John Aaberg, owner of The Chimney Sweep from Chappell, was cleaning the chimney at a local home earlier this month, wearing the traditional top hat and tails. (Johnson Publications photo)
Chimney sweep keeps chimneys Santa Claus-ready
John and Mary Aaberg of Chappell own a business called The Chimney Sweep.
John has been a chimney sweep for 41 years—since he got out of high school in 1978, he said.
The job of a chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages and built-up creosote from the chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper.
This cleaning will help create a safer operation of the system, Aaberg said.
It only takes a small accumulation of creosote glazing to create the potential for a chimney fire.
“Some people try hanging a log chain down the chimney and shaking it around to loosen the creosote. But then it falls down behind the damper and creates an even bigger fire hazard because the creosote is now closer to the fire,” Aaberg said.
Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside a chimney or liner as a result of burning wood.
“A chimney sweep should be hired to clean chimneys and woodstoves once a year if they are used regularly,” he said.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says, “Chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances.”
When chimney cleaning is neglected, the creosote can create a chimney obstruction. This results in a smoky fireplace that exposes the family to toxic fumes, according to the NFPA.
Even if chimneys are not used regularly, they still need to be checked for critters, Aaberg said.
“I have found birds, turkeys, owls, raccoons and squirrels in chimneys,” he added.
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