Why You CAN Still Have Your Chimney Swept & New Stove Fitted

December 22, 2020

Why You CAN Still Have Your Chimney Swept & New Stove Fitted

So here we go again. Another lockdown. Back to where we were in March.

Well, not exactly. There are some quite big differences, and they’re actually good news for sweeps, stove fitters and their customers.

Because unlike in March, when the government’s advice was much misunderstood – prompting many sweeps and installers to down tools – they have been more forthright this time.

They have now spelt out, in black and white, that people ARE able to work in other people’s homes. Crystal clear. End of.

Ah’, I hear you ask, ‘but is the work essential?’

Whether that work is deemed ‘essential’ or not is neither here nor there. ‘Essential’ only relates to physical commercial premises in this context – which is why fireplace shops may have to close (although many have to undertake home survey visits anyway so in practice the disruption isn’t a dealbreaker).

Similarly, whether the person carrying out the service is a ‘keyworker’ or not isn’t something which is being thrown into the mix this time, as schools aren’t shutting.

Even if schools did shut, being a keyworker never conferred any special rights on whether you are allowed to work or not. Plenty of non-designated keyworkers were able to carry on working last time.

The keyworker designation only gave you the right to be able to continue sending your child to school in the event of school closures.

So, please – disregard the words ‘essential’ or ‘keyworker’ when it comes to having a tradesperson in your home. They are massive red herrings.

Yes, it can be confusing when the government are telling you you can have a someone in your home to undertake a paid service, but you can’t have your friends around.

But those are the ‘rules’ as they stand ’ – basically if it’s a social occasion it’s banned; if it’s for work, it’s fine.

The explicit reference to working in people’s homes is good news and, to be frank, a bit of a relief.

The government has clearly listened to people like me who highlighted how their lack of clarity last time caused a massive, unnecessary upheaval for a lot of tradespeople.

Of course, some tradespeople may voluntarily shut down, as many did last time, but they are not legally obliged to.

Some may also have to rearrange appointments if they are self isolating, and that is to be expected of any professional tradesperson.

2020 has been an odd year for pretty much everyone. Working in people’s homes enables you to get a sense of people’s views and mindsets. And most I speak to now accept that we have to learn to live alongside the virus.

Yes there measures we can take to minimise risk but life has to continue.

As winter draws in, with more people working from home, many will want to enjoy the glow of a roaring fire.

And given the sort of year most people have had, the ability to enjoy this simple comfort safely and securely takes on even more importance…

Eco 2022 Ready Stoves

October 21, 2020
SIA Ecodesign Ready Scheme is a new scheme to increase environmental benefits of wood burning stoves. Air Quality is extremley important and Eco Design Ready Stoves reduce emissions by 90% Ecodesign is a European programme to lower emissions and the new regulation will come into force in the UK in 2022. The Ecodesign Ready scheme is supported by DEFRA. The SIA Ecodesign Ready label will set the standard for the most environmentally friendly stoves available today. For more information you can visit Stove Industry Alliance

Why a Bird Guard Can Save You From SIX MONTHS of Misery

July 1, 2020
There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to use a fireplace when you want. But imagine having to go without it from winter until the following autumn. That’s the position you could find yourself in if birds decide to nest in your chimney. Historically, the nesting season in the UK usually starts around March time. However, over recent years, jackdaws and starlings have started nesting much earlier – sometimes as early as January. They’re also getting more territorial, often returning to the same location year after year. And once they start building a nest, it is protected by law. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to destroy an active bird’s nest without good reason. Simply wanting to use your fire isn’t a good enough reason, and any professional sweep will not break the law. The truth is, that if your chimney isn’t properly protected and you get caught out, then you simply have to be patient.

Be Prepared: When Your Fire Becomes A LIFELINE… 5 Things You MUST Do

June 23, 2020
Fireplaces have many functions, from being pieces of history to a simple ‘nice to have’ accessory. But at certain times, they can also prove to be a lifeline. During a power cut, fireplaces can provide a main source of heating. It gives a sense of security as an independent heat source. And for people who are on their own for long periods of time, it can be almost like a companion. Stove and fireplace usage could rise above normal levels over the next few months, given world events. But is your appliance ready to rise to the challenge? The key to having a consistent and effective supply of heat from your fireplace depends on one person – you. Here’s 5 ways YOU can ensure your appliance is in the best shape possible. Book A Chimney Sweep NOW

DIY DISASTERS: Why You Should Leave Chimney Sweeping and Fireplace Installation To The Professionals…

June 21, 2020
DIY is set to skyrocket in the next few months as more people spend time at home. But there’s some jobs you really should leave to the experts. Among them are fitting your own solid fuel woodburner/open fire or sweeping your chimney. Why? Well put simply they both are highly skilled trades which take years to master.

Stove with Chimney ‘Pipe’ Smoking Back? Here’s 5 Common Reasons Why…

June 21, 2020
You can have a chimney pretty much anywhere these days thanks to twin wall insulated systems. These factory-made flues negate the need to build an expensive, brick chimney and are quicker to install. However, they aren’t without their issues if they’re not operated or installed correctly.
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