Sweepnman Chimney Sweeps is in the business of keeping homes and families safe. We strongly believe that if people learn the facts about their chimneys a lot of trageties will be prevented. Each year in the United States, carbon monoxide poisoning claims approximately 480 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Another potential danger to your home is a chimney fire. During a chimney fire, temperatures in the flue can exceed 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Flames can leap out of the chimney top or travel through cracks in chimney walls. These flames can ignite the roof or other parts of the home. Sweepnman Chimney Sweeps recommends annual chimney inspection and or cleaning. Every home should be equiped with carbon monoxide detectors on all levels.

 

Dave Bancroft graduated Reading High School in 1985. The following Monday he went to work for a local mason named Mike Savarino. Mike was an artist to his trade.Dave's first job with Mike was a condo conversion brownstone in Boston's historic South End. They dismantled the existing fireplaces and built five new Rumford style fireplaces in a single five flue chimney. Then they replaced all of the original marble veneers and mantels (surrounding the fireboxes). Over the course of the next four years Dave learned the meaning of hard work. Dave was instructed in all aspects of masonry construction. They built several more fireplaces and chimneys from the ground up. Mike also taught Dave masonry restoration, water proofing and stucco techniques. He enjoyed working for Mike, however, Dave always wanted to be his own boss.

 

   Dave's first sweep job October 1989

In 1989 Dave learned of a company called August West Systems. This company sold a kit including a large vacuum, standard size brushes and rods and an instructional manual on how to be a chimney sweep.  Dave had already learned how to build fireplaces and chimneys, so it was clear to him  that chimney sweeping could provide a good oportunity to start his own company.  Dave saved up his money and bought the kit. Over the next few years Dave learned that he would have to be diversfied in order to make ends meet. Chimney sweeping tends to be a seasonal business. Dave attended Northeast Institute of Industrial Technology and got his MA oil burner Technician License. He got his class B CDL driver's license. He attended Peterson School of Steam Engineering and graduated on the Dean's List. Dave also attended American Real Estate Acadamy and got his real estate salespersons license. In April 1994 Dave embarked on another career direction, street sweeping. (to be continued)