Are you seeking to have your chimney inspected and cleaned? Good for you, but do you know what to look for when hiring a chimney sweep? Let’s delve further into the dos and don’ts of hiring a chimney sweep.
Owning a fireplace can give you a sense of warmth and well-being, but that feeling can sometimes be misleading. There are hidden dangers that need to be addressed with your fireplace and chimney; here are a few.
Regardless of whether you are aware, your chimney is a constant fire hazard. When a chimney sweep service examines your chimney, the chimney sweeps are on the lookout for telltale signs of a creosote buildup. What is creosote? It is a very flammable byproduct of burning logs in your fireplace, and it can coat the inside of your chimney and be set ablaze when scorching embers float past the creosote. A chimney sweep service will ensure that all the creosote is scrubbed away with special brushes and tools. The danger from creosote is the main reason you should have your chimney inspected yearly.
Nothing is more destructive to your chimney and fireplace than water. Chimney sweep services are skilled in detecting signs of water damage, including visible water stains, a musty smell, or erosion of the masonry. They use specialized tools like thermal imaging or moisture meters to locate hidden leaks. Once the leaks are found, repairs could include sealing the chimney with a water-resistant sealer, installing a chimney cap, or fixing any damage to the crown or flashing. Risks from water damage include structural instability from spalling (flaking or chipping of bricks), deterioration of the flue lining, and potential mold growth, which can negatively impact your family’s health. It can also lead to more costly repairs later, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance and swift action at the first signs of water damage.
You need to have a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as your fireplace. Why? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, unseen gas known as the silent killer. A qualified chimney sweep Service will ensure your chimney has no blockages, whether it’s a bird’s or other types of nest, a buildup of soot, or a defective damper.
Here are some CSIA recommended things you should look for when hiring a Chimney Sweep Service.
Look for a chimney sweep who is CSIA or a Certified Chimney Sweep Professional (CCP) by the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Certification means that the chimney sweeps know all aspects of your chimney and fireplace. Their expertise means the job will be done right the first time.
Along with good training, experience is invaluable. While certifications teach what to do, new situations arise with fireplaces and chimneys; a chimney sweep with experience will probably have dealt with it before.
An insured chimney sweep means you won’t be left paying for damage if they break something.
How does the chimney sweep service conduct itself over the phone? Are they on time? Do they dress professionally? Do they clean up after themselves? You can glean this for yourself or read reviews to see what previous customers have to say.
Be sure that the chimney sweep charges what they quoted you and provides you with another quote if additional services are required.
Be sure that the chimney sweep you hire adheres to CSIA guidelines and puts safety first.
If your chimney leaks or has wildlife in it, or you just want to have an inspection and you live our service area we can help. Our knowledgeable, insured, and licensed chimney sweeps can handle any type of repair or inspect your chimney.
Be wise in choosing your chimney sweep service; call us today at 317-757-6979 or fill out our simple contact form. One of our chimney experts will be in contact to discuss what we can do for you.
Our Service Area
If you live within 20 miles of Marion County, there’s no need to call any other chimney provider! The team here at Chimney Solutions Indiana will be in our marked trucks and clean uniforms and at your door on time! We travel to Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Brownsburg, Westfield, Geist, Eagle Creek, Noblesville and all throughout the Indianapolis, IN area.
We believe that education and ongoing training is important, which is why we continuously invest in ourselves and our team to deliver better service to you. We’re Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) – certified and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), so whenever advancements are made within the industry, we’re among the first to know about it. When you work with Chimney Solutions, you can expect the latest information and the most advanced services and techniques. We strive to exceed expectations on every job from a routine chimney sweep and chimney cleaning to a full chimney restoration.
We’re committed to providing the best service possible and look forward to serving you and your family, year after year. Call 317-757-6979 to get started! >>