Interesting facts about chimney sweeping

Chimney sweeps have been around for decades even though the profession is significantly different than it was in the beginning. Chimney sweeping in Long Island might not seem like a profile that would have a rich history but it does. 

In this post, we are discussing some interesting facts about chimney sweeping. 

Chimney cleaning was a job for children

Back in the days, boys were either acquired from orphanages or sold by poor parents to chimney sweeps. However, girls were also often found stuck at the job. Children between the age group of 6 to 12 were bonded in an agreement to work as servants to chimney sweeps. They were made to climb the chimneys from inside and clean the flues with a brush as going along. If these children were slow in performing the job, the chimney sweep would light a fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, these kids lived a horrible life. They were not permitted to bathe and often begged for food. This is how chimney maintenance in Long Island. 

Chimney sweeps and geese 

A dirty chimney was a common problem. Other chimney problems were solved using children before chimney sweeping equipment was introduced. There were many chimney sweeps who used geese as a chimney cleaning tool. Of course, it wasn’t a foolproof invention. The process involved tying a rope on the goose’s neck and forcing it to fly to the chimney top. When the bird would go up, the master would pull the rope to brush the bird against the chimney. This way they cleaned the soot on the chimney. 

Original sweep tools are still used today 

Thanks to the introduction of “Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers”, making the children clean the chimneys were banned in 1864 in England. Thus, there was a need for another approach to do the job. Of course, the one that didn’t involve tying a rope to a goose’s neck. Joseph Glass in the 18th century invented equipment comprising canes and brushes that could be used from the fireplace to clean the chimney. You’d be surprised to know that these tools are still used in many countries including Long Island, the US for chimney maintenance.  

I hope these facts were interesting to read. If you have any interesting facts about the chimney, please do share them in the comment section below. 

Why Gutter Cleaning Should be taken Seriously?

Many people live with this notion that regular gutter cleaning can be neglected as it is not that necessary. We acknowledge this fact that gutter cleaning is not an easy task to perform. Because in the gutter cleaning process, you stand the risk of falling from the roof while trying to clean it. This is the reason why gutter cleaning often gets overlooked.

However, improperly-maintained gutters have their own consequences. It is important to understand the significance of gutter cleaning and repair in Long Island so that you can take timely steps to clean it.

Let’s know first what repercussions uncleaned gutters have?

Gutters are an essential part of the stormwater system. These systems are designed to ensure that your property or your home walls don’t suffer any damage by the overflowing water.

When your gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, or other insects, it can lead to damage to the structure of the property. If you don’t do regular cleaning of gutters, they can get clogged. A clogged gutter that has been sitting for a long time will add up to make the stormwater system less effective.

The overflowing water from a clogged gutter can cause leaks, and damp the walls and the structure of your home or building.

Your stormwater system should work properly to ensure the water leaves without damaging the property.

The excess water accumulated because of clogged gutters also causes wood rot. So the cleaning of the gutters is necessary to protect your property from pest infestation.

At times when tropical rains hit your location, your gutters and downpipes get filled with an excess amount of water. If a gutter is not cleaned timely or regularly, the water often begins moving down through walls or ceiling. This unexpected weather condition may come without any invitation. Thus, regular gutter cleaning in Long Island is important and can’t be neglected at any cost.

In a nutshell

Don’t delay your gutter cleaning because you think it will add up to your home maintenance cost. Because a small amount spent today on Long Island gutter cleaning can rescue you from spending huge on major damages to the property later.