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Ansell Chimneys

chimney sweep

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Full range of multi fuel and wood burning stoves

Chimney Sweep in Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire

Chimney sweeping in Berkhamstead

Berkhamstead is a lovely historic town in the west of Hertfordshire. Berkhamstead sits between the towns of Tring and Berkhamstead. It is also a civil parish with a Town Council within the administrative district of Dacorum. Ansell Chimneys frequently provide professional chimney sweeping services to the residents of Berkhamstead, so why not call us today.

Berkhamstead history

Berkhamsteads most notable part in history took place in the early part of December 1066. Duke William of Normandy, after defeating the English army at Hastings, crossed the River Thames at Wallingford en route to Berkhamstead. Here he was met by a delegation of the English establishment where he accepted the surrender of the English led by Aetheling Edgar who was the heir to King Harold II's English claim to the throne, Archbishop Aldred, Earl Edwin, Earl Morcar and the chief men of London who swore loyalty to William in return for good government. William was offered the crown there but instead said he would accept the keys to London in Berkhamsted but would accept the crown of England in London. Thus, in Berkhamsted, William of Normandy, became William the Conqueror. On Christmas Day in 1066 William was crowned William I of England in Westminster Abbey. A traditional local legend states that Berkhamsted became the real capital of England, even if it was only for a few short minutes.

The Berkhamsted of today is most well known for its ruined castle, that was once quite a popular country retreat of the Norman and Plantagenet kings. Berkhamsted is also the home of the British Film Institute's National Archive at King's Hill, which is one of the largest film and television archives in the world.

The name of this historic town has been spelt in a variety of ways over the years, and the present spelling was adopted in 1937. Earlier spellings included Berkhampstead, Muche Barkhamstede, Berkhamsted Magna, Great Berkhamsted and Berkhamstead. The earliest recorded form of the name is the Old English Beorhoanstadde. In fact, there have been over 50 different spellings and epithets identified for Berkhamstead since the Domesday Book. It is believed the original name refers to homestead amongst the hills. The town has the affectionate and local name of "Berko".

What Ansell Chimneys do when they visit your Berkhamstead home?

  • The sweeping process is pretty quick and we usually only require about half an hour per chimney to do a proper sweep.
  • It is important that the area in front of the fire is cleared so we have no furniture in the way to hinder access to the fireplace and it protects your valuables too. An area of about 6 square feet should be adequate.
  • With the use of dust sheets over the fireplace, we effectively seal off the area as an extra barrier against chimney debris getting into the room. However, should you have anything particularly delicate or valuable, please relocate it as an extra precaution.
  • All we really need is somewhere close by to plug in our powerful vacuum cleaner and then we can get on with the job, leaving you with a clean, safe chimney.

Chimney Sweeping in Berkhamstead at a time that's convenient to you

To be certain of a safely operating chimney, you should have them swept about once a year. The most sensible time to have your chimney swept is during the warmer months, as you are unlikely to be using the fire. Like so many things that happen annually, it's all too easy to forget to book them in time, so to get around this problem Ansell Chimneys can email or call you when your next clean is due.

Ansell Chimneys keep your Berkhamstead home clean and dust free

Most people think that chimney sweeping is one of the dirtiest procedures around, but the method Ansell Chimneys use means that very little soot, dust or debris will find its way into your living space. We offer a very clean service so you can keep your Berkhamstead home clean.

Why not ask Ansell Chimneys for advice on sweeping your chimney in Berkhamstead

Ansell Chimneys have been sweeping chimneys for many years and know the answer to all sorts of fire and chimney related questions. Why not give us a call, as we are always very happy to provide free advice, because a blocked chimney or one that is not drawing the fumes and smoke away correctly could potentially cause a life threatening situation.

If you can't use your fire because it's dangerous, you will be missing out on the homely glow a real fire brings during the winter months. So why not give us a call and get that open fire up and running again.

Cost of chimney sweeping services

Our prices are based on the where you are and how many chimneys need sweeping. Please contact us for a no obligation quote. As Berkhamstead is not far from our head office, jobs here will not attract a higher quote.

Birds nests and blockage removal in Berkhamstead

Unfortunately birds do like to set up home in your chimney. This can cause all manner of problems! The nesting material can block the chimney which is a very dangerous thing to happen. Sometimes birds that fall from their nest can become distressed and you will hear a panick stricken bird for some time before it inevitably dies. This can be quite distressing to listen too and when a bird dies, the smell can invade your home for quite some time. We can advise you on a range of bird guards and cowls to prevent this happening in the first place.

So should you suspect that you have a chimney blockage, don't wait for something bad to happen, give us a call immediately. We will remove the blockage and in doing so, be in a better position to tell you why it happened in the first place. For example, there may be a loose or dislodged brick or piece of mortar. It may even be a nest from a bird or squirrel and a bird cap or cowl may well be the answer to prevent it happening again in the future.

Bird cages, caps and cowls fitted in Berkhamstead

Should your chimney require a cap or cowl, Ansell Chimneys will have the one to suit your property to protect against the following:

  • Birds or squirrels getting into and possibly nesting in the chimney
  • Our caps and cowls prevent rain from getting into the chimney
  • A good quality cowl or cap stops down drafts

With Ansell Chimneys valuable experience, we can identify your particular needs and advise you on the correct type for your situation. We will also look at the other houses nearby to ensure we fit one that is in keeping with the Berkhamstead area.

Ansell Chimneys fit all the major types of cages, caps and cowls, so drop us a line and we can tell you what would be the best option for you.

Ansell Chimneys have a selection of bird guards and cowls to show you. This will help you to decide what one to go for. Once you are happy with the type of cowl, cap or bird guard, we will arrange to come back to Berkhamstead to install the correct cap or cowl to your chimney.

Fortunately, Berkhamstead is well within our 'areas covered' range so this will not push the price up at all for either chimney sweeping or bird caps and cowl fitting.

Smoke tests

After Ansell Chimneys have swept your chimney, we carry out a quick, simple but effective test to ensure there is the correct draw and no smoke or other pollutants can flow back into your living space. This is quite simply a match-like device that smokes profusely when burnt and is placed just above the site of the fire. If the smoke is neatly drawn up the chimney, the fire will be safe to use.

So if you live in Berkhamstead and need your chimney swept, why not call or email Ansell Chimneys and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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Why not call Ansell Chimneys now for a free quote

If you would like to know more or are interested in a quote we would be happy to help. Phone us on 01923 661 614, email us at info@ansellchimneys.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.