[Biggd]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I would disagree there is no money for the sweep in cleaning chimneys. In most cases, there are little to no supplies to be expended. For a nice round figure, let's say the sweep is charging $100 for the cleaning. My sweep uses an 8 in brush for the insulated pipe, and then a 6 in brush for the stove pipe from the stove to the reducer. Once that's done, it's inside to loosen the slip pipe and stove connecting pipe, slide it up, and open the stove pipe to vacuum out the chimney soot off the combustion blanket in the top portion of the stove. Chimney is inspected, and all is reconnected and done.
Whatever time is spent at the premises is mostly all profit, if you will. Our sweep schedules, to the extent possible, multiple appointments in the same community or area. Very little travel time.
Just my opinion. I could do the work myself, but I am not happy going up on the roof, working with the stove pipe in the house, and I like having our sweep checking out the chimney annually. Oh, and only once has he recommended something be done (chimney cap be replaced, told me I could do it if I wanted to, and did. ). I have been dealing with him for over 20 yrs.

Dave

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You obviously have never owned a small business and don't realize all the other expenses that go along with running one. Workers Comp Insurance rates for employees going on roofs have some of the highest rates. And if they don't have insurance you don't want them on your roof. There's a lot more expenses than a few brushes and a vacuum.