Chimney Sweeps, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Doylestown

Frequently Asked Questions

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our PRODUCT / SERVICE and provide the answers here. If you need additional information send email to YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Why The Top Hat?

Men and women have been practicing the chimney sweep trade for hundreds of years. The job was dirty, but necessary, and anything but glamorous! So in order to raise there status in the community, it is said that the sweeps would get discarded clothing from the local funeral director. These clothes consisted of a black top hat, and a coat with tails, which was very fashionable for the times. They were also black which meant they were very practical. This gave the sweeps the status and self esteem they wanted.

Chimney sweeps have always been considered good luck, especially if you shake his hand, or be kissed by him. Not so lucky were the young boys and girls who were chimney sweeps in training in the 1700s and 1800s. Many were orphans who were bought by a master chimney sweep to learn the trade. They were often negelcted, abused and treated more like slaves than an apprentice chimney sweep. They were forced to climb up inside the chimney flue, sweeping the soot from the chimney walls as they climbed there way to the top. Many of the children became sick and died from constant inhalation of soot. Some chimney sweeps would use geese. They would tie a rope around the gooses neck and force him up the chimney. As the goose started to fly up towards the chimney opening the sweep would pull the goose back down using his flapping wings to brush the soot from the flue. Later a combination of brushes, ropes, and rods were used.

Today's chimney sweeps are a combination of the old and the new. Chimneys are still swept with brushes, and rods to some extent. Powerful vacuums are know used to control the dust allowing the sweep to clean the chimney flue form inside the home, without any fear of a mess. The modern day chimney sweep is protected from soot by using a face resperator, and protective clothing, which keeps his exposer to the soot to a minimum.

Our job today, is just as important and necessary as it was centuries ago, and that job is to care for the safety of families and there homes. So select a chimney sweep, use him reguarly, and when he's done, don't forget to shake his hand for luck!

What Are The Levels of Inspections?

Level I Inspection
This inspection is recommended when the chimney and venting system is easily accessible and when the homeowner is planning to maintain its current use. In general, this the level of inspection performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection a certified chimney sweep verifies that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as creosote.

Level II Inspection The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level II inspection. This inspection level is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. The scope of a Level II inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of the attics, crawl spaces and basements. It may also include a performance test such as a smoke test or a pressure test and possibly an interior chimney video inspection if recommended by the certified chimney sweep.

Level III Inspection
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without access to concealed areas, a Level III inspection is recommended. This type of inspection confirms the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Level III inspections are generally necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to a chimney or building, or where a hazard is detected and suspected.

3.	*Is Ashes Away Chimney a Franchise?*
	No, Ashes Away Chimney is a small, 1 family owned and operated business since 1961. We provide local service surrounding 3 strategic locations in the Delaware & Lehigh Valleys and the Philly Mainline including all the surrounding areas. You always have the owner at your home on every appointment.

Will there be any mess?

No, Never! We take every precaution to assure you are impressed with our Service. Clean Tarps are laid down from entry to the work area. The work area is protected so not even the smallest particle touches your carpet, walls or furniture. Our State of the Art Vacuum system is the most powerful portable made to date always insuring that no dust can get past the fireplace/chimney opening. Our air filtration is so clean it captures particles as low as 1 Micron!

5.

Ashes Away

Doylestown, PA 18951

Phone: (866) 248-6693