About
Chimney Sweeping in London, Hertfordshire & Essex Since 2013
SweepSmart is a Which? Trusted Trader and Guild of Master Sweeps member serving London, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Founded in 2013 by qualified Master Sweep Paul Solicari, we bring the same attention to detail and customer-first values you'd expect from a top hospitality business to an industry where standards vary wildly. Whether you need a routine chimney sweep, a full fireplace installation, or an urgent safety inspection, you're in safe hands.
From Restaurant Manager to Master Sweep
SweepSmart was founded in 2013 by Paul Solicari, who spent years running his family's restaurant in Soho before an unexpected turn changed everything.
When Paul's brother-in-law, a chimney sweep based in Suffolk, was injured in a fall on the job, Paul stepped in to help. What started as a favour quickly became a calling. Paul threw himself into the industry, working through a full apprenticeship and completing every qualification available to him, combining the centuries-old craft of chimney sweeping with the modern technical knowledge the job demands today.
Those apprentice years gave Paul something most sweeps don't have: deep hands-on experience in chimney construction and fireplace installations, not just sweeping.
Credentials That Actually Mean Something
The chimney sweep industry isn't always known for high standards. SweepSmart was built specifically to change that.
Within a year of founding the business, Paul was invited to join the Guild of Master Sweeps (2014), one of the industry's most respected professional bodies. In 2015, SweepSmart passed the full assessment to become a Which? Trusted Trader, and in 2017, Paul was awarded the title of Master Sweep, one of the highest formal distinctions in the trade.
Paul also holds an NVQ in Chimney Sweeping, making him one of fewer than 100 fully qualified sweeps in the UK.
These aren't just badges. They represent years of training, independent assessment, and a consistent commitment to doing the job properly.
Why Customers Choose SweepSmart
The hospitality background isn't a quirky backstory. It directly shapes how SweepSmart operates: clear communication, punctuality, respect for your home, and work that's done right first time.
Every job we take on is carried out with your safety as the starting point, not an afterthought.
FAQs
Is SweepSmart a qualified and accredited chimney sweep company?
Yes. SweepSmart is a Which? Trusted Trader, a member of the Guild of Master Sweeps, and founder Paul Solicari holds the title of Master Sweep, one of the highest formal qualifications in the UK chimney sweeping industry. Paul also holds an NVQ in Chimney Sweeping, placing him among fewer than 100 fully qualified sweeps in the country.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
The Guild of Master Sweeps recommends having your chimney swept at least once a year for gas fires and appliances, and up to four times a year for wood-burning stoves and open coal fires in regular use. Regular sweeping removes dangerous creosote build-up, reduces the risk of chimney fires, and keeps your appliance running efficiently. It also ensures your home insurance remains valid, as many policies require documented evidence of annual maintenance.
What areas does SweepSmart cover?
SweepSmart provides chimney sweeping, fireplace installation, and chimney safety services across London, Hertfordshire, and Essex. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, get in touch and we'll confirm quickly.
What qualifications should I look for when hiring a chimney sweep?
At minimum, look for membership of a recognised professional body such as the Guild of Master Sweeps or HETAS. Which? Trusted Trader accreditation adds an independent layer of consumer protection. For the highest level of assurance, look for a sweep holding a Master Sweep title or NVQ in Chimney Sweeping. These qualifications require formal assessment and ongoing training, unlike basic trade memberships that only require a fee to join.
Why does it matter who sweeps my chimney?
An unqualified sweep may miss early signs of structural damage, flue blockages, or carbon monoxide risk. A poorly swept chimney is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. Choosing an accredited sweep protects your home, keeps your insurance valid, and gives you documented proof of maintenance if you ever need it. It also means the person in your home has been independently assessed, not just self-certified.
