Fun Chimney Sweep Facts

The chimney sweep trade traces back several centuries. Here are a few fun facts about chimney sweeps that we've collected.

• It is apparently good luck to see a chimney sweep on the day of your wedding. This story can be traced back to one lucky chimney sweep who fell off the roof while working, but fortunately became caught on the gutter. A young woman pulled him in through a window, and the two fell in love and later married.
• The town chimney sweep used to walk the streets on New Year's Day with a pig in tow. Why? Pigs are supposedly good luck charms, and chimney sweeps are as well (see the above fact).
• Chimney sweeps are often depicted as fellows who wear suits and top hats. They did not try to dress in such a fancy manner on purpose, however. Originally, chimney sweeps started to wear suits and hats because they were passed down to them by far more wealthy undertakers.
• The term "light a fire under you," is thought to have originated from the use of small children as chimney cleaners. Many of the children understandably did not enjoy being forced to clean chimneys, and some sweep masters would force the children into the chimney flue and then light a fire to "help" them reach the top of the chimney. It was a cruel practice that did not stand the test of time, thankfully.

Does your chimney need a good cleaning? Get in touch with the team at Guardian Chimney today! You can call toll-free (888) 688-1388, or complete our online contact request form.

A Brief Chimney Sweep History

The profession known as "chimney sweeping" really took off in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. During this time, the fireplace was catching on as a great way to keep homes heated in cold temperatures. In fact, the English were such big fans of fireplaces that they started having them installed in every room of the home for optimal heating. The multiple fireplaces often connected via a maze of pipes to one chimney, and these pipes became dirty and clogged with soot very quickly.

Thus, the chimney cleaning industry was born.

Chimney sweeps initially swept chimneys at no cost to the homeowner. Instead, the chimney sweep sold the soot from the cleaning to farmers as fertilizer, and profited that way. When chemical fertilizers started to become popular, chimney sweeps were forced to begin charging for their services. They did quite well, too -- it's said that over 1,000 chimney sweeps served Victorian London.

Times are obviously a bit different now. We have multiple sources of heat, such as gas and electricity, that are more popular, but the chimney sweep trade still survives, and keeping your chimney clean is just as important in 2012 as it was in the 1700s. If you're interested in having your chimney inspected and cleaned, be sure to contact Guardian Chimney today at 1-888-688-1388.

Save big! Coupons from Guardian Chimney

In need of some chimney work, or a chimney cleaning? This month, Guardian Chimney is helping you get that work done at an even better price than usual.

Our special chimney discounts for this month include:

• $50 off Level 2 Video Inspection
• 10% off any Chimney Masonry Repair
• $25 off Chimney Cleaning
• 10% off any Chimney Relining

You don't need to print off any coupons; just mention one of these deals when you contact Guardian Chimney and we'll give you the discount automatically. Our number is (888) 688-1388, or you can reach us through our online contact form.

What is a Chimney Sweep?

The phrase "chimney sweep" might conjure up fun images of a dancing Dick van Dyke, but in reality, the job of a chimney sweep is a very important one. A dirty or damaged chimney system presents a serious danger to your home and health -- a chimney sweep is tasked with cleaning your chimney, performing any necessary repairs, and visually inspecting your chimney system to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Homeowners in Bergen County NJ have trusted Guardian Chimney with their chimney maintenance needs for over 16 years. Prior to beginning your chimney cleaning or repair, someone from Guardian Chimney will complete a free estimate, letting you know how much the project should cost before any work is started. When the job is finished, you, your loved ones, and your home will be much safer.

Ready to have your Bergen County chimney cleaned, serviced, or inspected? Give Guardian Chimney a call today at 1-888-688-1388.

Free Estimate from Guardian Chimney

Your chimney ventilates smoke from your fireplace into the outside air, but not all byproducts of a fire make it out of the chimney. Dirt, dust, and soot can build up inside your chimney, creating a very serious fire hazard. Your chimney can also become damaged due to storms or other events. If you feel your chimney might present a danger to your home and your loved ones, call the most trusted chimney maintenance and repair company for Bergen County residents -- Guardian Chimney.

For over 16 years, Guardian Chimney has helped thousands of families in New Jersey, including those in Bergen County, safeguard their homes through professional chimney cleaning, maintenance and repair. Guardian Chimney offers customers a free estimate, giving them a price for repairs and service before the job even begins at no cost.

If you'd like to have your chimney cleaned or otherwise repaired for the winter season, contact Guardian Chimney at 1-888-688-1388.

Come on a Tour of Your Chimney

Whether you're the owner of a home with gas heating, an oil furnace, a wood fireplace, a coal stove or a pellet stove, your home likely has a chimney for ventilation purposes. All of these chimney types need chimney inspections regularly, or else your home is exposed to a number of potential dangers. You may not be able to see problems with your chimney, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

To educate our customers, we've put together this guided chimney tour that takes a look at your chimney and explains its ventilation process, as well as where potential problems can show up if you don't have your chimney cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.

Why Go With Gas Fireplace Logs?

There's no question that a fireplace adds a certain charm to the room it's in. The look of the flames jutting up through the logs, and the crackling sounds the fire makes as it burns create a "homey," comfortable feeling.

Unfortunately, not everyone has time to chop wood or even start a fire. This is one of the major benefits of gas logs -- logs that resemble normal wood logs, but are actually fed with a gas line. This means you don't have to lug a bunch of logs into your home, mess around with kindling as you try to get a fire going, and shove a bunch of wood into your fireplace.

Instead, you have a fire that can instantly turn on when you want it, and off when you don't. And, with gas logs, you still get the same look, feel and sound of a conventional fireplace, but without the mess and required clean-up.