Safe-T-Sweep, Inc got its start in 1980. My father and mother were looking for an additional source of income. My father tells me that teachers were only making about $6,000 a year when he first started. He would do a couple of jobs after school and all day Saturday. My brother K.C. and I would distribute flyers in the neighborhoods where we were working.

Back then we used to charge by the story, I think a one story house went for $30.00. Since that time we have purchased two other chimney sweep companies.  One sweep was going into the missionary field and the other was concerned about the potential for cancer from always working around creosote. My parents were one of the few husband and wife companies in the industry, and yes, my mom did clean chimneys. We wore the traditional Top Hat and Tails in the early days; in fact we still do wear our Top Hats to every appointment. Chimney Sweeps are considered Good Luck and some companies even make themselves available for weddings.

I took over the business in 1999 after serving 4 years in the Marine Corps.  I always enjoyed the work and decided to make the full-time transition. We service both residential and commercial properties. Some of our clients include the Merion Golf Course and Merion Cricket Club. Please visit  Angie’s List to read our reviews, unfortunately these are only available to members.  We have received their Super Service Award since 2010 and were voted one of the Best Contractors in the area in their end of year magazine.  

My eldest son Tres now has his own sweep and repair company based out of West Chester, Pa. He has 1 son and 3 beautiful daughters. Koree and her husband have 2 children live in Philadelphia. Our daughter Chloe is married to a Wilmington, Delaware police officer and they are expecting baby number 3. Our daughter Sarai will be getting out of the Marine Corps in the fall of 2026. so we still have 14 kids currently living at home, with a mixture of adult working and homeschooled kids. 10 boys and 4 girlsKenneth Barr an Upper Darby High School Physical Education/Health teacher passed away before Covid.

Gaza (Gay) Elizabeth Barr/Brown passed away around the same time. They started Safe-T-Sweep, Inc together in 1980 out of a antique DIVCO milktruck which we still own.

Contact Safe-T-Sweep Chimney Cleaners today at 610-304-2400  for your free relining estimate, or browse our website for more information about chimney service or testimonials.