Who we are

Capel Chimney Sweeps Wincanton is a small, family run business providing chimney sweeping and maintenance services in and around Wincanton. Our Wincanton branch is an extension of Capel chimney sweeps in Dorking, Surrey, where we have been sweeping chimneys for more than 25 years. The relocation of one of our long term sweeps to Wincanton has given us the opportunity to bring those years of experience to Somerset.

We offer fully insurance recognised certificates, with the backing of a nationally recognised trade association, NCSSA. We are also registered OFTEC solid fuel engineers with £2 million public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

Areas we cover

To ensure we can spend enough time at every appointment (and not spend all day on the road), we cover a small geographic area - this is approximately a 15 mile radius around Wincanton.

BA4 Shepton Mallet, BA7 Castle Cary, BA8 Templecombe, BA9 Wincanton, BA10 Bruton, BA11 Frome, BA12 Warminster, BA22 Sparkford, DT9 Sherborne, DT10 Sturminster Newton, SP7 Shaftesbury, SP8 Gillingham, TA11 Somerton

Why do I need my chimney swept?

It's always a joy to relax in front of your fire, knowing that it's safe to use. There are four main reasons why you should have your chimney swept: if you have any of the following - you will need to have it swept and maintained regularly.

Open Fire, Woodburning Stove, Multifuel Stove, Aga, RayBurn, Oil Fired Boiler, Inglenook

To satisfy insurance company requirements.

Many insurance companies will no longer pay out for chimney faults/fire damage, unless it has been regularly swept and maintained by a professional chimney sweep. A registered chimney sweep will issue a valid certificate recognised by the insurance companies.

To protect your health.

When a fuel burning appliance is in use carbon monoxide is produced, especially if the appliance is not burning correctly or the smoke (exhaust gases) are not able to exit correctly through the flue (chimney).

 

To avoid a chimney fire.

If not regularly or properly swept, creosote build-ups will occur (tarring of chimney) dramatically increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
Chimney fires are a real risk, causing both damage to property and risk to life.

To prolong the life of your appliance.

Whenever you use your appliance (light your fire), soot accumulates inside the chimney and if not cleared regularly can drastically reduce the size of the flue (preventing fumes escaping) and also reduce the lifespan if the flue itself, meaning potentially costly maintenance.

When should I have my Chimney swept?

Below are the general guidelines for regularity of sweeping / maintenance, however you should always refer to the manufacturers instructions and your insurance companies requirements.

For appliances burning well seasoned wood (15-20% moisture content), coal: 

Quarterly when in use.

For appliances burning Smokeless fuel, Oil, Gas:

At least once a year.