Here’s My Honest Take as a Newton Abbot Chimney Sweep:
As a chimney sweep working across Newton Abbot and the wider South Devon area, one of the questions I hear all the time is:
“Do I really need a chimney liner?”
It’s a completely understandable question. Every home is different, and every chimney has its own quirks. When I take a look at your chimney, I’m simply assessing how well it’s likely to work with your stove or appliance. Sometimes the existing flue is perfectly fine. Other times, the condition or design of the chimney means a liner will help everything run more safely and efficiently. It’s never about upselling — it’s about making sure your system performs the way it should.
Flexible stainless‑steel liners are the most common option, and in many Newton Abbot properties — especially older ones — they can make a noticeable difference to how well the appliance draws and how cleanly it burns.
Who Should Install a Chimney Liner? (HETAS & OFTEC)
If any chimney work is being carried out as part of installing a stove or heating appliance, it becomes what’s known as a controlled service. That means it needs to be done by someone properly qualified.
That includes:
- HETAS Registered Installers
- OFTEC Registered Installers
- Or approval through Local Authority Building Control
There are many HETAS and OFTEC‑registered installers in the Newton Abbot and Teignbridge area, and while I don’t work alongside them directly, I’m always happy to recommend reputable professionals if your installation needs a liner.
Why I Might Recommend Lining Your Chimney
Every chimney tells its own story, but here are the most common reasons I suggest a liner during a sweep or inspection:
1. The flue isn’t as airtight as it once was
Older chimneys can develop gaps or cracks over time, which affects how well they function.
2. Tar or condensates are seeping through the brickwork
This can cause staining inside or outside the property — something I see regularly in older Newton Abbot homes.
3. Your stove will run better with a properly sized, insulated flue
A warm, smooth, correctly sized flue helps the stove draw properly, especially if the chimney sits on an external wall.
4. The existing flue is rough or eroded
A rough flue slows down the gases, which can lead to poor performance and increased soot build‑up.
5. The flue is simply too large
Oversized flues (over 200mm) can cause issues with modern appliances. Many stove manufacturers now specify a smaller flue with a dimension of 150mm or even 125mm for efficient operation.
If you’re in Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Bovey Tracey, or anywhere in Teignbridge, these are common issues — especially in older properties.
What the BFCMA Says
The British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers’ Association (BFCMA) provides industry‑standard guidance on flues and chimneys for wood‑burning and multi‑fuel appliances. They work closely with HETAS, OFTEC, and government bodies to keep installations safe and compliant.
Their guidance is widely used across the industry, and it’s the same standard I follow when assessing chimneys throughout Newton Abbot and South Devon.
My Promise as Your Local Newton Abbot Chimney Sweep
At ProSweep Devon, my goal is simple: to make sure your chimney and stove setup is safe, efficient, and suited to your home. If I recommend a liner, it’s because it will genuinely improve safety or performance. And if you don’t need one, I’ll be the first to say so.
Keep Your Home Safe — Book Your ProSweep Visit Staying on top of your chimney maintenance is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of chimney fires and keep your stove running at its best. If it’s time for a sweep or you just want peace of mind, give ProSweep a call on 01626 832051. I serve Newton Abbot, Torquay, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Bovey Tracey, Lustleigh, Chagford, and surrounding areas.