flue

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

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.

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?

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.