If your home has a fireplace, you likely understand the importance of a chimney sweep. But do you know how this profession got its start? Knowing the history of this work is important because it demonstrates the critical role that the experts fill in today’s society. Here is a detailed look at the history of the chimney sweep and how today’s industry started.

A Brief History of the Chimney Sweep

The Switch From Wood to Coal

Fireplaces have been used as far back as the Ancient Romans and continue to be popular today. However, it wasn’t until the 1600s that these features became common throughout homes all around Europe. During this time, many people switched from using wood to coal to warm their home. Because the coal left large soot deposits, it became clear that the chimney would need to be cleaned regularly. Thus, the job of the chimney sweep was born.

The End of Child Labor

Due to the size of narrow passageways and the nature of the work, many children were forced to work as indentured servants. Conditions were harsh and children were often scared to climb into the narrow spaces. Thankfully, the practice of using child labor came to an end in 1864, when Parliament passed the “Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers.” Instead, various devices were invented to clean the chimney from the top down.

The Profession Today

In the 1960s, many people began to turn to gas and electricity to warm their homes. However, just a decade later, prices of these fuel sources began to rise and families turned back to the fireplace. Unfortunately, they often used this feature without properly cleaning it, and as a result, many house fires and carbon monoxide poisonings occurred. These occurrences served as a grim reminder that the chimney sweep is critical and necessary whenever coal is used in a fireplace. Today, these experts use scientific advances and the latest technology to efficiently clean the fireplace, keeping families healthy and safe.

 

When residents of New Richmond, OH, are in need of a highly trained chimney sweep, they turn to the professionals at Charlie’s Chimney Sweeps and Masonry. Fully licensed and insured, this company offers everything you need for your chimney, from fireplace repair to chimney cleaning and more. Learn more about how these experts will keep your home warm by calling a team member at (513) 553-0229.