Your chimney sweep and inspection are complete. The next step is to read your report, check any recommendations and keep the record for future maintenance.
Read the inspection outcome before lighting a fire. If our report says the fire must not be used, or that work is required before use, keep it unlit until the issue has been put right and use has been confirmed as appropriate.
If you cannot find the report or are unsure what a recommendation means, contact us first.
Keep your report and sweep certificate
Save the emailed inspection report and chimney sweeping certificate with your home-maintenance records. Check your inbox and spam folder, and let us know if they have not arrived.
The report records our observations and recommendations from the visit. A sweep certificate is not a promise that every part of a heating installation is free from defects. Keep following the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and check your own insurer’s maintenance requirements.
Do any recommendations need action?
Read the notes even if the fire was drawing well before the sweep. We may have identified a worn component, damage or another issue that needs attention.
Ask us if you would like a quote for work within our scope. Installation, structural work and other specialist repairs may need a suitably qualified heating installer or another trade.
Before your next fire
- Check that you understand the inspection outcome and any restrictions.
- Use only the fuel your appliance is designed for and follow its operating instructions.
- For a wood burner, choose dry, untreated firewood. Avoid rubbish, painted timber and treated timber.
- Keep furnishings, clothing and stored firewood at least one metre from the fireplace or heater, and meet any greater clearances required for your appliance.
- Check your smoke alarms and make sure everyone knows your household escape plan.
Keep ash disposal safe
Use a metal ash container, douse the ash thoroughly with water and keep it outside, well away from buildings and anything that can burn. Do not put hot or warm ash in a plastic bin, cardboard box or ordinary vacuum cleaner.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand warns that ashes can retain enough heat to start a fire for up to five days. Do not rely on how cool the surface looks.
What if the fire smokes or behaves differently?
If smoke enters the room, the fire draws poorly or you notice a new problem, stop using the appliance and get advice before relighting it. Do not assume a recent sweep rules out every possible fault or blockage.
If you suspect a chimney fire or there is an immediate fire risk, get everyone outside and call 111.
When should it be swept again?
Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends having chimneys checked and/or swept each year. Your appliance instructions, usage, fuel and inspection findings may mean attention is needed sooner.
If birds may have nested in the flue, it has been unused for a long period or something has changed, ask for advice before lighting it.
Questions about your report?
Tell us your job address and the item you would like explained. We can help you understand the next step.
Call 027 238 8738 or email info@blastawayguys.co.nz.
Back to all aftercare tips | Our chimney sweep and inspection service
Further guidance
Fire and Emergency New Zealand: indoor fires and heaters
Fire and Emergency New Zealand: winter fire safety and ash disposal
Ministry for the Environment: using a wood burner
By the Blast Away Guys team. Updated 29 October 2026.
