James The Sweep - United Kingdom

Rumour has it that chimney cowls derive their name from the cowl garments worn by monks!

Smoke produced from stoves or open fires to heat rooms rises through the chimney and into the stack and outside via the chimney pot. Warm air created by the combustion within the fireplace or wood burning/multi fuel stove will rise up the chimney, under normal conditions, taking any smoke with it and dispersing it high up into the atmosphere where the smoke is less of a nuisance.

The products and subsequent formation of Tamar Specialist Brushes originated from over 50 years’ experience of chimney sweeping. Mark Best, one of the directors of Tamar Specialist Brushes Ltd took over his father’s business in the early seventies and over the time has seen the business constantly evolve. With the development of many different appliances especially wood stoves; the vast array of specialist chimney lining systems and the higher expectations and standards of chimney sweeping, Mark found it increasingly difficult to purchase suitable, high quality brushes to meet and stand up to modern day requirements.

“Can I burn anything?” Take a moment to look at this list. Knowing the burn effects for different types of wood could save you money and choosing the right wood will give you a cracking fire! Remember that wood to be burnt must have a moisture content of 20 per cent or less (use a moisture thermometer to check).