HOW TO CHOOSE A CHIMNEY PROFESSIONAL

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Inviting fire into your home is inherently a dangerous activity. With the potential for fire and heat to transfer to the structure of your home, and toxic smoke and undetectable carbon monoxide to enter living areas, it is imperative that any fireplace and chimney system is up to the task of safely hosting a fire!

In addition to routine cleaning, it is essential to hire a chimney professional that is able to inspect your system and identify any potential hazards that may increase the risk to your home and family’s safety.

If you think you may need to enlist the services of a chimney professional, here are a few things to consider:

When people think of chimney sweeps, they often think of the sooty characters popularly portrayed in movies with top hats and whisk brooms.

Modern chimney professionals bear little resemblance but still occupy a crucial role in keeping your chimney operational. A fireplace offers charm, warmth and character to any home – and can be an essential source of heat during an icy power outage. But it can also present a danger and health hazard if not properly inspected, cleaned and maintained on a regular

Inspection Frequency

First, it’s good to know how often you should have your chimney inspected.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency’s standards,

“Chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Even if the chimney hasn’t been used, chimneys should still be inspected to prevent leaking, animal intrusion, and other deterioration over time.

If you have recently purchased the home, have had weather damage or foundation issues, or simply haven’t had the fireplace inspected in several years, fire safety standards require a Level 2 inspection to determine if your fireplace is usable.

Far too few homeowners follow that advice, leaving them at risk for a chimney-related house fire or other dangerous conditions.

What To Look For

Like any professional you have working in your home, chimney technicians should be experienced, knowledgeable, capable and great at serving their customers. Unfortunately, a professional with all those qualities isn’t always easy to find.

Ask around for references. Your friends, family members or coworkers may have used chimney maintenance providers in the past. So ask what they thought about the services provided. Did they bring the appropriate cameras and technology to document their findings? Did they take the time to explain their inspection results and provide a copy of the report? Did they use HEPA-filtered vacuums and the right equipment to keep their work space neat and tidy, cleaning up any messes? Did they charge a reasonable price and show up on time to do the job?

The National Chimney Sweep Guild (https://www.ncsg.org/ homeowner-hub) or a quick Google search are great resources for finding a reputable chimney professional. You should also ask the company if they have any certifications or current testimonials from happy customers.

Insurance And Credentials

Perhaps the most important thing you should ask about is their insurance coverage and credentials. Most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover injuries or damage that occur from people working on your property, so the individual or company you hire will need to have their own business coverage. Without a proper insurance policy, you could find yourself personally liable for any injuries or damage that happen at your house.

Using an insured professional protects you and your home – you don’t want to be on the hook for paying the bills if a chimney sweep’s work leads to damaging your property!

A chimney professional should also be certified and trained on all applicable fire safety standards and codes. The two main national certifying agencies are the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of

America. Both have searchable databases that allow you to find and verify certified professionals in your area.

Always ask about insurance coverage and credentials – and, just to be safe, verify them!

Other Considerations

Chimney professionals often find themselves very busy in the fall and winter, which is the heaviest season for fireplace usage. Make chimney inspections part of your spring cleaning routine to get a faster response.

If you notice anything unusual about your fireplace, such as smoke coming into the house, animals coming in, or leaking, you should call a professional to check it out. Fireplaces are wonderful amenities that keep our homes warm and cozy, but they can quickly turn dangerous if not properly maintained over time. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected recently, a good chimney professional will give you peace of mind.