Borders Fire and Stone

Why chimneys are important

We’d be the first to admit that chimneys aren’t glamorous! Everyone would rather spend their money on something they can see and enjoy. But chimneys don’t just take away the smoke you can see and smell, they also remove harmful gases like carbon monoxide. So any blockages, crumbling stonework or broken brickwork must be so rted out before a fireplace is used.

You’d be horrified at what we’ve found in some chimneys. As well as the usual birds and nests, we’ve seen chimneys obstructed with fallen masonry and closed off at the top with stones and cement. We even found one blocked off with tiles balancing on a bed of bubble wrap!

Out of sight, out of mind

Chimney stacks and pots work with chimneys to help your fire burn properly and take the smoke and gases safely away. They’re high up, getting the worst of the weather, sometimes supporting TV aerials and satellite dishes. Over the years, whatever material they are made from will deteriorate. You may only notice this when something goes seriously wrong, like your fire no longer draws well or a chimney pot comes crashing to the ground.

What we do

We offer a range of services, including:

• opening up disused fireplaces and chimneys
• chimney lining
• repairs to chimney stacks and pots
• rebuilding chimney stacks and fitting new pots and cowls

It’s vital that working chimneys are swept at least once a year and preferably more often, depending on how much use they get. When choosing a chimney sweep, go for personal recommendation or visit the HETAS website to find a HETAS-accredited sweep.