What is the primary purpose of a chimney sweep?

The primary purpose of a chimney sweep is to clean and maintain chimneys to prevent fires. This involves the removal of soot, creosote, and blockages from the chimney flue and ensuring that the chimney is functioning properly. Regular maintenance significantly reduces the risk of chimney fires, which can occur when flammable creosote accumulates within the flue. Additionally, keeping the chimney clean helps ensure that harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, can escape safely from the home, thus protecting the health and safety of the occupants.

While installing new chimneys and fireplaces, delivering firewood, and inspecting roofs for damage are all related activities, they do not capture the core focus and critical mission of a chimney sweep, which is primarily concentrated on the cleaning and upkeep of existing chimney systems.