After 10 years Trevor Howard is hanging up the rods and brushes but ‘Howard the Sweep’ is staying in the family as Chimney Charlie takes over. Trevor remains in the background as a consultant and is currently doing much of the admin for the short term. 

Services

Chimney Sweeping

As long as it is safe to do so and there is access for me to get my rods inside I'm happy to sweep most domestic chimneys - I've even done a few from the top down when such access hasn't been available.  If you have something slightly extraordinary feel free to call to discuss it.

Camera Inspections

I have various cameras ranging from a 'look see' which enables me to quickly see what's inside a flue to endoscopic which enables me to look into awkward nooks to a full inspection camera with recording capability.  Happy to undertake internal chimney inspections.

Testing

Before bringing an old chimney back into use or if  suspicious a chimney is leaking (you can smell smoke) then there are tests that can be done to verify a chimney is fit for purpose.   Happy to discuss options here.

Certification

I'm not allowed to 'sign off' other peoples installations but there is an appendix in the Building Regulation guidelines relating to hearths, fireplaces, chimneys and flues designed for certifying they are satisfactory.  I quite often issue such certification for clients lacking any other documentation relating to their wood-burner when they come to sell a property - though I usually have to sweep the chimney first to be able to see what's in there. 

Repair

Minor repairs (to seals or fire-backs for instance) I just include as part of sweeping.  More substantial repairs such as replacing stove or flue parts where necessary can be accommodated.  If you don't know what make & model of stove you have I can often either tell you or find out for you.  The pic shows a missing brick in a feathers wall that I replaced.

Free a trapped bird

I quite often get asked to come out to free a trapped bird - particularly in spring or early summer.  Had a couple or squirrels too.  Happy to advise on how to attempt this yourself if you have one trapped and fancy a go at it.

Roof work / Cowls

My ladders are quite versatile so if I can reach your chimney I can fit cowls or bird cages (I carry those shown in the pic but can fit others) or re-flaunch a chimney top.   While I've been up there I've removed redundant aerials, replaced odd roof tiles and fitted & repaired weather vanes.

Problem Solving

Sometimes clients just want some advice:  What is this damp patch by my chimney?  Why do we smell smoke in the bedroom when the fire is lit?  Why does my stove emit smoke when I first light it?  Happy to discuss such issues & others.  Some examples of problems met can be seen in the gallery.