Chimney Sweep Keeps Soot Off Santa

— -- Before Santa drops down the chimney, Aaron Golub of "Up on the Roof” in Freehold, N.J., often takes the first look to ensure a clean fireplace and flue for Mr. Clause.

It’s the busiest time of year for chimney sweeps across America as families seek to warm their homes for the holidays.

Beyond saving Santa’s red suit from too much soot, the sweeps brush away the buildup of creosote -- a tar-like substances that sticks to the side of the flue after wood is burned. The highly flammable creosote can increase the risk of a house fire.

Since the 1800’s when indentured servants and children frequently performed the dirty task of sweeping chimneys, the cleaning process has improved dramatically both in terms of safety and efficiency.

With new tools and professional certifications, chimney cleaning now takes less than 30 minutes and requires relatively little risks for the sweeps.

But teens still get stuck when they attempt to sneak back into their homes after curfew via the chimney. Only Santa has mastered that art.