Erik Thoren Chimney Cleaning and Repair has tremendous appreciation for the historic aspect of the chimney sweeping business as well as the luxury of having a fire in your home. It’s prestigious as well as practical.
It was Mid-January and it was my friend’s birthday, and he forwarded me this article in The New York Times, “Why London’s Chimney Sweeps are Enjoying a Resurgence“, the article sparked an instant connection for me with chimney sweeps from across the pond. Being a fourth generation Swedish craftsman raised in NJ and NYC, I am entranced by the practicality of harnessing fire for warmth. Since 1986 I have serviced, rebuilt and worked on fireplaces.
I like to believe I got my first spark of curiosity about chimneys from the character Bert from Mary Poppins. After all, ‘A sweep is as lucky can be,’’ Good luck will rub off when I shake ‘ands with you or blow me a kiss and that’s lucky too.’ I am just getting warmed up.
As a climbing boy myself in the 1970s-1980s deep in the countryside of Hunterdon County, New Jersey I was climbing onto rooftops and jumping onto the treetops. I could easily be swept up into London’s Chimney sweep lore that centers on the historical use of young boys climbing into chimneys.
Besides, as a professional sweep, I could moonlight as a good luck charm appearing at Londoners’ weddings dressed to the nines in top hat and tails and shaking the groom’s hand.
In all seriousness, I am fascinated with fire’s power, purification,energy, renewal and comfort. Opening up fireplaces that haven’t been used for over 100 years is one of the things I treasure about the profession. Being a chimney sweep for over 40 years it certainly is where I find my comfort. We have worked on Fireplaces 300 years old and they are warming the home again. I feel a great source of pride to keep Fireplaces and Woodstoves and Coal stoves working practically and comfortably without the risks.
We definitely have the upper hand with today’s technology using drones that allow us to do a flyover and take video footage of the condition of the top of the chimney without climbing with ladders and camera scopes that look all the way thru from the fireplace to the open light at the top of the chimney.
We look forward to helping you contain the luxurious, but very practical ability to have fires in your Fireplaces.
We don’t send children up the Chimney these days, but we certainly employ superior female chimney sweeps, and our children make this a 3rd generation outfit at your service from Maui, to Maine and Manhattan and New Jersey along the way.
Call Erik Thoren Chimney Cleaning and Repairs today to schedule an appointment.
(808) 280-7262