Table of Contents
How much does chimney sweeps make?
Most chimney sweeps make $12,000 to $25,000 per year, but some chimney sweeps report making $80,000 per year. It all depends on where you work. Colder climates have more chimneys.
Is being a chimney sweep dangerous?
Chimney Sweeping Respiratory Hazards. Soot and smoke inhalation can cause respiratory distress, illnesses, and infection can be a result of soot inhalation. Skin Irritation. Physical contact with creosote can cause rash, other skin issues, and infection.
How long does it take to sweep a chimney?
A typical chimney sweep and inspection can take 45 minutes to an hour. Rooftop Chimney Sweeps blocks off a 2 hour time slot just in case something comes up that causes the service to take longer to properly complete.
What was it like being a chimney sweep?
It was a dangerous and filthy job for the boys to undertake, especially without the protection of safety clothing and respirators. Many suffered from job related ailments, such as twisted spines and kneecaps, deformed ankles, eye inflammations and respiratory illnesses.
Is chimney sweep hard job?
Chimney sweeping is physically demanding career. A chimney sweep needs to have a number of qualities; they need to be practical, problem solver, good communicator, professional, with good office skills and above all have the drive to increase and manage their business to be able to thrive.
What qualifications do you need to be a chimney sweep?
You can learn the chimney sweep business by getting on-the-job training as an entry-level chimney sweep, getting training through an organization such as CSIA, or enrolling in a local training course. CSIA offers an intensive six-day training program through their National Chimney Sweep Training School (NCSTS).
Why do chimney sweeps wear top hats?
Small children were employed as chimney sweep because of their size but being a dirty job, young children were given tails and top hats to feel better about their profession and status. It played an important role in giving kids the self-esteem they wanted.
What age did chimney sweeps have to be after the chimney sweep 1875?
The small boys used as chimney sweeps were typically between 5 and 10 years of age, and some were as young as 4 years old. They clambered up chimneys with brushing and scraping tools that knocked the creosote and soot from the chimney lining.
What happened to sweeps who grew too large?
Children who worked as chimney sweeps generally ranged from as young as 4 to about 10 years old, when they grew too big to fit down the tiny chimneys anymore. Two of the biggest fears of a chimney sweep were falling and getting stuck in the chimney – both often led to death.
How messy is chimney sweeping?
Welcome to one of the biggest misnomers about chimney sweeping. Sure, it can get messy, but if you pick the right firm to do it for you, it shouldn’t encroach into your living space or be inconvenient. In fact, your home should be just as clean as it was before the team started the job.
What does a chimney sweep include?
What should a professional chimney cleaning include? Sweeping the fireplace, checking the firebox, liners, smoke chamber and flue, chimney exterior and inspecting the appliance for proper clearances. Recommendations for proper operation or replacement of equipment and necessary repairs to equipment or structure.
How often should I get a chimney sweep?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected at least once per year. Another, idea to try out when it’s time to clean your chimney is a chimney sweep log.
How much did a child chimney sweep get paid?
From 1773, master chimney sweeps regularly kept anywhere from 2 to 20 children, depending on how many they could use for their business. For each child, the master sweep was paid 3-4 pounds by the government when the apprenticeship agreement was signed.
What do chimney sweeps eat?
The Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) is one of the most aerial of birds. They eat entirely in flight, dining on numerous species of flies, beetles, termites, flying ants, bees, wasps, and moths. In addition, these birds drink, collect nesting material, and possibly even copulate “on the wing.”.
How long did child chimney sweeps work?
The only option available to the child apprentice was to eventually climb through the ranks. After working for seven years they could go on to become a journeyman sweep and eventually perhaps become a master sweep themselves.
Are chimney sweeps in demand?
Income will depend on the demand for services and their speed and efficiency. The seasonal demand in chimney sweeping often means that chimney sweeps earn less money at certain times of the year and may take on other work such as general building and roof and chimney repairs to make up a full-time salary.
What do chimney Technicians do?
Chimney sweeps, also known as sweeps and chimney technicians, inspect—or evaluate, as it is known in the industry—chimneys, fireplaces, stoves, and vents according to safety codes. They clean, or sweep, the chimneys and make repairs, which may involve masonry work and relining.
Can anyone be a chimney sweep?
Since Chimney Sweeping is an unregulated industry there is no requirement for you to join any association, however some contracts with housing associations etc may require you to be a member. There are a number of Chimney Sweeping Associations for you to choose from.
How much does a chimney sweep cost 2019 UK?
The most recent figures (Oct 2019) state that chimney cleaning costs range from £50-80 throughout most parts of the UK, but this can rise to £100 or more in London. That, however, is for a general sweep of the flue. Removing any blockages (fallen bricks, birds’ nests, etc.) may cost a little more.
Is a chimney sweep lucky?
Tradition has it that 200 years ago, a chimney sweep saved the life of King George II by stopping his runaway horse and carriage. The King issued a Royal Decree that Chimney Sweeps are bringers of luck and should be treated with the greatest of respect.
How old were chimney sweeps?
The ideal age for a chimney sweep to begin working was said to be 6 years old, but sometimes they were used beginning at age 4. The child would shimmy up the flue using his back, elbows, and knees. He would use a brush overhead to knock soot loose; the soot would fall down over him.
Do chimney sweeps still wear top hats?
One of the more iconic features of the chimney sweep is the traditional top hat and tails, still worn by many sweeps in the field today.
