What Is a Chimney Sweep?

A chimney sweep is a professional who cleans and maintains the chimney and smoke ducts of a home. In addition to preventing fire hazards, Charleston chimney sweeps professionals ensure the proper ventilation of your home and appliances. A chimney sweep will remove all buildup from the walls of your chimney and remove all blockages while minimizing the amount of mess. This process can take a few hours and may include chemical treatments. Some sweeps will also make minor repairs, such as replacing a damaged liner or a missing chimney cap.

In the 1800s, young boys were hired to work on chimneys, sometimes working from dawn to dusk. They worked in exchange for food and water. Their jobs included cleaning the lining of the chimney and scraping away the coal deposits. To encourage them, chimney masters would light a fire in the fireplace to give them some motivation. This practice is the origin of the phrase "to light a fire under someone".

There are several organizations that certify chimney sweeps. Some of them, like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), require chimney sweeps to take CEUs, which are continuing education units. These CEUs are available from regional associations, and private trainers may also offer courses.