When to call a chimney sweep urgently: signs you should not ignore

1. Smoke enters the room instead of rising

If, when you light the fireplace, the smoke does not draw upward but comes out into the room, something is wrong. The flue may be partially blocked by soot, an animal nest, a fallen terminal, or the chimney may simply not have been cleaned for a long time. Continuing to use it in these conditions exposes the occupants to inhaling combustion gases, including carbon monoxide.

This is not a problem you can solve with a bigger flame or an open window. The flue must be inspected before lighting the fireplace again.

2. Smell of smoke in the house without lighting the fireplace

If you notice a smell of smoke or burning in rooms adjacent to the fireplace when you have not used it recently, this may indicate cracks in the flue through which gases are leaking. It may also be a soot build-up activated by moisture. In either case, it is a sign that the flue is not airtight.

3. Soot or damp stains on walls and ceilings

Dark or damp stains on surfaces near the flue, especially if they appear on upper floors or on the ceiling of the room where the fireplace is located, indicate leaks inside the flue. Damp soot has an oily appearance and can stain wall plaster. If these marks appear suddenly, act quickly.

4. You have had a chimney fire

A chimney fire occurs when soot accumulated inside the flue ignites. You can recognise it by a loud “turbine-like” noise, a visible flame at the chimney opening, sparks coming out of the chimney or unusual heat in the wall next to the flue. It is an emergency situation.

Even if the fire went out by itself, do not light the fireplace again. The fire may have damaged the flue internally, created cracks or weakened the joints. It must be inspected throughout before any further use.

5. It has not been cleaned for more than a year

Nothing visible needs to happen for a chimney to require an inspection. Fire prevention guidance recommends annual flue cleaning and inspection. During one season of normal use, enough soot can build up for the fire risk to become real.

Before lighting it for the first time in the season, make sure the annual cleaning is up to date. If you cannot remember when it was done, it is already due.

6. You have seen or heard animals in the flue

Chimney flues are very attractive places for certain birds and small mammals, especially if the terminal is damaged or missing. A nest in the flue can completely block the passage of gases and create a dangerous obstruction. If you have seen birds entering or leaving the opening, or hear noises inside the flue, do not light the fireplace until it has been inspected.

What do we do during an emergency inspection?

We inspect the flue with an endoscopic camera from the bottom all the way to the terminal. We identify obstructions, cracks, nests or dangerous soot build-up. If the problem can be resolved during the same visit, we do it. If building work or parts are required, we give you a fixed quote before starting. We never work without you knowing the price.

Frequently asked questions about chimney emergencies

What exactly is a chimney fire?

It is the combustion of soot accumulated inside the flue. Soot is flammable, and when there is significant build-up it can ignite from the heat of the fire. It produces very high temperatures that can damage the flue and spread to the building structure. It is an emergency.

Is carbon monoxide from a fireplace dangerous?

Yes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is odourless and colourless, and it is lethal at high concentrations. A chimney with a blocked or cracked flue can release CO into the home without you noticing. This is one of the reasons why an annual inspection is essential.

How long does an emergency inspection take?

Usually between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the length of the flue and what we find. If cleaning is also required, it may take a little longer. In any case, we provide a report of what we found and the price of any intervention that may be needed.

Does urgent cleaning cost more than normal cleaning?

It depends on availability and how urgent the situation really is. At El Foc a Terra we try to respond quickly without charging an emergency surcharge in most cases. Check availability by calling 611 06 44 22.