum to keep everything contained. The end result is typically just as tidy as other methods.
Minor fixes might be possible, but extensive structural work can require a specialized builder. We’ll guide you if that’s the case.
At least once a year, sometimes more if you burn a lot of wood or coal. We can advise after seeing soot levels.
Have a big, traditional fireplace? Let us help you keep it clean. Call Clean Sweep Chimneys at +44 7480 789917 or send an online form. Enjoy the glow of an open fire without the smoke or mess.
View our Google Business listing to confirm we provide manual sweeping for wide open fireplaces in Pontefract. See location details and user feedback:
From the moment you contact us to the moment we leave, we strive to provide a seamless and reliable experience.
