RB Services Rolvenden Rick Brooks
Useful Information
Here’s some useful Chimney and fires Info, links and answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
According to ICS this depends on usage. Consult your sweep for recommendations. In general, once a year is the minimum. Insurance policies and property types (like thatched roofs) may require more frequent sweeping.
Why should I choose an ICS registered sweep?
If you hire an ICS Sweep, you can be confident that you will receive a professional, courteous and conscientious service from a trained person, with the backing of a professional body.
What's the most common cause of a poor performing fire or stove?
First suspect is the wood. If the wood is not properly seasoned and properly dry then it it won’t properly burn or heat. The new breed of “ECO stoves” introduced from 2022 are particularly sensitive to poor quality, damp wood. It may also be that chimney needs sweeping, is obstructed in some way or may even be too short or cold.
Start with a sweep and have your wood checked for moisture with a moisture meter. A sweep will detect any blockages and can follow up with a CCTV inspection if a blockage is found.
What's the best wood to burn on my stove or fire?
See this link to Charnwood stoves with advice on the different types of wood to choose. Having said that, most log suppliers offer a limited choice depending on what’s available. Perhaps more imprtant than type of wood is its proper seasoning, dryness and that you store and use it as dry as possible. See the previous question about poorly performing stoves and fires
Can you recommend a good wood / log supplier around Tenterden area?
Morghew near Tescos in Tenterden are good. Not the cheapest maybe but good quality, they deliver and you can drive up there a buy them from their honesty stall where you help yourself. This is a link to their website with full details
Will wood burning stoves be banned?
Contrary to some media headlines, there are no current proposals to ban wood burning stoves. Instead, the emphasis has moved towards improving their efficiency and reducing emissions. From January 2022, the Ecodesign Regulation has mandated that all new stoves meet specific efficiency and emissions criteria. This regulation ensures that modern wood burning stoves are among the cleanest and most efficient available, making them a sustainable and renewable option for home heating.
