H Firkins & Sons provides professional chimney sweeping, inspection and diagnostic services throughout London and surrounding areas.
Established in 1860, the Firkins family combines generations of practical chimney experience with modern CCTV inspection, testing and diagnostic equipment.
Choose the service that best matches what you need below. If you are unsure which inspection is appropriate, contact us and explain what you are trying to establish.
Chimney Sweeping & Cleaning
Routine chimney sweeping removes soot, deposits and loose debris while providing an opportunity to check the visible chimney, fireplace or appliance and make sure smoke is evacuating correctly.
Chimney Sweeping & Cleaning in LondonNew Homeowner Chimney Inspection
If you have bought a property with a fireplace or stove and do not know its maintenance or installation history, this inspection helps establish whether the chimney is ready to use.
The service includes sweeping, 4K internal camera inspection, smoke testing and a detailed condition report.
New Homeowner Chimney InspectionPre-Installation Chimney Inspection
Planning a new stove, fireplace or fire? A pre-installation inspection assesses the condition, dimensions and suitability of the existing chimney before an appliance is purchased or fitted.
Pre-Installation Chimney InspectionComprehensive Chimney & Flue Surveys
For hidden defects, unexplained problems or chimneys with an uncertain history, our comprehensive surveys use specialist CCTV inspection and testing to establish the condition and integrity of the flue.
Comprehensive Chimney & Flue SurveysCondition, Performance & Compliance Chimney Inspection
Our CPC Inspection is designed for more complex cases where detailed evidence is required about the chimney’s physical condition, measured performance and relevant aspects of installation compliance.
CPC Chimney InspectionChimney Pressure & Integrity Testing
Pressure and integrity testing helps establish whether cracks, gaps or other defects could allow smoke or combustion gases to escape from the flue.
Depending on the chimney and the problem being investigated, testing can include smoke methods and specialist pressure-testing equipment.
Chimney Pressure TestingBird & Pigeon Nest Removal
Old bird nests and nesting material can obstruct a chimney and prevent smoke and combustion gases escaping safely.
We remove abandoned nesting material using specialist chimney equipment, sweep and check the flue, and can advise on suitable measures to reduce the chance of birds nesting there again.
Bird & Pigeon Nest RemovalFemale Chimney Sweep in London
Lucie Chamberlain is part of the H Firkins & Sons team and carries out chimney sweeping and specialist inspection work across London.
If you would particularly prefer a female chimney sweep, you can request Lucie when arranging your appointment.
Meet Lucie ChamberlainNot sure which chimney service you need?
A routine sweep, a CCTV survey and a CPC Inspection answer different questions. If you tell us what is happening, what you are planning to do and what you need to establish, we can advise which service is the most appropriate starting point.
Contact H Firkins & Sons to discuss your chimney.Chimney Services FAQs
What is the difference between a chimney sweep and a chimney survey?
A chimney sweep is primarily maintenance: removing soot and deposits and carrying out relevant safety checks. A survey is a more detailed diagnostic investigation designed to establish the internal condition and integrity of the chimney or flue.
Which inspection should I book after buying a house?
Our New Homeowner Chimney Inspection is specifically designed for people who have inherited a fireplace, stove or chimney system with a property and want to establish its condition before using it.
Which inspection should I book before installing a stove?
The Pre-Installation Chimney Inspection is intended to assess the existing chimney and flue before a new stove, fireplace or fire is purchased or installed.
When would I need a CPC Chimney Inspection?
A CPC Inspection is particularly useful for more complex cases where detailed evidence is required about chimney condition, measured performance and relevant aspects of compliance.
Can you inspect the inside of a chimney with a camera?
Yes. Specialist 4K CCTV chimney inspection forms part of several of our diagnostic and inspection services where the hidden internal condition of the flue needs to be established.
Can you remove bird nests from chimneys?
Yes. H Firkins & Sons removes abandoned bird and pigeon nesting material from chimneys using specialist equipment, then sweeps and checks the flue before it is returned to use.