Power-Sweep Chimney Cleaning

dirty chimney before cleaning

Chimney Cleaning

Gareth Tye Cleaning Services offer a professional chimney cleaning service in the Tipperary are, using the power-sweep system, also known as sweep and vac. Our power-sweep system allows us to sweep any size flue or liner from the safety of the ground eliminating the unnecessary risk of going onto your roof.

As with all our services, we feel it's vital to be up to date with trading standards and any incoming licenses. We are therefore qualified and certified with the ICS Chimney sweep association. This gives you the peace of mind that our working standards are up there with the best. We are also a certified member of the OFTEC group for installing stoves. This means not only are we trained and certified to sweep and maintain stoves and chimneys, but were also trained and qualified at installing them. This ensures we offer the best advice on maintaining your chimney.

So pleased with the chimney cleaning service this week...cleanest job ever!!thanks a mill! Alison Jones

Do I need to do anything before you arrive?

We bring all the necessary equipment to complete the job. All we ask you to do is to move any rugs, tables or ornaments directly in front of the fire so our chimney sweep has sufficient space to operate in.

Bird nest removal

If our chimney sweep discovers that there is a blockage present in your flue, then he will need to address this issue before progressing with the chimney cleaning and chimney inspection.

An animal nest or even a dead animal could cause blockages in your flue. Alternatively, if you don’t have a chimney cap or cowl installed on your chimney the blockage could be caused by debris falling into the flue. To avoid blockages in your flue, be sure to have your certified chimney sweep install a stainless steel chimney cap.

Chimney cowls Tipperary

Cowls Supplied & Fitted

We supply various chimney cowls and fit them too. A chimney cowl is useful as it can reduce rain entry and downdraughts in your chimney. Reducing draughts helps to keep your home warm and more comfortable. It also makes it easier to light your fire in the first place.

Downdraughts can also blow smoke into your home, which can cause a bad smell, damage furniture and even cause carbon monoxide exposure issues. Another advantage of fitting a chimney cowl is it can stop rain from leaking into your chimney flue. Rain in your chimney flue system can cause long-term problems such as causing rust on your burner or even structural damage.

What types of cowl are available?

There are many different types of chimney cowls to choose from and it's essential to get the right one. One of the most common types are the stainless steel rain and bird guard cowls. These type of cowls are the best option to prevent any birds or other types of animals from accessing your chimney liner. As it says in the name, they also prevent any rain from entering your chimney liner.

Chimney caps prevent squirrels or birds from entering your chimney flue. If you have ever had to remove a bird from your flue then you know how useful these are. On the other hand, sadly, if you have ever had a dead bird in your flue, then it's even worse - the smell can be disgusting!

Fitting a chimney cowl is a dangerous job and should only ever be undertaken by a professional chimney cowl fitter. Gareth Tye Cleaning Services can help you to choose the correct cowl and fit it for you. For a free Co. Tipperary chimney cowl fitting quote, call one of the team on .

fire stove

clean stove after cleaning

How often should I get my chimney swept?

The answer to this question really depends on many variables such as the type of fuel you are burning and how your open fire or stove is used. As advised by "Bord Na Mona", it is recommended to sweep your chimney at least once per year if you're burning household coal.

Did you know that in Ireland, the Irish Fire Service are called out to an average of 110 home chimney fires every week! Many local authorities have started to charge for attending these types of fires from €100 to €1000. Your House Insurance usually covers this fee. Something to be aware of though, is that some insurance companies are refusing to pay out if the chimney hasn't had at least a yearly clean. They also specify the chimney cleaner must be CSAI registered.

Chimney sweeping frequency depends on the type of fuel used also. This is the recommended minimum chimney cleaning frequency by the President of the Chimney Sweeps Association of Ireland.

  • Smokeless coals: At least once a year

  • Wood/Turf: Up to 4 times a year

  • Bituminous coal: Twice a year

  • Oil: Once a year

  • Gas: Once a year

If you're looking for a CSAI registered chimney cleaner in Tipperary then you are in the right place. With nearly 10 years of experience, Gareth Tye Cleaning Services are Co. Tipperary's finest chimney sweeps. Give us a call today on for a free no-obligation chimney cleaning quote.

dirty stove before cleaning

What happens if you don't clean your chimney?

As mentioned before, the leading cause for the Irish Fire Brigade callouts to house fires is due to chimney fires. If you neglect to clean your chimney, a substance called creosote, which is highly flammable builds up in the flue.

Another danger is if the creosote build-up interferes with the chimneys proper ventilation, toxic gases can escape back into your home. These gases can cause serious respiratory issues and worst-case scenario carbon monoxide poisoning. The following is a quote from The Good Fuel Guide CPL Fuels Ireland on the Independent.ie website. "To ensure maximum efficiency from your fuel and appliance it is important to sweep the chimney regularly. Keeping your chimney clean will minimize the risk of a chimney fire and improve efficiency, helping protect against any damage or dangerous gases."

It is always recommended to use a CSAI (Chimney Sweep Association of Ireland) certified chimney sweep. The article previously quoted went on to say, "Always use a certified member of the Chimney Sweeps Association of Ireland. A CSAI member will carry out safety checks and issue an approved certificate. The use of an unregistered, untrained person can result in a false sense of security which may have fatal consequences."

Gareth Tye Cleaning Services are CSAI certified and fully qualified chimney cleaners in Tipperary, contact us today on for a free quote.

bird's nest in stove

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

It's not always clear when your chimney or fireplace needs cleaning. That's why regular chimney inspections and cleaning are essential. Here are some of the signs that your chimney needs cleaning:

  1. Your fire burns oddly.

  2. Smoke doesn't rise up the chimney and billows into the room.

  3. You can smell burned wood coming from the fireplace, even when it isn't lit.

  4. You have a black fireplace damper. This indicates a creosote build-up.

  5. You can hear animal noises coming from your chimney. Evidence of bird or squirrels nesting in your chimney.

  6. Oily spots on your fireplace walls.

  7. It is difficult to start a fire.

bird and rain guard cowls

Do I need to clean my chimney if I don't have a fireplace?

You may be surprised to know that a chimney needs to be cleaned even if you don't have a fireplace. One of the reasons is that chimney damage can still occur even when not in use. Unused chimneys can still vent harmful substances and gases from appliances in your home. This can lead to a build-up in your chimney, which is impossible to see.

A damaged chimney can go unnoticed for a long time. The harsh weather that we are accustomed to in Tipperary often leads to chimney and roof damage. A damaged chimney can collapse during strong winds or storms and cause damage to your home or even endanger life. That is why it is essential to get a yearly chimney inspection even if you aren't using or don't have a fireplace.

Where we service

If you are searching for 'chimney cleaner near me' then look no further. We operate all over Tipperary including:

  • Monard

  • Oola

  • Pallasgreen

  • Dromkeen

  • Cappamore

  • Doon

  • Cappawhite

  • Tipperary Town

  • Bansha

  • Golden

  • Dualla

  • Fethard

  • Thomastown

  • Cullen

  • Knockavilla

  • Cahir

  • Clonmel

  • County Waterford

  • Dundrum

  • Annacarty and all surrounding areas.

For a reliable chimney service in Tipperary, call us on to book your next chimney clean.