Is your sweep qualified?

The sweeping season is in full swing now but in recent weeks here at Alfred Poppins we   have been asked to attend properties where another sweep has been and left most of the soot in the chimney or has failed to remove a birds nest. Any fool can can buy a cheap set...

Devastating chimney fire claims thatched roof

The heartbroken owner of a thatched cottage in Somerset that went up in flames suddenly yesterday was shortly due to open a bed and breakfast business there. Ian Allen owner of the Granary Barn, in Thorney, near Langport, with his wife Deborah and daughter Molly, aged...

Why is my chimney damp?

Q – Why is the chimney breast in my room damp? A – There are a few possibilities that could be causing your damp patches. First port of call would be to us call by and check whether your leadwork is all intact and performing its proper function, on older...

What to look for in a sweep

It might seem a straightforward to arrange the repair or building of a chimney but there are many questions that you might not have realised the importance of asking. Here’s a beginner’s guide to finding the best person to carry out your chimney...

How to light the perfect wood burning stove

Lighting a wood burning stove is simple to do and here are some simple steps that will help you make your wood burning stove spark into life. There is no one set way to light a fire in a wood burning stove and seasoned stove owners all have their own individual ways...