Welcome to Phoenix Chimneys

 COVID-19 UPDATE.
With sensible precautions and adhering to Govenment advice work is returning to something nearing normality.
Remote visits for planning a Stove Installation are possible via Facetime, WhatsApp etc if preferred.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.           

This site is updated at regular intervals with Facebook_icon.svginformation so please look at the Menu for details of installations and what can be achieved when fitting a stove. You will see photographs of Installations and also examples of problems.

Please visit the Facebook page as this is updated more frequently and feedback suggests that more people view Facebook than Web pages.

If you want a chimney swept,repairs to a stove, an estimate for an  Installation or just some friendly advice call on 01271 -855543 – 07956 866593 or e mail – phoenixchimneys@hotmail.co.uk

If you get an answer phone please leave a message, you will get a call back and messages are checked regularly.

Please remember that a site visit is essential if you are considering having a Log burner fitted. This will be to determine what your requirements are and ensure that any questions you have are answered.It will also be an opportunity to discuss the types of stove that are available and what if any building work is required.

Installing a Log burner and associated work is covered by building regulations and is notifiable to the Local Council. HETAS is the government recognised body for Solid Fuel and Biomass appliances,fuels and services and the register of competant Installers.Logo (Registered).cdr

After your Installation is complete you will be issued with a HETAS Certificate of Compliance confirming that the installation is safe and complies to Building Regulations. This is essential for Home Insurance and will be requested if you sell the property. Building Control is infomed at the Council.

I am a Member of HETAS Reg No 4153 & 16632 and also a member of the imagesGuild of Master Craftsmen. To satisfy all Insurance companies and trade bodies I have £5M of Public Liability Insurance.Copies can be provided on request.

We work with a lot of reliable trades too and often some jobs can be tackled together for cost effectiveness.

Installation of Log and Multi Fuel Stoves.

DSCF1074
This is a Woodwarm Fireview 9kw Flat top Stove. Woodwarm is a very popular Brand and good value.This is fitted into a Inglenook fireplace that was originally a inefficient open fire.
Stovax Sheraton after a refurb,new glass,rope,collar and given a respray.
Stovax Sheraton after a refurbishment,new glass,rope,collar and given a respray.
This is the Esse Ironheart The customer wanted a woodburner that she could cook on in addition to the Aga in their Kitchen. This ticked the boxes.
This is the Esse Ironheart The customer wanted a woodburner that she could cook on in addition to the Aga in their Kitchen. This ticked the boxes.
This little stove is a great example of what will fit into a traditional Victorian insert. The insert was removed,the back cut off and with some alterations to the fireplace the stove was fitted with a liner.This one produces 4.9kw and is multi fuel.
This little stove is a great example of what will fit into a traditional Victorian insert. The insert was removed,the back cut off and with some alterations to the fireplace the stove was fitted with a liner.This one produces 4.9kw and is multi fuel.
DSCN8639
Before Opening up.

JCottCM (1)

DSCN0830
Old render removed from back of fireplace.New slate hearth and shelf installed to create a log store under the stove.Slate facing. The carpet is being removed and the floor is to be tiled so no combustable materials are close to the stove.
First Fire to test for leaks and draw. Perfect.All that remains now is to fill the log store and get a coal scuttle and a companion set.
First Fire to test for leaks and draw. Perfect.All that remains now is to fill the log store and get a coal scuttle and a companion set.
Aarrow Ecoburn5*
Aarrow  Ecoburn5+  A very efficient little stove.

 DSCN0837

The FDC 5kw  Defra approved  stove. DEFRA approved stoves may be used in Smoke Control Areas. This stove can also be placed on a 12mm hearth.The 25mm slate shelf allowed the safe storage of logs underneath and made good use of a limited space.

Woodwarm Fireview 5kw
Woodwarm Fireview 5kw Multifuel
"Work in progress"
“Work in progress”
Installed but not finished,Cosmetic work to complete.
Installed but not finished,Cosmetic work to complete.Woodwarm “Fireblaze” 6kw.
Chimney lined with Vemeculite Insulation
Class One 150mm Flexi Liner insulated with vermeculite. Picture shows top of the chimney before the pot,flaunching and cowl is fitted. The Insulation is recommended but not essential.
Good Quality Budget stove 11kw This is an Import but has been certified for Installation
Good Quality Budget stove 11kw This is an Import but has been certified for Installation

Areas Covered.

North Devon,West Somerset,Exmoor,North Cornwall. (other areas considered, We have customers in London and Kent too !).

What we Do.

We sweep chimneys, Lined or unlined – All types from Open Fires to Logburners, Rayburns, Agas and Stanleys in all types of properties.

We Install Logburning and Multifuel Stoves. To do this a free no obligation visit can be arranged to discuss your needs and explain the benefits of having a stove fitted.Its important that a stove is installed safely and to Current Building Regulations ,so this will all be explained at the time.As a HETAS registered installer you will receive a certificate of compliance when the job is complete.This means that you dont have to inform the local council of the work being undertaken.

Landlord & Owner Safety Checks.

This is a comprehensive check on Solid Fuel appliances,the flue and chimney covering safety and compliance.

Chimney Repairs. 

phone 2277
Broken pot,and flaunching. After strong winds the owner of the property noticed bits of broken pot by her back door.These could have easily hit her.
Flaunching loose,pots loose and broken and bits of masonry falling into the garden.The working fires have no protection from bird entry either.
Flaunching loose,pots loose and broken and bits of masonry falling into the garden.The working fires have no protection from bird entry either.

010

Top of the pot and the pot broken – someone has attempted a repair with some gutter sealant !

Top layers of loose bricks removed,re repointed.New pots fitted and cowls fitted to working chimneys.
Top layers of loose bricks removed,re repointed.New pots fitted and cowls fitted to working chimneys.

trinity1 (5)

When we inspect the top of your chimney stack we will always take photographs to show you anything that might be a problem not just with the chimney but with the roof,Tv ariel,gutter or anything else, that can be seen.You can then decide what to do,if anything. Many of our customers find this useful,after all how often do you actually look at the top of your property ?

We supply and fit Carbon Monoxide alarms,smoke alarms and Heat detectors (for Kitchens). With all installations it is the law that a Co Alarm is fitted within 3m but not closer than 1m to the appliance.

Its sensible to have one fitted near any Gas,Oil or solid fuel burning appliance that you have already fitted. Test them weekly and don’t buy the cheap ones that change colour when Co is detected….You may not be awake to check it.

Smoke Alarms should be fitted throughout the house and its a good idea to fit a Heat Detector in the Kitchen.

We Install and repair Log Burners and Multi Fuel stoves, replacing everything from Firebricks,Door Glass, and Seals to a full service and respray, if required.

Fitting Cowls and birdguards can solve many issues from poor performance,to downdraught and of course stop birds and pests from getting in your chimney. Please contact us for an estimate or further information.

cowl1
Three examples of Chimney Cowls and a Venting cap.The venting cap is used on disused chimneys.Its designed to allow air into the chimney so it can “breathe” but not rain so dampness should be eliminated.

cowl2 cowl3 cowl4

We also work with  local builders who have years of experience in Chimney and Fireplace building or rebuilding, opening up dis used fireplaces,roof work and other skills so that a complete package can be offered.

Landlord Checks for Log and multifuel Burners. (This will be arranged through the letting agent)

Please call Chris on – 01271-855543.  M. 07956-866593. or E mail – phoenixchimneys@hotmail.co.uk If you have any questions or want free advice.  

HETAS registered installer and a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

And now here are a few Horrors that We have come across…….!!

999810_10151724232722744_259740749_n
Blocked Chimney – No cowl fitted,full up with 5m high of twigs and birds nests !
IMG-20131219-00242
Another house,another Chimney,but the same problem.
DSCN8949
A Gas liner installed on a woodburner. which has collapsed. Fumes  were entering the room and the chimney had caught fire . Highly dangerous.
Probably one of the worst !
Probably one of the worst ! All the wrong materials and nothing is fitted, a piece of garden twine ties the top to the gutter !
Collapsed liner wrongly fitted !
This liner was incorrectly fitted fell apart ,collapsed  and blocked the chimney.
DSCN8950
This liner was fitted incorrectly and just left sticking out the top of the chimney ! It was next to a Tv ariel and both were struck by lightening ! Customer advised not to use the stove or the chimney.
135
A few gaps in this stack letting in the elements.
This customer toldme that his chimney was "insulated". He put this around the flue to stop the tar dripping onto the stove ! Needless to say I advised him to stop using the appliance and chimney.
This customer told me that his chimney was “insulated”. He put this around the flue to stop the tar dripping onto the stove ! Needless to say I advised him to stop using the appliance and chimney.
Tarred up chimney.This is a fire risk.The only solution is to line it.
Tarred up chimney.This is a fire risk.The only solution is to line it.
View from the top of the chimney.This cowl was totally blocked with tar caused by the burning of unseasoned wood. Wood should be dried for at least 18months and have a moisture content of less than 20%. The owner of this property was unaware of what caused this but she did have a Carbon Monoxide alarm that activated and alerted her to the problem.
View from the top of the chimney.This cowl was totally blocked with tar caused by the burning of unseasoned wood. Wood should be dried for at least 18months and have a moisture content of less than 20%. The owner of this property was unaware of what caused this but she did have a Carbon Monoxide alarm that activated and alerted her to the problem.
Another let property with a dangerous woodburner
Another let property with a dangerous woodburner

DANGEROUS

I was asked to repair this stove by a Landlord,whose tenant had this and an electric fire as the only source of heating. The stove was non repairable but the stack and fireplace was worse. A complete rebuild would be needed. I hope she took the advice !
I was asked to repair this stove by a Landlord,whose tenant had this and an electric fire as the only source of heating. The stove was non repairable but the stack and fireplace was worse. A complete rebuild would be needed. I hope she took the advice !
This is a Gas Fire - A blocked Gas fire .Gas Fires should be serviced and only by a Gas Safe registered fitter.
This is a Gas Fire – A blocked Gas fire .Gas Fires should be serviced and only by a Gas Safe registered fitter.
Sort of "Flue" outside.
Sort of “Flue” outside.
More Tarry Cowls, this time an electric one that was not being serviced.
More Tarry Cowls, this time an electric one that was not being serviced.
OtherStack
On this stack – now repaired, cold air was being sucked into the property through the brickwork this then drew smoke back down into the disused bedroom chimney from the working rear chimney. The walls also suffered from damp patches. Once the stack was repaired and rendered the problem was cured

Logo (Registered).cdrCarbonMonoxide001303