Free standing stoves and fireplace inserts the other two. Open faced fireplaces are the most common in this area. There are three basic categories of wood burning systems. Some systems will require more than one sweeping during the heating season when they are subject to heavy usage. Wood burning systems should, at a minimum, be inspected annually and swept as necessary. For example, a Level 2 is the standard inspection for real estate transactions. These are not normally performed unless dictated by particular circumstances or at the customer’s discretion. Some people request a more detailed inspection known as an NFPA Level 2 and Level 3. Only readily accessible areas of the system are examined. The inspector is looking for flue obstructions, combustible deposits, and appliance installation and connection. The process of sweeping should include a very basic inspection known as NFPA Level 1. Factory built fireplaces are generally the quickest and wood stoves take a little longer. The time required to properly sweep a wood burning system is about 1 to 1 & ½ hours. It usually requires a rotary scrubbing and sometimes must be treated chemically. The third type is a very hard glazed substance that is very difficult to remove. The second tends to be more flakey and dense. Slow, cool fires will generally produce more creosote.Ĭreosote forms in three stages. Creosote formation is significantly impacted by the moisture content of the wood and the amount of oxygen that is introduced into the combustion chamber. In general, it will be produced in relative proportion to the amount of wood that is burned. Creosote is a combustible substance that is generated by incomplete combustion of wood. Our job today as Chimney Sweeps, is just as important and necessary as it was centuries ago, and that job is to care for the safety of families and their homes.The primary purpose of sweeping a chimney or flue for a wood burning system is to remove dangerous formations of creosote. The modern day chimney sweep is protected from soot by using a face respirator, and protective clothing, which keeps his exposure to soot to a minimum. Powerful vacuums are know used to control the dust allowing the sweep to clean the chimney flue form inside the home, without any fear of a mess. Chimneys are still swept with brushes, and rods to some extent. Today’s chimney sweeps are a combination of the old and the new.
Later a combination of brushes, ropes, and rods were used. As the goose started to fly up towards the chimney opening the sweep would pull the goose back down using his flapping wings to brush the soot from the flue. They would tie a rope around the geese’s neck and force him up the chimney. Many of the children became sick and died from constant inhalation of soot. They were forced to climb up inside the chimney flue, sweeping the soot from the chimney walls as they climbed there way to the top.
They were often neglected, abused and treated more like slaves than an apprentice chimney sweep. Many were orphans who were bought by a master chimney sweep to learn the trade. Not so lucky were the young boys and girls who were chimney sweeps in training in the 1700s and 1800s. This gave the sweeps the status and self-esteem they wanted.Ĭhimney sweeps have always been considered good luck, especially if you shake his hand, or be kissed by him.
They were also black which meant they were very practical. These clothes consisted of a black top hat, and a coat with tails, which was very fashionable for the times. The job was dirty, but necessary, and anything but glamorous! So in order to raise their status in the community, it is said that the sweeps would get discarded clothing from the local funeral directors. Men and women have been practicing the chimney sweep trade for hundreds of years.