Our Company Blog

How to Recognize a Dishonest Chimney Sweep

Not all chimney sweeps can be as fun-loving as depicted in Mary Poppins (1964). Some can come into your home or business, inspect and clean your chimney in a timely manner with a professional demeanor, but others may not offer the same experience.

When hiring a professional to come into your home and provide a service, especially one as important to the safety and comfort of your home and family, it is vital to choose wisely. It’s important to recognize a dishonest chimney sweep, and recognize him before he is in your home, and doing a not-so-great job on your chimney.

Check Credentials

When you are searching for a chimney sweep, do not be afraid to ask for credentials. Chimney sweeps should be certified, licensed, and insured. When safety is at stake, it is no time to cut corners because the money you spend today, you will save in damage and possible insurance claims later.

Credentials to Expect

The industry standard for chimney sweeps is the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) credential. CSIA certified sweeps pass a rigorous examination, abide by a code of ethics, and re-certify every three years, either by examination or continued education. The focus is safety, and educating homeowners in safety.

Another important credential for a chimney sweep is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  membership. NFPA offers training on fire, electrical, and related hazards. NFPA members have access to the latest news and information, professional connections, and access to NFPA staff to answer technical standards questions. By staying abreast of industry standards, a chimney sweep is better equipped to make reports for legal, insurance, and realty officials.

Professionalism

It’s not too much to ask for your chimney sweep to operate at a certain level of professionalism. He should have a place of business, a valid phone number and address, a webpage, and customer references or reviews.

This professionalism should be present in every conversation, but also in every interaction. Questions should be met with direct and clear answers. Equipment should be appropriate and maintained, and time in your home or business should be spent working.

Results and Report

After an initial consultation with a chimney sweep, you should have an idea of their level of professionalism, and you should’ve asked to see credentials. If the business passed these two tests, then the last will definitely weed-out the dishonest ones.

Following a routine chimney sweep a homeowner should receive confirmation from the chimney sweep. The chimney should work well, and should be noticeably cleaner on the inside of the chimney flue and firebox. Likewise, after an inspection the homeowner should receive a detailed report of the findings. A level 2 inspection is recommended (and required in most cases) when property changes hand through inheritance or sale. A chimney sweep should offer a detailed report for the realtor and insurance agents. This is required. If your chimney sweep does not provide results, either in the way of a clean and functional chimney and fireplace or as a detailed report, he is not being honest with you as the homeowner.

Finally, read reviews! Check references, and make calls, and if you have any questions call Beach Stove and Fireplace today.

Fire Safety for Fireplace Owners

A fireplace can add impressive beauty and comfort to a home, particularly during the chilly winter months. Few can resist the allure of the crackling flames and soothing warmth, which makes fireplaces such popular additions to home. However, they come with their own set of risks, just like all other household appliances. Keeping safety in mind this season can help ensure a warm, happy winter for everyone.

First of all, fireplaces are built to contain live flames that can burn upward of hundreds of degrees depending on the type of fuel being burned. In just a moment of contact with flames, skin can suffer severe burns and flammable materials can ignite violently. One good measure to take to help avoid this type of damage is to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from the fireplace. This concerns both people and combustible items in the home, such as furniture and decorations. To help maintain this distance, the fire should remain supervised at all times, especially with children or pets around.

Children and pets are at the highest risk around the fireplace. In addition to close supervision, another way to keep them safe is to have heat resistant glass doors installed on the face of the fireplace. Designed to separate the home from the fire, the newer models of glass doors even stay cool to the touch while the fire burns, making them an ideal safety feature. For older children, teach them about fire safety, including the risk of burns and the danger of putting foreign objects into the fire.

Another crucial step to take to keep the fireplace safe is to have it serviced regularly. Fire code requires the chimney be swept at least once per year. This practice removes built up soot or creosote, which can block the proper ventilation of fumes from the home or even cause a devastating chimney fire. Additionally, an inspection must be performed annually to detect any potential safety threats like an obstruction, a damaged flue lining, or a malfunctioning damper, all of which can flood the house with poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

One final measure, which should be present in a house whether or not it has a fireplace, is the proper placement of functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be placed on each floor, outside the sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be on each floor and outside the sleeping area. Each detector should be replaced every five to ten years, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements, and the batteries must be tested every month and replaced if necessary.

For more tips on being safe with your fireplace this winter, contact the professionals at Beach Stove and Fireplace.