Chimney Sweep
A chimney sweep is a skilled professional responsible for cleaning and maintaining chimneys, hearths, wood-burning stoves, and outdoor fireplaces. Their primary role is to remove soot and creosote buildup to prevent fires and ensure proper ventilation. This work often includes inspecting for structural damage and performing minor repairs, such as fixing brickwork or replacing dampers. Chimney sweeps are typically self-employed or work for small businesses, and they may experience fluctuations in work based on the economy and seasonal demand.
The job requires good physical fitness, comfort with heights, and the ability to work in potentially hazardous conditions. While no formal education is required, hands-on training and certification through specialized schools can enhance skills and business prospects. Chimney sweeps also engage with clients, educating them on safe burning practices and building maintenance. Overall, this occupation combines physical labor with customer service and business management, appealing to those who enjoy outdoor work and value independence.
Chimney Sweep
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Human Services
Interests: Being self-employed, working outside, doing physical work
Earnings (Yearly Median): $35,020 per year, $16.84 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Chimney sweeps clean chimneys, hearths, wood-burning stoves, and outdoor barbecue fireplaces to get rid of soot and creosote. They also inspect these items for structural damage and are usually qualified to repair brick and mortar, replace broken dampers, and add chimney caps or liners when necessary. Some chimney sweeps offer additional services, such as cleaning ductwork and dryer vents or installing gas fireplaces and pellet stoves, although these jobs require additional training.
Work Environment. Chimney sweeps are primarily self-employed or work for small businesses. Many independent sweeps run businesses from their homes. During the busy season (September through January), they typically work more than a forty-hour week, including some weekends. Work picks up again in June, and summer work typically proceeds at a more leisurely pace. The work of chimney sweeps may fluctuate with the economy. Wood-burning stoves and furnaces, which create more soot and creosote, are more widely used during difficult economic times because they are affordable compared to other energy costs. Sweeps must plan to work in regions close to abundant sources of wood and do not rely primarily on natural gas for stoves.
Occupation Interest. This occupation attracts people who value the independence self-employment can afford. They tend to enjoy physical work and being outdoors and pride themselves in providing a worthwhile, practical service to homeowners. Chimney sweeps should not mind heights and should be in good physical condition. Reliability, integrity, good communication, and business skills are desirable since the business operates largely based on local reputation.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Chimney sweeps are often asked to inspect chimneys and hearths as part of home appraisals. They are commonly called to clean a chimney after a chimney fire, usually the result of a long-term build-up of creosote created by a wood-burning fireplace or stove. To prevent fires, as well as a build-up of odors, many homeowners request an annual cleaning.
Before cleaning a chimney, a sweep seals the hearth and protects the fireplace, nearby carpeting, and furnishings with tarps. After determining the chimney type (as many as ten chimney types) and selecting the right brush, the worker climbs onto the roof and sweeps the chimney flue with the brush attached to a long rod. Sometimes, they begin the cleaning work inside the house. When the creosote build-up is advanced, a chemical must be applied to dissolve the thick, brittle layer, which helps to prevent structural damage to the chimney that could occur if the sweep tries to break up the creosote manually. If a chemical treatment is applied, the chimney sweep must allow the chemical two to three days to work before returning to finish the job. After the soot has been brushed to the hearth, the chimney sweep vacuums the smoke chamber and hearth and cleans up. Tidying the roof and the inside room that contains the chimney is part of the clean-up process, but this also may affect a customer’s feelings about the work that has been done. Therefore, most sweeps take care during the chimney cleaning process to prevent as much mess as possible by putting down protective tarps first.
A chimney inspection involves checking the flashing to ensure it is adequately sealed and assessing the brick, mortar, and crown condition. The chimney sweep ensures the damper works correctly and the hearth and lintel are in good shape. The sweep will notify the homeowner if anything needs to be repaired or replaced, such as the chimney liner or a chimney cap. In many cases, chimney sweeps also spend time with the homeowner, educating them about proper techniques for burning wood and other materials.
During an inspection, the chimney sweep might use a digital video camera or camera to record the condition of the flue and other parts. Then, they share this documentation with the homeowner and/or include it in the final written report.
Additional business responsibilities for self-employed chimney sweeps include bookkeeping, ordering supplies, scheduling appointments, and marketing.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The work performed by chimney sweeps is dirty, physically demanding, and sometimes dangerous. It involves squeezing into tight spaces, squatting, reaching awkward spaces, working outside during cold weather, carrying heavy equipment, and climbing ladders. Sweeps risk falling off ladders and roofs, especially in the winter when the roof can be slick with snow or ice. Sweeps are also at a higher-than-average risk for cancer and leukemia due to occupational inhalation of soot, creosote, and occasionally asbestos—although using respirators and face masks has dramatically reduced this risk for modern sweeps.
Human Environment. During training, a chimney sweep works closely with a supervisor. Afterward, they usually work alone or with an assistant. Sweeps primarily interact with homeowners, business owners, and family members or employees of clients. Chimney sweeps often rely on referrals from local clients, realtors, insurance agencies, and other professionals. Because many homeowners may forget to have their chimneys cleaned regularly, sweeps might need to spend money and time on additional advertising and promotion when work is slow.
Technological Environment. Chimney sweeps use specially designed brushes and vacuums to remove the soot build-up from chimneys. They may use digital manometers to measure gas supply, draft pressure, carbon dioxide detectors, and other gauges. They use cameras and video cameras, cell phones, answering machines, and two-way radios. Computers are used chiefly for business tasks. Sweeps usually drive vans or trucks that can easily transport their tools and supplies.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma or its equivalent is highly recommended but optional. Students should plan their classes based on whether they plan to own their own chimney-sweeping business one day. If they intend to become self-employed, business math, bookkeeping, and accounting are among the most valuable courses. English classes help build professional-level communication skills.
Postsecondary. Most chimney sweeps learn on the job through informal apprenticeships and supplement their experience with continuing education courses. The National Chimney Sweep Training School, run by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), offers a wide variety of courses that can lead to certification. There are other programs offered throughout the industry and in vocational schools. Sweeps who wish to establish their own business someday should consider pursuing business classes or an associate’s degree in business.
Related Occupations
− Janitor
Bibliography
"Janitors and Building Cleaners." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.