Although chimney sweeps have been a part of society for many years, when were they initially employed? The use of chimneys extends back to ancient Rome, so the answer to that issue is a little hazy. However, chimney sweeps didn’t start to become a career in England until the 16th century.
Children were frequently used as chimney sweeps in the early days, climbing up small chimneys to remove soot and debris. Laws protecting young employees weren’t put in place or the industry became more regulated until the 19th century.
Chimney sweeps had a reputation for doing hard and risky jobs throughout the Victorian era. They frequently put in 14-hour workdays while ascending and descending narrowly wide enough for a person chimneys. Many chimney sweeps experienced respiratory issues and other diseases as a result of the physically demanding task they were doing.
What did Victorian chimney sweeps actually do, then? They were in charge of removing debris from chimneys in residences, businesses, and other structures. In order to do this, soot and dirt that had accumulated over time had to be scraped away using brushes and other instruments. Additionally, they would check chimneys for any damage or obstructions that would be a fire threat.
Today, chimney sweeps are still a crucial component of keeping a house safe and functional. The price of chimney sweeping in the UK varies depending on the location and the kind of chimney that needs to be cleaned. In 2018, a chimney sweep should cost between £60 and £80.
In the UK, how frequently should a chimney be swept? The type of gasoline being used and the frequency of use are just a couple of the variables that affect the answer to that question. For instance, regularly used chimneys should be swept at least once a year, whereas less frequently used chimneys might be cleaned every two to three years.
In conclusion, despite the fact that chimney sweeps have been present for generations, their significance for maintaining healthy and reliable chimneys has not changed. Chimney sweeps have been essential in preventing fires and other risks in houses and businesses from ancient Rome to Victorian England and beyond.
In the UK, it is the landlord’s duty to see to it that a licensed chimney sweep periodically cleans and maintains the chimney in a rental property. This is done to protect the tenants’ safety and lower the risk of chimney fires.