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We’re supporting this year’s national Chimney Fire Safety Week and want to remind everyone that it’s important to book a chimney sweep before lighting your stove for the first time this winter.

Regular chimney sweeping is essential for removing soot, bird nests, cobwebs, and other blockages. It also eliminates creosote build-up, a highly flammable substance that can lead to dangerous chimney fires.

Always consult a reputable chimney sweep for the best advice and service. The HETAS website has a handy search facility, where you can easily search by postcode to find registered chimney sweeps in your area: Find an approved sweep near you.

This is also a good time to check your stove is ready for use and perform any essential maintenance to ensure your stove is ready to go when you need it.

Some tips to make sure your home stays safe this winter inclu

• Highlight the benefits of modern, sustainable solid fuel stoves.

The Ultraflex Screw Range is designed to make your stove installations quicker and easier than ever before!

Our screw type suspending cowls are so quick to install you can do it in under a minute, which means less tools, less time on the roof and a strong installation.

TITAN DW is a multi-fuel, twin wall insulated flue system is available in both Matt Black and Stainless-Steel finishes. It's designed for a wide range of applications, including negative and positive pressure environments and condensing systems with joint seals.

Engineered for compatibility with all types of domestic, commercial, and industrial heating appliances for use with gas, oil, pellets, wood, or coal. TITAN DW can handle a constant working temperature of up to 600° C, with short bursts up to 700° C, and thermal shock resistance up to 1000° C.

A chimney cowl is a device that is fitted to the top of a chimney stack, usually made of metal, plastic, terracotta, or mesh. It has several functions which range from safety to improving performance of the chimney and reducing maintenance.

The main reasons why you would want a chimney cowl fitted are:

1. Stop rain water and snow from getting in - Rain and snow can cause issues for your chimney flue. A little rain may not be a problem, but over time it can accumulate moisture (particularly in months where the fireplace is not in use) which will damage your chimney and be costly to repair. The same is true of snow, though if you are lighting the fire often during snowy seasons, this will help evaporate any moisture. A cowl is designed to prevent this from happening.

If you are installing a wood burning stove, you will need to have a plate above the stove to block off the bottom of your chimney.

This plate must be made of a solid, non-combustible material. These are often referred to as a closure or register plates, but there is a difference between the two.

What’s the difference between register and closure plates?

A register plate is used to seal the base of a chimney cavity when you do not have a chimney flue liner in your chimney. Whereas, a closure plate is used when you do have a chimney flue liner in your chimney.

What is a register plate?

By burning the right fuel, you will reduce the negative impact your stove can have on your health and the environment!

It can be difficult to know which fuels to choose to reduce pollution. Wood sold in volumes under 2m³, and manufactured solid fuels, must be certified as 'Ready to Burn'.  If you buy fuel accompanied by the 'Ready to Burn' logo, you can be confident that you are protecting yourself and your family from the effects of the most polluting fuels.

You should always check which fuel types are recommended for your appliance. Using the wrong fuel could damage your appliance, affect your chimney, and invalidate your warranty.

We know that many people dry out, or season, their wood for use at a later stage.

At this time of year, there is usually an increase in reports of house and chimney fires. However, these fires can be easily prevented with responsible use and maintenance.

Smoky fuels release more creosote, a tarry substance that can stick to the inside of your chimney and ignite if allowed to build up. To prevent this, only use good quality dry firewood or even better, wood briquettes, which produce low amounts of smoke and therefore less creosote over time.

Regular maintenance, including annual chimney cleaning, is essential. It’s best to have your chimney cleaned by a professional who has all the right tools for the job. They can also inspect your chimney for any cracks, holes, birds nests or any other blockages, which could mean it's unsafe to light a fire.

Have you started decorating for Christmas? 

Follow these guidelines to help you decorate your fireplace safely this Christmas

With the Christmas countdown on, many of us are beginning to get ready for the festive season, which is why it's important to follow guidance on how to decorate your fireplace safely.

 A cosy fireplace easily becomes the centrepiece of any room, but it can be surprisingly difficult to create a safe yet beautiful decorative display on your mantel and hearth. Experts recommend keeping any combustible materials, including pillows, blankets, and seasonal decorations, at least three feet away from the opening of the fireplace. This includes any decorations you might hang from your