Sweeping the White House Fireplaces: A Timeless Tradition of Care and Craftsmanship

By Jake Rowell, Royal Chimney Services

When you think of the White House, grand meetings, historic speeches, and iconic moments come to mind. But one aspect of its upkeep that might not cross your mind is the annual task of maintaining its many fireplaces. With the White House housing 35 working fireplaces across its 132 rooms, the job of sweeping these fireplaces is an essential yet largely unnoticed responsibility. While it might not attract the limelight like other presidential duties, it plays an important role in preserving the grandeur of this historic residence.

The tradition of maintaining the White House fireplaces goes back to its earliest days, when Thomas Jefferson installed the first open hearth fireplaces in the executive mansion. Over the centuries, the need to keep these fireplaces clean and operational has remained constant, even as the technology and style of heating evolved. Today, the White House fireplaces are as diverse as the architecture itself. From ornate mantels in the East Room to the cozy hearths in private family quarters, each fireplace is unique. Their upkeep requires a skilled team of custodians, experts in both the technical and historical aspects of maintaining such a significant national landmark.

We are very proud of this year’s White House Chimney Service Team; they did a great job and represented us well. Communication and documentation are paramount with this many fireplaces, and this year’s team was very detailed in pointing out any areas of concern that needed to be addressed. This year’s team was comprised of eight Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) certified sweeps from across the country.

The leader of the team is Howard Rowell, NCSG member of 42 years, who has been servicing the White House for over 30 years. Before 1994, other NCSG icons of the chimney sweeping trade serviced the White House chimneys, blazing the trail for NCSG members as the sweeps that service these chimneys.

“As a team leader, I am honored the baton was passed onto me, and I take it very seriously, holding the highest standards and integrity and representing the chimney sweep trade,” Rowell said. When asked why one of the team requirements is to be an NCSG member, he answered, “It’s one of the metrics used to determine someone’s dedication to the chimney sweep profession and a chance to meet them face to face at convention to speak with them and gauge their interest in being a part of this volunteer team. Each year, I put together a team of people – not much different than any sports team – who complement each other with their talents and skills. There is always a blend of seasoned veterans from prior teams and new sweeps looking forward to the experience of servicing these chimneys.”

At the heart of this responsibility are the White House fireplace certified chimney sweeps. Unlike their counterparts who manage the more utilitarian functions of the building, these craftsmen and women hold a special place in the mansion’s maintenance crew.

The job itself may seem simple – remove soot, clear out ashes, and ensure that each chimney is free from obstructions – but it is an art form, a meticulous task that requires an eye for detail and a deep understanding of the history and functionality of each fireplace. Just like in days of old, the fireplace chimney sweeps of the White House rely on a set of tools that have remained largely unchanged for generations. A good set of brushes, both large and small, is essential for removing soot from the chimneys and hearths. In recent years, some modern tools have made their way into the process, including special chimney cleaning vacuum systems designed to collect dust and debris without leaving a trace. Despite these advancements, many chimney sweeps still swear by the tried-and-true methods that have been passed down through generations, such as use of wire brushes. We also use high-tech multi-view Chim Scan cameras and other equipment to make sure that the systems are in working order, a crucial step in ensuring both safety and historical preservation.

The chimney sweeps work often coincides with the holiday season when the White House hosts its annual holiday events, including the famous Christmas Tree Lighting. During this time, families, staff, and guests fill the rooms, and the fireplaces take center stage. The chimney sweeps not only clean but also help create a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the festive spirit of the holidays.

On a more personal level, the fireplaces offer a sense of intimacy in a building that is often seen as a grand symbol of government. For the First Family, these hearths offer a comforting reminder of home.

“There’s something about a fire that makes the White House feel less like a museum and more like a place of warmth,” said one former White House staffer. “The fireplaces give it a kind of timelessness.”

Despite the work’s significance, the role of the fireplace chimney sweeps is often behind the scenes. It’s a quiet, essential job that keeps the White House’s historic charm intact. And while the sweeps may never appear in the spotlight, their contribution to the upkeep of this iconic residence is no less valuable. Without them, the White House’s fireplaces would be mere relics of a bygone era, instead of active symbols of American history.

So the next time you see a fire crackling in the White House, know that it wasn’t just a match that made the flames dance, but the dedication of a skilled artisan “the chimney sweep” working in the shadows, preserving the legacy of one of the most important buildings in the world.

“It’s an honor to service the White House chimneys and give back to the country,” Rowell said. “Each time, my mind goes back to the history that has taken place as I enter each room and the leaders from around the world that have been in these same rooms.

On November 13, the world witnessed President Biden and President Elect Trump shaking hands in front of a blazing fireplace at the White House signifying a peaceful transition of power between the presidents.

I think our contributions to servicing these fireplaces help to create a relaxing atmosphere for all those who gather in these rooms to make important treaties or alliances or simply enjoy peaceful times in front of these fireplaces with family, friends, and colleagues. The White House staff is always very professional and cordial with us. They appreciate what we do to keep the fireplaces in good working order and advise them about any issues that should be addressed.

To serve on this team, the applicant must be an NCSG member or the employee of a member in good standing, maintain their CSIA CCS or NCSG CCP certification, pass rigid security checks, be physically healthy to perform the task in brutal heat, have experience sweeping chimneys, be able to follow team leader’s directions, and be respectful to White House staff and property.

If you are interested in applying to a future White House Chimney Service Team, feel free to email Howard Rowell at howard@royalchimney.com

“We are always looking to share this great experience with fellow sweeps!” Howard said. ■