Carbon Monoxide is “The Invisible Killer”
Too many individuals still die each year in the UK from CO poisoning. Do you have a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm? If not, WHY NOT Taking Place between 23rd & 29th November The Problem There is still a lack of public awareness about carbon monoxide and the use of woodburning stoves, open fires and […]
COVID-19 Customer Information
Howards (Tarleton) wish to assure all our customers that we take safety very seriously, and have strict safety procedures in place to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Recently we have completed training in Infection Prevention and Control for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and in addition received a Certificate of Achievement which is CPD and […]
How Much Creosote and Tar is in Your Chimney?
The 3 Stages and Associated Dangers Most homeowners will realise that the thought of a build-up of creosote and tars inside a chimney is likely to be dangerous. It can cause poor chimney performance and possibly lead to a chimney fire if left untreated. So, what is Creosote? When you burn wood, it produces several components in […]
CAN I BURN PINE / CONIFER / WILLOW / POPLAR / SOFTWOOD ON MY WOODBURNER?
Yes, is the simple answer, providing the species is dry. You may have been informed that these types of wood cause “tar” or “sap” problems in chimneys, but it is not strictly true. However, like all wood, they need to be burned at a high enough temperature, and that really is the important bit. THE […]
Bird nests in your chimney
Birds nests in chimneys can be a BIG problem. Your local professional Chimney Sweep can help. ❗ Do not light the fire and try to “smoke them out”. You are more likely to cause a dangerous chimney fire or fill the house with smoke. ❗ There could be a risk of fire or poisonous gasses. There […]
Multi-Fuel Stoves and Wood Burning Stoves
What Is the Difference Between Them? At Howards (Tarleton), we install many different makes and models of appliances throughout the year. Customer often say they have bought a “Wood Burner” and would like us to install it. Often is the case, they have in fact purchased a Multi-Fuel Stove. Here we will try and explain […]
Chimney Lining for Solid Fuel Appliances/Stoves
What is a Chimney Liner and Why Do I Need One? A chimney liner, also known as flue liner, is a flexible metal tube used for relining traditional masonry chimney stacks. The flue liner is made from stainless steel and normally has a smooth inner skin and a corrugated outer skin. The inner and outer […]
Wood Burning / Multi-Fuel Stove – Service and Maintenance
Is Your Stove Looking Tired and Neglected? Howards (Tarleton) offer a full stove maintenance service, in addition to stove fitting, chimney lining and sweeping chimneys A good quality stove that had been installed by a HETAS Registered Installer will last for years, but as with most things, parts can wear out and need replacing from […]
Smoke Testing of Chimneys & Flues
What is A Smoke Test, and Why Do I Need One? Here at Howards (Tarleton) we get hundreds of calls from customers each year asking us to check if their chimney/flue is safe to use. The only way we can do this and determine the integrity of a chimney/flue is by carrying out a full […]
CHIMNEY COWLS & BIRD GUARDS
What is the difference between a Chimney Cowl and a Bird Guard? Why do I need to have one fitted? Here we will try and explain. When we get calls from customers asking us to fit a “Cowl” to their chimney, we ascertain exactly what the reason is for the call. Often it is the […]
Chimney Pot Replacement
When was the last time you stopped for a moment and looked at your chimney stack/chimney pot? As a professional chimney sweeping company, here at Howards (Tarleton) it is second nature to spend all our days looking up chimneys and at chimney stacks, after all, we have been doing this for almost 60 years. So, […]
Bird Nests and Vermin Removal
If you have seen birds hopping in and out of your chimney, the likelihood is there will be a nest blocking the flue. This may well be a chimney that perhaps served a redundant bedroom fireplace, but can you be sure? If your chimney stack has multiple open chimney pots at the top, it will […]
Just Moved into A New Property or About to Do So? First Time Buyers?
Does your new or potential property have that open fireplace or wood burning stove you have always longed for? If you are about to move property or have just bought your dream home, you will no doubt be wanting to light a real fire on a chilly evening cosying up in front of the TV. […]
How Do I Know When My Chimney Needs Sweeping?
Any appliance burning wood, coal or smokeless fuel should be swept at least annually, but you need to keep an eye out for signs that your chimney is not getting too dirty in between. Your chimney sweep will advise you on when your next chimney sweep will be required, but you can also look out […]
Amazing Natural Firelighter
Getting your fire up to temperature quickly reduces unnecessary pollution and it’s also rather satisfying. This completely natural firelighter will surprise you. It’s very quick and effective and it’s free. The Birch bark in this video was an unexpected bonus attached to some delivered logs. You can also sometimes find Birch bark peeling from trees […]
National Bird Guard Week – 9th to 13th March
Please support National Bird Guard Week. It is estimated that over a million birds die each year in the UK after becoming trapped inside chimneys. They accidentally fall in and never get out. Gavin Cater from the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps said: ” Sweeps find all sorts of dead birds in chimneys – 0wls, […]
Wet Wood & Coal
You will have no doubt seen the headlines over the weekend regarding the Government’s announcement on fuels. This forms part of the Clean Air Plan and an announcement has been in the pipeline for a while. As an organisation, The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps feel it’s important to keep our members fully briefed on […]