September is the ideal time to book your annual chimney sweep in Edinburgh.
The summer has usually left chimneys unused for several months, while autumn brings cooler evenings, stronger winds and the first use of stoves and open fires. Booking now gives you time to deal with soot, creosote, bird nests or roof defects before winter weather puts extra pressure on your home.
At Roof Fix Services, our family-run team provides professional chimney sweeping and maintenance across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian. We bring 22 years of hands-on experience, NACS chimney sweeping certification and a practical, no-nonsense approach to every job.
We are also a certified Edinburgh Trusted Trader with 351 reviews and a 4.9/5 rating.
Why September is the right time to sweep
Chimney sweeps become particularly busy from September onwards, as homeowners prepare for the heating season. Waiting until the first cold spell can mean longer booking times, especially after heavy rain or during winter storms.
Booking in early September helps you:
- Prepare your stove or open fire before regular use.
- Identify blocked or poorly drawing flues.
- Remove soot and combustible deposits.
- Check for bird nests, leaves and debris.
- Deal with chimney pots, cowls or pointing problems.
- Spot slipped slates and ridge issues before winter storms.
- Keep written evidence that the chimney has been professionally swept.
Fire Scotland advises homeowners to have chimneys cleaned before winter, when fires are likely to be used more frequently. Its guidance also explains how soot and fuel residues can build up and potentially ignite inside the chimney.
You can read the Fire Scotland chimney fire safety guidance for further information.
What does an annual chimney sweep include?
A professional annual sweep should involve more than simply brushing the flue and leaving.
Our team takes a methodical approach, with the exact work adjusted to suit the appliance, chimney and access arrangements.
A typical annual chimney sweep includes:
- Soot removal: Deposits are brushed and removed from the chimney or flue.
- Creosote and tar removal: These combustible residues can build up when wood or other fuels are burned.
- Flue inspection: We check for visible signs of obstruction, damage or poor condition.
- Appliance check: The stove, fireplace or open-fire area is checked for obvious issues.
- Smoke test: Where appropriate, a smoke test helps assess the flue’s draw and identify possible leakage routes.
- Chimney terminal check: Pots, cowls and bird guards are visually assessed where safely accessible.
- Clean-up: The work area is protected and left clean, supporting our zero-mess approach.
- Swept-clean certification: We provide written confirmation of the sweeping work for your records.
If the chimney requires a more detailed inspection, our team can also use High-Definition CCTV chimney surveys. This allows us to inspect areas that cannot be assessed properly from the fireplace or chimney opening.
In suitable cases, CCTV can save homeowners money by helping us understand the condition of the flue without immediately recommending scaffolding. It is a useful diagnostic tool, not a reason to sell unnecessary work.
Why annual sweeping matters for safety
A chimney is designed to carry smoke and combustion gases safely away from your home. It must remain clear and in reasonable condition to do that job properly.
Regular sweeping helps reduce the risk of:
- Chimney fires: Soot, tar and creosote can ignite when exposed to high temperatures.
- Carbon monoxide exposure: A blocked or damaged flue can prevent combustion gases from escaping safely.
- Smoke entering rooms: Poor draw, nests and obstructions can cause smoke spillage.
- Damage to the chimney structure: Heat, moisture and acidic deposits can affect brickwork and mortar.
- Unexpected winter repairs: Small defects can become more serious during wind, frost and driving rain.
Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is colourless and odourless. Every room containing a solid-fuel, oil or gas appliance should have a suitable carbon monoxide alarm, installed in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
A chimney sweep is not a substitute for a properly functioning alarm, and an alarm is not a substitute for professional chimney maintenance. Both are important.
How often should a chimney be swept?
Once a year is a sensible minimum for many homeowners, particularly before the main heating season. However, the correct frequency depends on the fuel you burn and how often the appliance is used.
As a general guide:
- Smokeless fuel: At least once a year.
- Wood-burning stove: More frequently than once a year; quarterly while in use is commonly advised.
- Bituminous coal or peat: Twice a year.
- Mixed fuels: Follow the more frequent recommendation.
- Occasional use: Still arrange a professional inspection and sweep before the appliance is brought back into regular use.
If you burn wood most evenings, an annual sweep may not be enough. Modern stoves can still produce significant deposits if wood is damp, the appliance is operated incorrectly or the chimney does not draw effectively.
The HETAS guidance on when to have a chimney swept recommends at least twice-yearly sweeping when burning wood and at least once a year for smokeless fuels.
Bird nests and blocked flues
Chimneys are attractive nesting points for birds, particularly when pots are open or cowls are missing. Nests can restrict the flue, cause smoke to spill back into the room and create a fire risk.
Warning signs include:
- Twigs or nesting material falling into the fireplace.
- Birds repeatedly entering or leaving the chimney.
- A smoky smell when the appliance is not lit.
- Smoke coming into the room after lighting the fire.
- Poor draw or difficulty getting the fire started.
- Debris appearing around the hearth.
Tell us if you suspect a bird nest when booking. Wildlife protection rules can affect when certain nest removal work may be carried out, so the situation should be assessed carefully rather than disturbed without proper consideration.
A suitable cowl or bird guard may help prevent recurring problems. Our team can advise on the right option for the chimney and appliance.
Your free roof health check
A chimney does not sit in isolation. It forms part of the roof, and defects around the stack can allow water into the property long before the problem becomes obvious indoors.
With chimney sweep bookings at Roof Fix Services, we now include a free roof health check. This can help identify:
- Slipped or cracked slates.
- Loose ridge tiles.
- Deteriorated lime mortar pointing.
- Damaged lead flashing.
- Defective chimney pots or cowls.
- Moss or debris affecting roof drainage.
- Early signs of water ingress around the chimney stack.
We also provide free photographic roof reports where relevant, so you can see what we have found rather than relying on a vague verbal description.
A small issue found in September may be straightforward to address. The same issue after weeks of Scottish wind and rain can become a leak, a damaged ceiling or a much more disruptive repair.
Why NACS certification and a swept-clean certificate matter
When choosing a chimney sweep, ask what training and certification they hold.
Our team includes NACS-certified chimney sweeping expertise, including training in chimney sweeping and CCTV inspection. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps promotes professional standards and a recognised code of practice.
After the work, ask for a swept-clean certificate or written record confirming:
- The date of the sweep.
- The appliance or flue addressed.
- Any issues identified.
- Any recommendations made.
- Whether further inspection or repair is advised.
Keep this information with your home maintenance records. It may also be useful for insurance purposes, particularly where a solid-fuel appliance is involved.
“We needed a chimney swept and a cowl fitted. Patrick responded promptly and carried out the work to a high standard. He was courteous and friendly. Would not hesitate to recommend him.”
, Customer review
A straightforward service with no hard sales
Roof Fix Services is family-run, and we keep the process personal and practical.
There are:
- No subcontractors or “subbies” , every job is handled by our internal team.
- No hard-sales approach.
- Fair, transparent pricing.
- Before-and-after photographic proof where appropriate.
- A zero-mess standard.
- Clear explanations before any additional work is considered.
If a job is not the right fit for us, we will always try to recommend a trusted contact who can help you achieve the right result.
We cover homes across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian, including areas such as Musselburgh, Portobello, Leith, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik, Haddington, Tranent, North Berwick and Dunbar.
Please note that we do not service city centre tenements in EH1, EH2 or EH3.
Pricing Transparency
Our fixed 2026 guide prices are:
- Small house repairs, maximum two storeys: £85 + VAT + materials
- Rope Safety / Roof Access: £240 + VAT + materials
This is used strictly on the roof slope for safety where suitable. - Scaffolding tower: £500 + VAT upwards
- Scaffolding: £500 + VAT upwards, depending on building height
- Emergency roofing callouts: £150 + VAT, charged upfront
Chimney sweeping prices can vary depending on the appliance, number of flues, access, nesting material and whether additional inspection is needed. We will explain the price clearly before work begins.
These are guide prices and any additional charges will be given and confirmed before any work starts.
Book your annual chimney sweep in Edinburgh
September is the practical time to arrange your annual sweep before the winter rush begins.
Call 0800 772 3259 to book your chimney sweep, or call 08007723239 for Roof Fix Services enquiries. For the quickest response, use the 24/7 online portal at rooffixservices.co.uk.
Our phone lines become very busy during heavy rain and winter weather. The online portal is the best way to skip the queue and send us the details of your property, appliance and location.
Start winter with a clear flue, reliable records and a roof that has been checked properly.
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