Got a question about your chimney, fireplace or a project you’re considering? Below are the questions Phil and Angela hear most often — answered straight. If your question isn’t covered here, get in touch directly and you’ll get an honest answer.
Chimney Sweeping
How often should I have my chimney swept?
At minimum, once a year for wood-burning appliances and open fires in regular use. Twice a year is better if you burn heavily through winter. Smokeless fuel appliances should be swept at least annually. Gas fires at least every two years. Many home insurers require annual sweep documentation — if you can’t show it and you have a chimney fire, your claim may not be paid.
What does a chimney sweep certificate actually do?
It documents the date, condition and result of the sweep. For home insurance purposes, it’s the evidence your insurer needs that you’ve maintained the chimney. If you have a solid fuel appliance and your insurer asks for proof of annual sweeping, this is the document they want. Keep it with your home records.
What happens if Phil finds a problem during the sweep?
He tells you plainly. No drama, no inflated urgency — just a clear description of what he found and an honest assessment of what needs to happen next. If it’s something he can fix (a cracked pot, repointing, a flue liner issue), he’ll give you a quote. If it requires someone else, he’ll tell you that too.
My chimney hasn’t been swept in years — is it too late?
No. It can be swept regardless of how long it’s been. In some cases a heavily neglected flue may need two visits to clear it properly, or may have developed a fault that needs attention before the appliance can be safely used. Phil will assess and tell you where you stand before you commit to anything.
Do you use vacuum equipment or will there be mess?
Phil uses professional equipment that captures soot at source. Dust sheets are laid and the hearth area is properly protected before any brushes go in. Most customers say they’re surprised how clean the process is.
Fireplace and Stove Installation
Do I need building regulations approval for a new fireplace or stove?
Yes — combustion appliance installations must comply with Building Regulations Part J. Phil is HETAS registered, which means he can self-certify stove installations and notify building control on your behalf. For fireplace installations, a completion certificate is issued. You’ll have all the documentation you need at the end of the job.
Can I have a wood-burning stove if I live in a smoke control area?
You can have a stove, but it needs to be a DEFRA-exempt appliance, or you use authorised smokeless fuel in a multi-fuel stove. Parts of Bath and Bristol city areas are smoke control zones. Phil knows the local regulations and will check this at the assessment stage so your installation is fully compliant.
What size stove do I need?
Output (in kW) should be matched to the room’s volume and heat loss characteristics — not just the floor area. Phil does this properly. An oversized stove overheats the room and burns inefficiently. An undersized one won’t deliver the warmth you want. Getting it right at the selection stage makes a real difference to how much you enjoy the stove.
I don’t have a chimney. Can I still have a stove?
Sometimes yes — it depends on the property. A twin-wall flue system (insulated stainless steel) can sometimes be installed through a ceiling and out through the roof or an external wall, creating a route where there wasn’t one before. Phil will assess whether this is viable for your property.
How long does installation take?
A standard stove installation takes one to two days. A fireplace installation with new hearth and surround work may take two to three days, or longer if significant masonry or structural work is involved. Phil will give you a realistic timeline at the quotation stage.
Stone Masonry and Repairs
Can you repair a cracked or leaning chimney stack?
Yes. A structurally compromised chimney stack is a safety issue as well as a maintenance problem. Depending on what’s needed, Phil can repoint, rebuild, or take the stack down and rebuild from scratch. He’ll assess and advise what’s actually required rather than doing the minimum.
My property is old stone — does it need special mortar?
Almost certainly yes. Most pre-20th-century stone buildings were built with lime mortar, and repointing them with modern cement mortar causes long-term damage — it traps moisture in the stone rather than allowing it to evaporate through the joint. Phil uses the appropriate mix for the building, not the easiest or cheapest option.
Can you build a garden wall or patio from natural stone?
Yes — this is a significant part of Phil’s masonry work. He builds dry stone walls, mortared boundary walls, stone patios and garden features across the region. Local stone sourced sympathetically to the property and landscape where possible.
General
Do you sub-contract work out to other tradesmen?
Phil does the work himself. He doesn’t use sub-contractors or franchise operatives. For larger projects that require additional hands, he works with a small number of trusted individuals he’s known for years — but the work is always overseen and quality-checked by Phil directly.
What areas do you cover?
Phil covers a wide area centred on Lower Westwood, Bradford-on-Avon — including Bath, Bristol, Trowbridge, Frome, Devizes, Warminster, Corsham, Melksham, Wells, Westbury, Keynsham, Radstock, Shepton Mallet, and many surrounding villages. See the full coverage area. If you’re not sure, call and ask — it’s likely we come to your area.
How do I get a quote?
Call Phil on 07708 362 171 or Angela on 07535 675 363, or use the contact form or the request a quote page. Phil will arrange a visit to see the job for himself — he doesn’t quote blind. You’ll get a clear, honest assessment of what’s involved and what it will cost.
Are you insured?
Yes, Andromeda Chimney and Home carries full public liability insurance. All sweep and installation work is properly documented. If you need documentation for your insurer or building records, Phil will make sure you have it.