Sweeping Magazine- June 2016

Sweeping June 2016 VOLUME 40 #5

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

Masonry Heater Camp at Wildacres!

Stop Obsessing Over ROI & Start Obsessing Over ROS Six Steps for Growth

MA DE IN

USA

GO AHEAD, DO LESS. NO MORE MANUALLY INSULATING • NO MORE STRUGGLING WITH KINKS! Patent Pending Lifetime Transferable Warranty

“He Can Do It” “She Can Do It”

Do Less Today, Call 800.247.3305 Copperfield.com The Nation’s Leading Supplier of Chimney And Hearth Products

Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 11 Industry Watch 16 Sweeps Advantage 17 Progressive Perks 18 Technical Q&A 19 History Project 21 Date and Events 26 New Members 28 Around the Tech Center 34 Classifieds 35 Darwin Award 36

Table of Contents

Photo by Darcy Marlett at the Masonry Heater Association, Annual Meeting at Wildacres.

Sweeping June 2016 Volume 40 Issue 5

Features Stop Obsessing Over ROI & Start Obsessing Over ROS

Six Steps for Growth

Masonry Heater Camp at Wildacres!

6 14 23

Six Steps for ROS rowth

June 2016

Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54 (317) 203-0088 x: 3 John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31 (317) 203-0088 x: 4 Randy Brooks IRC, NFPA 211 or Customer Communications (317) 203-0088 x: 5 Bart Ogden Stainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning and Narrative Report Writing (317) 203-0088 x: 6

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (317) 203-0088 x: 7 Jay Walker Dryer Vents (317) 203-0088 x: 8 Rett Rasmussen Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls (317) 203-0088 x: 9 Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry (317) 203-0088 x: * Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining (317) 203-0088 x: 0

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2017

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire Fireboxes (317) 203-0088 x: 2

S W E E P I N G

2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

Frances Kelly Excecutive Director fkelly@ncsg.org Megan McMahon Director of Finance mmcmahon@ncsg.org Debbie Cornelius Membership Development Coordinator dcornelius@ncsg.org Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org Claire Rutledge Program Coordinator crutledge@ncsg.org

June 2016

Darcy Marlett Director of Communications and Marketing dmarlett@ncsg.org Jordan Whitt CSIA Director of Communications and Marketing jwhitt@csia.org Ashley Edridge Director of Education ashley@csia.org Sara Sichting Office Manager ssichting@ncsg.org

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2016 – 2017

2

STAFF

Resources

Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com

Vice President, Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com

Secretary, At Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

Treasurer, Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com

At-Large Director Tom Hunkele (515) 249-6337 nopnotchchimney@gmail.com

Region 1 Mike Elliott (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com

At-Large Director Dennis Dobbs (256) 845- 9814 info@fireplaceservicecenter. com

Region 2 Ed Ridgeway (856) 241-7999 masons@chimney-duct.com

To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question: Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney.

Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/ or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with firsthand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.

President, At Large Director Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

Region 4 Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

Supplier Representative Stuart Karanovich (765) 966-5084 stuartk@saversystems.com

Bylaws Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drangler01@yahoo.com

Membership Bob Ferrari (530) 221-3331 bob@flueseason.com

Ethics Andy Raycroft (703) 836-7858 andy@rooftopchimneysweeps.con

NFPA 211 Representative Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

Governance Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 sweepingJ@aol.com

NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Government Affairs Mike Elliot (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com

NFPA 54 Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net

Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

Scholarship Committee Greg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or sweepingads@me.com Layout and design by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format.

In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.

NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publication’s standards.

Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers. © 2016 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

H

ere I sit in my hotel room in Las Vegas. A rerun episode of Two and a Half Men is playing on TV. Across the road, UFC 197 is happening. I am getting texts from the VIP experience concierge updating me which UFC fighters are in the VIP green room for private visits with attendees, signing autographs, and taking pictures.

would meet up every Wednesday to watch and talk about the show. The show sparked an entire following for the sport.

Obviously, I’m pretty bummed. So, how did I end up in this situation?

So this year, I had the great idea to take him to a fight in Vegas for his birthday. Just me and dad. I booked the travel and got a nice VIP experience for us both.

Dad doesn’t get around as well as he used to, so I rented a car for the very first time in all the trips I have taken to Vegas. That car rental was a fantastic idea.

This year, my dad turns 75. My dad watches sports. Football, baseball, you name it. I was never really into sports, so we never really had that bond that most fathers do with their sons relative to sports.

Then the UFC came along.

The first Ultimate Fighting Championship event was held on November 12, 1993 in Colorado.

The purpose of the early Ultimate Fighting Championship competitions was to identify the most effective fighting style in a fight, with minimal rules, between competitors of different fighting disciplines.

As the UFC continued to have events and competitions, fighters began adopting effective techniques from more than one discipline, which indirectly helped create an entirely separate style of fighting known as mixed martial arts.

In 2005, during an era where reality TV was invented, the UFC released a show called The Ultimate Fighter. Fighters from around the world moved into a house in Las Vegas and trained, then fought to win and obtain a contract to fight for the UFC. My dad and I were hooked. We

Over the years, my dad and I have still sat and watched season after season of The Ultimate Fighter. We also talk about and watch the fights. We even buy the expensive Pay-PerViews! It has been a bonding experience we have shared.

President’s

Letter Jeremy Biswell

President

Bucket List Lessons

We got to Vegas a couple days early so we could participate in several of the fan related events that happen during fight week.

During those events, it is very common to run into fighters and have the opportunity to talk and get photographs. The UFC is a very, very fan friendly organization and the fighters truly appreciate their fans.

The days before the fight were some of the best times I have ever had spending time with my dad. We would go to an event and valet the car, then after, we would explore Vegas away from the hustle and bustle of the strip. We went to food spots that were popular enough to be on the Food Channel and we visited stores and locations you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Dad even got to meet some celebrities!

Unfortunately, the day before the event dad got really sick.

He has diabetes and got a

3 S W E E P I N G June 2016

FIREPLACE, WOOD AND GAS HEATING PRODUCTS

It's Time For Your

Early Buy! Place Your Qualified Order* Of $800 or more And Your Total Payment Is Not Due Until

November 1, 2016 Also get

FREE FREIGHT

4 S W E E P I N G

anywhere in the continental U.S. with an Early Buy order over $1700

*To receive this offer, mention this ad at time of order.

Subject to credit approval.

Good for qualified orders from June 1 through September 30, 2016.

Same day shipping for orders placed before 3:00PM Eastern Time.

Don't have the 2015-2016 Sand Hill Wholesale Catalog?

Call for your free copy 1-888-SAND-HILL or fax your request to

1-800-958-5497 Visit us on the web @ www.sandhillwholesale.com

June 2016

sore on his foot that turned into an infection.

On the day of the fight, he couldn’t even hardly get out of bed. I called a doctor to the room and he prescribed heavy antibiotics and rest. We had to miss the VIP experience and the fights.

Looking back, that moment was disappointing, but the overall trip was a blessing. Yes we missed what some would consider the entire reason we made the trip, but that was only one part of the trip. The days before dad got sick were some of the best times I have ever had with my dad. It was just me and him having adventures. The trip was not lost.

At the end, spending time and making memories was the entire point of the trip. We did that and it was wonderful! I would do it ten times over again.

Almost daily on Facebook I see postings from people wishing a family member or friend that has passed happy birthday or just posting a memorial of them. I guarantee to you, every one of those people posting on Facebook wish they had more time, even one more hour, that they could have spent with that loved one before they passed away.

In all our daily routines, we must never forget our main purposes in our lives, our family.

When all else is lost, you still have family. You know what? That’s all that really matters. Take time to slow down, reflect, and make sure you are spending time with your family. You will miss them when they are gone. Believe it or not, they too will miss you when you are gone.

Have a great month my friends, Jeremy Biswell, President NCSG

W

elcome to the annual masonry issue of Sweeping magazine.

I had the opportunity this April to once again attend the Masonry Heater Association annual event in Little Switzerland, NC. I had a wonderful time getting to know MHA members and the more than a dozen NCSG members attending this year’s event.

Justin Bailey, who you may remember from convention coverage the past two years, was in attendance at this year’s event and also went through the MHA’s Heater Mason Education and Development Program (HMED) and wrote about his experiences.

In honor of the masonry theme over at the history project Claire Rutledge brings you the history of the pizza oven. (You might want to have your local pizza delivery place’s number on hand before reading.)

Editor’s

related? Taylor Hill from Spark Marketer writes about why you start getting obsessed with “ROS,” Greg Polokow writes about his adventures in getting started with social media, and Cam Arnold writes about growing the services your company offers.

Letter Darcy Marlett Editor

As you make plans for your summer I highly encourage you to attend a state or regional guild event. These events are a great way to get to know chimney sweeps in your area, participate in hands on workshops, and even spend time with members of the NCSG board.

Last but now least don’t forget to take your Sweeping Magazine with you on your trips this summer so you can be featured in “Where Has Your Sweeping Been?”!

Cheers,

Looking for something business

CrownGuard

Severe weather crown repair & protection Centering system for metal chimney liners.

FireGuard

®

The most advanced chimney liner in the world

Ceramic mortar joint & resurfacing system

Patented

“Thanks again for both you and Dan following up with me about the training I received at your facility. Dan and Steve were great teachers and they were both very knowledgeable about the products that you sell. We looked at many different resurfacing products that are out in the market, and I did not find anything that I was excited about until I heard about your product FireGuard. It hands down blows the competition away. The ease of use, corporate technical support and the unbelievable quality of the product itself truly sets it apart form the rest! It is a game changer for our business. Please keep up the good work and I look forward to working with you and your staff for a long time.”

Tommy Nelms Sweeps & Ladders

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION call: 800-545-6607 info@firesafeinc.com

www.firesafeinc.com

June 2016

5 S W E E P I N G

Want True Returns?

Stop Obsessing Over ROI & Start Obsessing Over ROS

ROS

Taylor Hill

Spark Marketer

6 S W E E P I N G

L

ast month, we talked about attraction and retention and why both are key components of a successful business. But if you aren’t wowing your customers on each and every service call, all of your efforts and investments into attraction and retention are for naught. So many business owners get wrapped up in maximizing ROI (Return on Investment), but how about ROS (Return on Service)? Have you given much thought to the amount of success providing good service can bring to your business? Although I’m a numbers guy and think you absolutely should pay attention to ROI, I think you really lose out overall if you don’t also pay attention to ROS.

June 2016

Providing good service and setting up your organization to ensure good service can bring returns that can’t be bought, marketed, or attained any other way. So how can you be sure you’re set up to surpass customer expectations and deliver truly exceptional service, each and every time?

How to Ensure Remarkable Service That Delivers A Return Open ears, open eyes. Some companies spend a great deal of time and money on customer surveys, and while there is a time and place for these, you don’t have to conduct a handful of surveys to find out what your customers want or don’t want. In many cases, all you have to do is keep your eyes and ears open. Customers may be

Choose from any combination of FOREVER FLEX and/or HYBRID equalling 100 ft. n Regular or Pre-Insulated n TRANSFERABLE Forever Warranty n FREE Shipping n Can not be combined with any other offer offers

WWW.OLYMPIACHIMNEY.COM PHONE: 1-800-569-1425 TECHNICAL & OTHER NEEDS CALL: 1-800-335-2534 Effective 6/1/16 - 7/31/16

communicating what they like or dislike about your company in the language and tone they use during a service or the reviews they post online.

Study and reflect on your online reviews. Pay close attention to what customers rave about when giving you a 5-star review and what customers complain about when giving you a 1-star review (Yes, we see them). Is cleanliness a point of concern or praise? Timeliness? Communication?

Use your reviews to help identify what’s important to your customers and what you could or should be doing to wow every customer, every time.

Attitude is everything. No matter who your customers are, everyone appreciates a courteous, friendly, and helpful interaction. From the person answering each phone call and the technicians performing each job to your accountant, make sure you’re hiring people that are customeroriented and committed to helping others.

Foster positive, helpful, caring attitudes within the workplace and provide training, especially for those that need a little help. Remember, when employees feel cared for, they’ll want to make others feel that way as well.

8 S W E E P I N G

Aside from having the core desire to help others, one thing that can really help prevent unpleasant interactions between employees and customers is to provide scripts and practice different scenarios. If your employees are given the right words to say in just about any situation, they are less likely to be caught off guard and blurt out something rude or unpleasant in defense.

They’ll know exactly what information to give to the customer, what guarantees to make and not make, and how. Scripts allow you to ensure that your customers receive the message you want them to receive, no matter who they speak with. They also guarantee a consistent experience and give you the confidence that your customers receive the information you want them to receive, and nothing more or less.

Clear cut roles. Of course, not every issue should be handled by every employee. Make sure each employee knows his or her territory, and knows who to direct problems, issues, or questions that are outside of his or her realm of expertise to.

This helps ensure that, should a customer have a question or concern, he or she deals directly with the person that can help him or her. Faster, more direct resolution = Happier customer.

June 2016

It also reduces opportunities for miscommunication or unpleasant or defensive remarks from an employee that may not be experienced or equipped to handle such an interaction. This should take a lot of stress and pressure off of you and your employees, and keep customers happier and less stressed.

SOPs. We all have good days and bad days, busy days and slow days. But no matter what the day is like, it helps to have a process and a plan for the different services and situations that may arise so that you can ensure consistent, remarkable service, regardless of what the day may bring.

Establishing clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for common processes and situations can be a life changer for your business. Not only do SOPs provide clear guidelines for how and what should be done, but, if followed, they ensure faster service with less room for error. Less error means less reason for customer dissatisfaction, and a happy customer is a loyal customer.

Deliver what you promise. It sounds rather simple, right? But so many negative online reviews are the result of a company not delivering what was promised. It’s better to under promise and over deliver than it is to build expectations for your customers and then fall short, so be realistic about what you can do and make sure everyone in your company knows what is expected.

Remember, your customers have options and they aren’t going to give you multiple chances. If you promise to deliver a certain level of service, you had better deliver that level of service. If not, be prepared to lose a customer for life.

Be transparent & quick to resolve issues.

Sometimes things are out of our control and we can’t deliver what we promised to our customers. What can be done to keep customers from switching to a competitor when a day full of setbacks causes us to fall short of what we’ve promised?

Be transparent and make it right as quickly as possible! Be open and honest with your customers.

Let them know that, while it’s not acceptable that you didn’t deliver or meet their needs, you have every intention of making it up to them.

Own up to your mistakes or shortcomings and let them know you are committed to making things right. Assure them that the experience

they have had is not the norm or what can be expected of you. But be quick to own up! If you don’t address the issue and let the customer know your intentions right away, there’s a good chance they’ll vent their frustrations and opinions to their friends and followers, and you’ll lose your chance to diffuse things before they go online. And once things venture online, there’s a lot more cleanup and work involved.

mess up or react unpleasantly, and you can bet your customers appreciate it, too. Ask yourself: Do you want to be right or do you want to win?

Serve Well & Your Business Will Blossom While the suggestions above are a great start, encourage your team to look for ways to wow customers as only you can. Commit yourself to standing out among your competitors and foster loyalty amongst your customers by providing the best possible service, each and every time.

After all, you’re in the business of serving people – why not serve them well? The returns will be well worth the added effort and attention!

Be human. Everybody groans when their phone call is answered by an automated service.

While it may save you money on staffing, if you truly want to wow your customers and eliminate communication barriers, you need humans answering your phones and dealing with your human customers.

And remember, humans have good days and bad days. It doesn’t ever hurt to be nice and give others the benefit of the doubt. Practice compassion and empathy and encourage it amongst your team. A little grace goes a long way, and we could all use a little more of it. After all, you appreciate being shown grace when you

The premier chimney cap for keeping smoke out of living spaces.

Although there have been

• Vacu-Stack® works with single wall, double wall, triple wall, or masonry.

the last 40+ years, there is only one

• Solves draft problems related to hills and mountains, tall trees, and tall buildings near the chimney.

10 S W E E P I N G

Taylor Hill is Co-Founder and Crew Chief for Spark Marketer, a local online marketing company specializing in marketing for service businesses across the US. He loves the chimney industry and is passionate about helping service business owners navigate the Internet oceans filled with sharks and unsavory pirates. @ sparkmarketer, facebook.com/sparkmarketer, @taylorkhill

• Sizes available from 3” to 30”+; custom and oversize available.

Air cooled and non-air cooled.

Model VSA-TDW for air cooled chimney

the authentic Available from leading distributors nationwide.

June 2016

• Standard construction is 100% austenitic stainless steel; also available in other alloys including copper and Type 316 for marine/coal appliances.

Improved Consumer Products, Inc. PO Box B Attleboro Falls, MA 02763 (508) 695-7000 Fax: (508) 695-4209

www.chimneycaps.com

many attempts to copy it over

Vacu-Stack®.

Always ask for it by name and look for

the seal of authenticity on top of the cap.

100% made in USA

F

irst of all, let me admit something. I am still a novice at this. I was pulled into the social media arena pretty much kicking and screaming. The person dragging me, was Jerry Isenhour, who has been polishing his considerable skills in this area for five years. Sometimes patiently and other times with a great deal of exasperation, Jerry continues to tutor me on how it is done, when it should be used (every single day!), and how to make it look professional.

Now that I am learning the ropes and working at mastering this arena, I wonder what took me so long to get it. I mean, I had heard of Twitter, dabbled in Linkedin, had a Facebook page (who doesn’t?), I just never really understood how to tie it all together into something not only meaningful, but useful and influential as well.

Social media marketing is probably the single most powerful, effective, and inexpensive way to market your brand. We can access its amazing tools in seconds, thanks to computers and their diminutive minions - smart phones. That means we can use social media marketing anywhere and anytime.

I think why so many others, like me, have failed to fully engage is they really have not yet grasped one very fundamental fact: the very act of engaging with current and potential clients is at its heart ‘social’.

While one can choose to spend hours in various social media platforms, sharing photos of their vacations, families, and pets - having a wonderful time

in the process - it can also be used in a much purposeful way for your business.

If you want to use the immense power of social media to promote your brand, your business, your expertise, you may need a few lessons. And, for sure, you’ll need to practice, work at it, throw yourself into it as if you were preparing to drive the 24 hours of Le Mans.

What does that mean? It means, you need to get a Twitter account and learn to use it. Not once in a while, but every day.

A lot. You’ll need to learn about hashtags and how to post photos there, and links to articles. You’ll need to learn how to develop a following of the people you most want to reach and in the process following those same entities. You’ll need to learn that when you reply to, retweet (republish their tweets), or even like their tweets, they will begin to notice yours (and perhaps take the time to learn about your business) and do the same with your tweets - IF your tweets are worthwhile. You’ll need to learn how to use graphics in ways people will notice. There’s a lot to it, but as your skills improve with practice, it gets easier and easier, and the results become very worthwhile.

Coach’s

Corner Greg Polokow

THE PURE BEAUTY OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

11 S W E E P I N G

You’ll need to get savvy about Facebook, like how to set up a separate page on your account to promote your professional activities. As with Twitter, you’ll need to learn how to attract ‘friends’ in your professional arena and how to offer them posts they will find useful and productive. You’ll need to learn to comment on and repost

June 2016

valuable posts and perspectives that others share with you.

Especially here, you’ll need to learn about hashtags, what they mean, and why they are so important. This is how you go about creating your authority in the profession you are serving.

the social media platforms are constantly tweaking and making changes of which you’ll need to keep aware.

Here’s the plain truth, no matter how fabulous the product or service you are promoting, without good and continual marketing, someone is just waiting to eat your lunch.

The prize, unfortunately, does not go to those with the best service, but to those who market their service the best.

What I’ve said about Twitter and Facebook, applies to Instagram, Linkedin and probably other new venues that are beginning to pop up or are still being developed.

You’ll also need to find out what apps on your smartphone can make your Instagram and Tweets look even more fantastic and get even more notice.

We have gone way beyond the old marketing avenues – newspaper ads, yellow pages, even TV. The power of social media marketing is blowing them away. This is not just something that is fun to tinker with, this is something you absolutely need to master.

Yes, it takes time and effort to get good at this, but it is

Believe me, there is a huge amount of information of which you’ll want to avail yourself if you choose to get serious about social media marketing - and to make things interesting,

time and effort that will produce amazing results.

What are you waiting for?

There is no better time than right now to begin.

Greg is an industry educator and coach. He served for many years as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Copperfield Chimney Supply. Greg is a member of the CVC Coaching Team. For more information about Greg and how the CVC team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take a look at www. cvccoaching.com Greg can be contacted at greg@cvccoaching.com. Follow Greg on Twitter at Greg-cvccoach@Ttrader108

™

The Choice of Chimney Professionals

Don’t waste any more time removing dampers and dealing with material that has you stuck inside the chamber for hours.

12 S W E E P I N G

If you’re not a Smoktite™ user and want to make your day and job go smoothly, give us a call.

Let us put a smile on your face and more importantly on your customers face.

Make Smoktite™ your No. 1 Product

Call today!

(207) 439-0069 | Toll Free (866) 439-0069 | www.smoktite.com

June 2016

Save 15% on Co-Linear Caps and Kits The Perfect Solution for Your Direct Venting Needs!

High Wind Co-Linear Kit ★ Highest quality, mill certified 24 gauge 304 Stainless Steel and/or Commercial Grade Aluminum

★ 25-Year Warranty for Stainless Steel in commercial applications

★ 3” Air Intake with the option of a 3” or 4” Exhaust

★ Transferable Lifetime Warranty for Stainless Steel in residential applications and 25-Year Warranty for Aluminum

★ High-Wind model works great where wind is a challenge for venting systems ★ Low-Profile Cap has an installed height of just 7”

Call 800-897-8481 Now to Order!

Mention SWEEPJune and Save 15% on High Wind & Low Profile Co-Linear Caps & Kits.

Low Profile Co-Linear Kit

Hurry—Offer Ends June 30th 2016!

National Chimney Made in USA

3 Green Tree Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403 www.nationalchimney.com

Six Steps for Growth

P

eter Brock, an Australian race car driver, once said “Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like

By Cam Arnold hell.� This is especially true when deciding to expand the service options for your business.

When I find a professional project I want to undertake I do the following: - Research the steps needed for success - Measure the validity of succeeding on that particular project

14 S W E E P I N G

- Assure that I have the assets or skills available for success - Educate myself on said project and key players - Learn from successes and failures These projects may take weeks, months, or in most cases several years to reap the rewards of your efforts. Most people in the chimney and hearth industry share the same values and instincts. They never see a pitch too steep, a chimney too high, a hearth too intricate, or a project too large. You see a job that needs to be done and you find a way to do it. As a business owner your job is to increase revenues and operate with the highest profit margin possible.

If you focus only on retail or service, you could

June 2016

be leaving serious cash on the table. Building custom chimneys, fireplaces, fire pits, and pizza ovens can increase your revenues more than you could ever imagine. If this sounds like a good path for your business, here are a few guidelines to follow.

1. Have a Support Group/Network Once you have decided to undertake custom builds and large masonry projects it is very important that you do so carefully. The NCSG and CSIA provide members unparalleled benefits and classes that can expedite the learning process and put you ahead of the curve when it comes to this new branch of your business. Pick up the phone and call another business owner to pick their brain. In my time being around this industry, I have never seen a successful company give bad advice or lead another company in the wrong direction.

2. Map Out Your Goals If you start this new sector of your business to increase revenues, plan accordingly. Look at your skill set and think realistically what kind of business you will be able to generate. Set a goal where you want to be in 10 years, 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, and then quarterly. Include your best most trusted employees in setting these goals. Having their input will allow them to buy into something larger than themselves,

and they will have a true sense of organizational pride when they see their ideas help your business grow. Backing into these goals allows you to digest your new undertaking more easily. Almost everyone wants to have a multi-million dollar business, and almost no one has done it flying by the seat of their pants.

3. Delegate Always delegate when possible.

Find a head mason, supervisor, designer, and operations manager. Delegation is like fertilizer, it really speeds up the process of getting to the final product and ultimately your end goal. Delegation allows you to focus on what you do best, and you can leave the rest to others.

4. Practice Makes Perfect All the above steps are key in perfecting your newly offered service, but those steps mean nothing if you don’t make your customer’s jaw drop. Take the time to perfect your skills before taking it to the field.

One botched job is plenty for the internet to catch wind of

and suddenly you become the “DON’T Go to Guy.” 5. Stay Focused Of course you are starting to smell success in your new undertaking, and it was a well calculated move. Don’t let that success get you distracted and offer a false sense of having the “Golden Touch.” You need to take time to let the newest branch of your business flourish before shifting your focus to a new offering. Chasing distractions is a common flaw among entrepreneurs.

6. Be Protected Did you honestly think this article was not going to mention insurance? Whether you are new or a veteran to masonry services, it is imperative to have an insurance policy that includes all aspects of your operations. After all, whatever your reasoning is for growing the business; you are one, large, uncovered loss from losing everything you have built.

It is probably safe to say that most every chimney and hearth professional started from ground

Energy Savings and Safety for a

Smarter Home Fireplace

SAFETY

DESIGN

EFFICIENCY

zero. There may be a few that worked in the family business and took it over from a family member. None the less, it doesn’t change the steps a business owner takes to grow their business. Whether you start out in masonry, chimney service or retail, taking the next step to increase revenue is always a scary move. A move that takes serious confidence and planning on behalf of the business owner.

Each company has different reasons for wanting growth: financial independence for the family, serial entrepreneur, bored with their everyday operations, or client retention.

Whatever it may be, have support, map out your goals, delegate, practice, stay focused, and BE PROTECTED! Cam Arnold is a Commercial Risk Advisor and head of the Chimney Sweep Insurance Program for Geny Insurance Group. He is dedicated to working with associations to help business owner’s better understand the coverages they have versus the coverages they need. Geny Insurance Group helps organizations with “Navigating Today’s Risk.

Anticipating Tomorrow’s Uncertainty.”

• Protects against downdrafts • Eliminates spillage and CO release due to building depressurization • Automatically shuts down fireplace operation, if conditions are unsafe.

• Freedom to integrate almost any fireplace design • Eliminates the need for glass doors • Enables chimney designs that defy traditional design rules

• Chimney is closed when the fireplace is not used • The draft is never excessive which saves fuel • Perfect operating conditions eliminate unnecessary emissions.

For more information on how to save money and make your fireplace safer, please visit www.chimneyfans.com or call 800.255.2923

Industry

Watch

HY-C Company Appoints New Sales Manager – Hearth Division HY-C Company (www.hy-c.com) announces that Paul Van Der Eems has joined the company to further develop its growing business in the Hearth, HVAC and Plumbing markets. An industry veteran, Paul brings retail, distribution, and manufacturing experience from across North America to HY-C. “I am excited to join the HY-C team and to continue to work with many of the Distributors and Dealers that have become personal friends,” Paul says. “HY-C has a long reputation for manufacturing high-quality products in the United States and industry-leading fulfillment rates.”

Brian Jacobson, Vice President of Sales, said “Paul’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge will help

16 S W E E P I N G June 2016

HY-C meet the changing needs of our customers and reinforces our commitment to the hearth industry. Paul will be a strong customer advocate and help us identify areas of continued growth.”

Established in 1947, HY-C Company manufactures and distributes Fire Chief™ Wood/Coal Furnaces in addition to a complete line of Chimney Caps & Covers, Firewood Management Solutions, Fireplace Accessories, Fireplace Grates, Stove Boards, Chimney/Liner Systems, PelletFired Flame Genie™, DIY Rotary Chimney Sweeping and Dryer Vent Cleaning Products, and the industry’s largest selection of Animal Control Screens.

Sweeps

A dvantage

The 2015 – 2016 offers with instructions on how to redeem are available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org.

These coupons will be good until June 30, 2016 unless otherwise noted.

Featured Coupons of the Month

Copperfield Chimney Supply | ENERVEX, Inc. | Fireside Distributors | HY-C Company LLC | My Fireplace Products Inc. | National Chimney | Spark Marketer | The Chimney Sweep News (SNEWS) | Z-Flex | Wakefield Brush

These are just a few of the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit www.NCSG. org “Members Only” to learn the complete details of each coupon and how to redeem!

Add your company name to the list of participating supplier members!

Contact Debbie Cornelius, Membership Development Coordinator at dcornelius@ncsg.org.

OLYMPIA CHIMNEY SAVE $$ SUPPLY SAVE $$

10% off liners/liner kits (First Order) 10% off Ventis (First Order)

SAVE $200 $200 on 1st month services that include custom web and mobile web design & maintenance, site design & hosting, email design and more. Pricing and availability based on your area.

SPARK MARKETER

Engineered for Maximum Efficiency

CHIMNEY & VENTING SOLUTIONS

FOR ME IT’S ABOUT “TURN AROUND TIME” YOU MAKE THE CALL IT’S IN STOCK AND Z-FLEX DELIVERS

17

Z-FLEX “Its worth the call”

Suitable For All Fuels

Triple Lock® Smoothcore™All Fuels Chimney Liner • Eliminates the turbulence that’s inherent with corrugated liners, improving draft

Pellet Wood

• Resists corrosive attack by not impeding the flow of condensate down the liner and less opportunity for soot to accumulate USA T. 1.800.654.5600

F. 1.888.889.3539

Z-Flex Liner Triple Lock Smoothcore Z-Max- 7.35 x 4.875.indd 1

Gas

sales@z-flex.com

Oil

www.z-flex.com

June 2016 2016-04-21 4:24 PM

S W E E P I N G

Progressive

Perks Debbie Cornelius

Membership Development Coordinator

Watch For New OnLine Business Educational Opportunities!

18 S W E E P I N G June 2016

T

ake a good look at the movers and shakers within our industry.

They all have one thing in common. They understand the “business side” of their business. A huge number of our members are taking advantage of Grandy & Associates Profit University Audio Series to gain wisdom from leaders within the industry. Now something new has been added!

Watch for the new online “business training” modules being offered by Grandy & Associates. The investment for each module is only $39.95 BUT the best part is you will earn 1 CEU credit when completed. After reviewing the module you will be given a 10 question quiz and if you pass with an 80% or better grade you will receive 1 CEU credit for each completed module.

The initial programs include Service Manager’s University (eight modules), Five Customer Buying Principles (one module) and very soon will include Why Do We Need To Charge So Much? (one module).

A new module will added roughly every 6-8 weeks.

These modules are designed to help you understand the “business side” of your business without having to take time out of your busy schedule. But hey, if the phone rings it’s not a problem. You can log back in and pick up right where you left off. Now you can learn about the “business side” of your business…while earning CEU credits at the same time!

Before long you will be a mover and shaker as well!

Technical

Q&A

Micheal Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

QUESTION: If a masonry chimney does not meet current minimum height requirements, do I have to raise the height if I am relining it with a listed liner system?

ANSWER: Yes, it is not uncommon to have a chimney that needs to be relined, that is also not the minimum required height.

Chimney height requirements have been the same for many decades. The standard for pitched roofs has been 3 feet above the roof penetration on its shortest side, and 2 feet higher than any portion of the building structure within 10 feet.

There are a variety of methods to accomplish this. Here we will review several of the most common. The first we will look at is adding masonry to the existing structure. Often this is very straightforward.

Find matching brick and add the necessary amount. Older brick work and certain mortar joint colors and styles may be difficult to match. Block work may be added to block chimneys, or added to brick chimneys if the exterior will be finished with a stone veneer or stucco type finish. Raising the height of older natural stone chimneys can prove to be the most challenging. In some cases, adding brick work or masonry finished with stucco at the top of a stone chimney can create a unique look that appeals to the homeowner.

At times there will be budget limitations or other circumstances like aged, slate or wood roofing materials that

may make adding masonry a costly, difficult or unfeasible option to consider. In addition to adding masonry, we do have approved metal pipe options. Several Class A chimney manufacturers that also manufacturer listed liner systems offer a transition plate to connect the two. This plate connects to the top of the listed liner and is secured to the chimney structure. We can then attach the necessary length of Class A chimney pipe to this plate. When using this option, we must follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for attaching the transition plate to the chimney, and for adding additional pipe support if the added section of class is over a certain length.

This is also a cost-effective option if the top of the chimney needs to be rebuilt. It allows us to take the chimney down to solid brick work, and replace it with Class A. We can even take the chimney down below the roof, and then install a metal flashing where the Class A penetrates the roof. Certain Class A pipe manufacturers also offer decorative powder coating, or this may be done locally. This can help blend the appearance of the pipe with the surrounding roof or home.

Another option to address insufficient height is to use UL listed B vent or L vent in conjunction with chimney liner. Certain manufacturers of aluminum and stainless steel liner also manufacturer B vent and/or L vent. B vent and L vent along with aluminum liners don’t have the same life expectancy or warranties

June 2016

19 S W E E P I N G

as stainless steel liners and Class A chimney pipe, but do give us an option to properly reline a chimney and address chimney height.

When considering this option, we must verify with the manufacturers that this application is permitted. They will have listed components to make the transition from flexible liner to B vent or L vent, and will have requirements for additional pipe support if it extends a certain height out of the chimney. Different brands of B vent and L vent are also listed as chimney liner.

This allows us to install the piping in the entire chimney without the need for flexible liner.

At times we may find ourselves in a position where the AHJ indicates that the chimney height does not need to be raised. They may give us approval to reline a chimney that does not meet current height requirements. The AHJ may not fully understand height requirements, or the requirements of the listed products we use. If we find ourselves in this situation, we should consider the facts carefully. The listed liner system will specify that the chimney

20 S W E E P I N G June 2016

meets current height requirements. If we are connecting our liner to a new listed wood stove for example, the wood stove manufacturer will also have current chimney height requirements.

As the installers, we are responsible for the installation, and may be liable for an issue that results from improper chimney height.

Relining a chimney that is too short for a woodstove may create performance and/or safety issues that the AHJ does not understand.

We should use this as a friendly opportunity to help educate them. It might not always be easy but a little bit of effort and patience can go a long way. This will allow us to do proper installations without conflict with the building official, and to maintain the listings and warranties of the products we use.

History

Project

By Claire Rutledge

“Why Pizza is Greek and Ovens are for Mammoths”

W

ood-Fired Pizza: the words conjure images of warm, gooey flat bread. Some of us prefer it Chicago-style eaten with a fork and using plenty of napkins, and some like it thin and folded on the go. As heated as this debate can get, let’s focus on the origin of pizza and the wood oven that makes it so delicious. You might think rural Sicilian culinary masterminds wholly gave us pizza, but archaeological and historical records show us a far more convoluted path to the Italian (or Italian-American) pie we know. The pizza we know today is a culmination of many societies’ recipes going back thousands of years.

There will always be those who believe in alternate origin theories of pizza, but historical evidence leads us to this: bread baked with toppings is neither a modern nor an Italian invention. The usual toppings on flat bread until the invention of tomato sauce were cheese, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It is believed the Etruscans or the Greeks gave rise to the oil and onion or garlic- topped focaccia bread. The current name for focaccia comes from the Latin panis focacius.

The Greeks also had a thinner bread pie called plakous, which was a cheese and honey-topped bread. The Persians are said to have cooked flat bread with herbs and figs on top of their shields while waiting on the battlefield. Early Roman flat bread could be found going by the name of picta, which was changed to pitta in the Late Roman

period. Another pizza-like meal was said to have been invented by Jewish Roman soldiers who used matzah to make a meal around Passover. In the Late Roman period, we see the first use of the word “pizza.” The Diplomatic Code of Gaeta (Gaeta being a southern Italian town) says that as part of rent, the tenant of the Bishop of Gaeta’s property is to give twelve pizze to the Bishop on both Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

The classic modern pizza is completely different from these early versions thanks to the omission of one key ingredient – tomato sauce. The first European to note the use of tomatoes in a sauce was Friar Bernardino de Sahagun in the Florentine Codex (originally titled The Universal History of the Things of New Spain), a remarkable ethnography of the Aztec people in what is now Mexico. Conquistador Hernan Cortes or explorer Christopher Columbus (Italian but working for the Spanish) brought tomatoes to Europe in the late 1400s or early 1500s. With Mexico being a colony of Spain and not Italy, it was Spain who first began incorporating tomatoes into European cuisine.

From Spain, the tomato spread throughout Southern Europe. However, common culinary use of tomatoes was unheard of until 17th century Europeans no longer thought tomatoes were poisonous. Italians particularly enjoyed the tomato and because of the natural yellow color (large red tomatoes are not native to the

June 2016

21 S W E E P I N G

Americas and are a direct result of modern gene manipulation) we have the modern Italian word for tomato, “pomodoro,” which means “golden apple.”

The first Italian tomato sauce would have taken many of the small yellow tomatoes to make a chunky paste. The combination of the Sicilian climate perfect for tomato growing and the local predilection for topping flat bread with fruits and/ or vegetables (the tomato is botanically a fruit but considered a culinary vegetable) led to the invention of modern pizza: the ancient Mediterranean bread with the new popular regional ingredient.

22 S W E E P I N G

None of this would be worth discussing if the oven had not been invented. Up until the Industrial Age wood-fired oven and oven was one and the same.

Wood or charcoal ovens started with the most primitive covered pits. A great example of this is the oven unearthed in the Czech Republic. Dating to 29,000 BCE, the remnants of mammoth within a yurt-covered stone and charcoal pit point to the use of such cooking very early in human history. Dome ovens were developed in the Indus Valley and pre-dynastic Egypt around 3,200 BCE. These were unfired mud brick structures.

It was the ancient Greeks who really took oven bread baking to new heights. Instead of mud, we see the use of fired brick, terra cotta, and stone in the design.

This meant hotter temperatures and faster cooking times. We also begin to see the separate development of “white” and “black” ovens. A “white” oven is one where the wood is in a separate part of the oven, but

June 2016

the heat is transferred to the cooking area. A “black” oven is one where the food and the wood occupy the same space.

Ever following the Greeks, the Romans took ovens to another level. Being busy invading lands and building an empire, the Romans were obsessed with fast and convenient food. If you visit the archaeological site of Pompeii today you will be blown away by the huge food ovens. It was so common and convenient to go up to the counter at your block’s thermopolium (local grab-and-go), order, and walk out with cheesy flat bread and some mulled wine that most daily meals were made in the thermopolium – not the home kitchen. In one city alone you could find hundreds of these restaurants that relied on a wood oven for quick cooking. After the fall of the Empire, these ovens converted to being used as communal ovens. Communal wood ovens were so integral to the daily life of rural Italy that after the destruction of the Italian countryside in WWII, the government began a program to repair or reconstruct the ovens.

Pizza began to appear on American menus in the early 20th century. In 1905, Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi received a license from New York City to make pizza in his grocery store – the first in the country. Pizzerias spread across the country, but mainly in Italian neighborhoods.

Pizza was considered a poor person’s ethnic food, and that didn’t change until after WWII. American soldiers stationed in Italy loved the local pizza and came back to the US with

cravings. The mass-production of pizza in the US took it far away from its roots, but now we see the trend of the rustic and hand-crafted pizza. This movement goes hand-in-hand in the rise in popularity of home wood ovens. If any of you have pizza ovens (or work in homes with one) you are participating in an ancient tradition spanning continents. It doesn’t hurt this tradition comes topped with cheese.

Bibliography Bamberger, David. My People: Abba Eban’s History of the Jews Vol. 2 (Behrman House Inc. Publishers: New York, 1979). pg. 228.

Dales, George F. “Field Reports: Excavation and Survey Excavations at Balakot, Pakistan, 1973.”

Journal of Field Archaeology Vol 1 Issue 1-2. (1974).

Ricinello, Salvatore Trans. Diplomatic Code Gaetano. (Gaetagrafiche: Italy, 1987).

“The History of Brick Ovens.” Forno Bravo. Accessed 4/12/16. <https:// www.fornobravo.com/pompeii-oven/thehistory-of-brick-ovens/>.

Levine, Ed. “A Slice of Heaven: A History of Pizza in America.” Taken from Pizza: A Slice of Heaven. Serious Eats. Accessed 4/12/2016. <http://slice.seriouseats.com/ archives/2006/02/a_slice_of_heaven_a_ history_of_pizza_in_america.html>.

“Pane” ENIT North America. 2013.

Accessed 4/13/2016. <http://www. italiantourism.com/pane.html>.

“Plakous, pelanos and other ‘cakes’ of the Hellenic Tradition” Hellenismo.

10/28/2012. Accessed 4/12/2016. <https://hellenismo.wordpress. com/2012/10/28/plakous-pelanos-andother-cakes-of-the-hellenic-tradition/>.

Patrick, Bethanne; John Thompson. An Uncommon History of Common Things.

(National Geographic: United States of America, 2009).

Sahaguin, Bernardio de.; Trans. Arthur Anderson & Charles Dibble. General History of the Things of New Spain: Florentine Codex. (University of Utah: Salt Lake City, 1982).

Viegas, Jennifer. “Mammoths Roasted in PreHistoric Barbeque Pit.” Discovery News. 6/3/2009. Accessed 4/12/2016. < http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31085915/ ns/technology_and_science-science/#.

Vw1FsfkrLct>.

Masonry Heater Camp at Wildacres!

By Justin Bailey

T

he Masonry Heater Association of North America (MHA) had its annual meeting at a retreat center called Wildacres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina from April 11-17th, 2016. The word ‘meeting’ doesn’t adequately describe the week-long festival. I’ve started to think of the experience as “Masonry Heater Camp.”

Accommodations are simple, but comfortable.

Everyone shares a simple room with a roommate, and there are enough beds for about 120 attendees.

I first heard about MHA and Masonry Heater Camp when I took a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review course from Rich Rua 2014, in Columbus, OH. Rua mentioned that he’d been to the MHA annual meeting as a part of his overall education in the chimney trade. I asked him about it later, and I put it on my bucket list.

I never had the opportunity to get seriously

involved with masonry heaters until last year, when I got a call to look at a gigantic masonry heater, an Austrian “Tile Oven,” built from scratch in the 1990’s. The heater sits in a ski lodge called the Bavarian, at Taos Ski Valley, 10,200 ft altitude.

In 2013, a billionaire bought the ski resort, and the masonry heater came with it.

I looked at the heater, asked lots of questions, scanned the flue, and it became clear that I needed more information and knowledge. I learned eight or nine years ago they burned some green firewood in the heater, and it hadn’t worked ever since. Nobody could figure out how to fix it. They’d hired a local mason, who just made it worse.

I knew where the firebox was, and where the chimney was, but what lay between them was a mystery. There were no readily accessible soot doors, like Tulikivi heaters have. The heater was

June 2016

23 S W E E P I N G

massive. I needed a plan. I needed information.

Thanks to the NCSG and the course I’d taken with Mr. Rua, I knew there was somebody out there I could call for help.

A google search led me to the MHA, and I got executive director Dick Smith on the phone. He suggested I join the organization. The cost of a full voting membership was $300.00 per year. That’s how much I charged the billionaire for the initial service call/ inspection, and I became a full voting member of the MHA. It turned out to be a pretty good investment.

24 S W E E P I N G

After making some calls and talking with a couple of masonry heater builders from the association, I felt like I could at least write an estimate to fix the thing. I stated clearly in the proposal that there was no way for me to know how long it would take me to fix the heater, or how much it would end up costing. I found space in the estimate to mention that there was exactly one member of the MHA in New Mexico.

I got the gig, and soon enough, I was on the phone with one of the founding fathers of the MHA, Jerry Frisch. Jerry spent over an hour on the phone with me, that first time we talked. He asked me about the heater, and had me take photos of it and email them to him. He said that it sounded

June 2016

like there was a blockage in the flowpath. He told me how to find the masonry cleanouts, and how make the penetrations through the masonry material to access the passageways. When I offered him money for his consulting help, he refused.

“I just want to pass down the knowledge,” he said. “I’m only going to be doing this for another 20 years. My wife and I talked about it, and we agreed that we’ll do this for 20 more years and then we’ll talk about it again.”

“That’s very generous of you,” I said.

“I recently got remarried,” he said. “My first wife passed away.

I just turned 80.”

With phone help from Jerry, I was able to get the heater working, test it out, clean the glaze from the flowpath and chimney, and install cleanout doors. I was fascinated and excited with the project. I felt grateful to have the job and the opportunity, and to have the help of the guys from the MHA. The first time we fired up the heater, with glass taped

over all the cleanout openings so we could watch the smoke pass through the passageways in the heater, the manager of the Bavarian was happy to see how it all worked.

When I called Jerry Frisch to thank him for his help, he invited me to the World of Concrete (WOC) Trade Expo in Las Vegas, NV. “We’re going to build a masonry heater in the parking lot,” he said.

“Count me in!” I said.

Las Vegas and WOC were a blast, and got to see a masonry heater built by an expert from the ground up. I also helped build a wood fired pizza oven.

Fast forward a few months, I found myself at Wildacres for a week of Masonry Heater Camp.

There were masons from the US, France, Russia, Canada, Germany, Finland, and Japan, all of them building heaters on site, answering any question you could think of. Of the 120 attendees, 7 of the masons own and/or operate their own testing labs. The CEO of Tulikivi International had flown in from Finland. Founders of other

materials put away in storage.

Ashley Elridge pointed out that the masons and students could learn as much or more by taking apart the heaters as they did when they built them.

European startups were there.

I’d signed up for the HMED course (Heater Mason Education & Development Program) which was developed by Jerry and Jim Frisch. Jim, Jerry’s younger brother, taught the course.

People were dancing and the beer was flowing.

The classes and seminars included a bricklaying workshop, Chris Prior’s class on masonry arches, a course on emissions testing, and several history courses. I wasn’t able to attend many of them, because the HMED took up the majority of my time. Most days, the last class or seminar would let out around 10:00 p.m., and the festivities would already have begun.

The next morning, before noon, (according to photos I saw posted on facebook,) all the brand new heaters and ovens had been disassembled and the

The pizza party was still raging as I headed down the mountain in my rental car at 2 a.m. to catch an early morning flight out of Charlotte.

n Stock

If you would like to attend the Masonry Heater Camp next Spring, google the Masonry Heater Association of North America or go to mha-net.org.

Call For Your FREE Catalog TODAY!

Gas Product Headquarters!!

Direct Vent Gas Inserts

By the time Friday rolled around, the newly built heaters were all fired up and running, including the large pizza oven.

Pizzas started coming out of the oven in time for dinner - the best pizza I’d ever tasted in my life.

By nightfall, a group of musicians had gathered to play old standards and folk songs, seated on the warmed, L-shaped bench of a rocket mass heater with a cookstove top, where somebody was making crepes.

I got to hang out with CSIA’s Darcy Marlett and Ashley Elridge, who were attending.

In all my years in the chimney business, I’d never enjoyed myself more than I did during the week I spent at Masonry Heater Camp at Wildacres. I’ll be back next year, for sure. I hope to build my own masonry heater in my house soon, and I would like to become a certified masonry heater builder. With the HMED under my belt, I’ve taken the first step, but I have a lot more to learn.

←

Vented Gas Logs

Direct Vent Fireplaces

HUGE SELECTION In Stock & Ready To Ship

←

We Have Your Solution!

Serving Sweeps for 35+ Years!

1-866-880-3473

A Division Of Fireside Distributors ~ Raleigh, NC

June 2016

Dates and

Events June 2016

26 S W E E P I N G

June 6-11, 2016 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 6 – June 12, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 11, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Sponsored by Regional Chimney Supply Homewood Suites – Gaithersburg, MD For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 12 – 18, 2016 Sweeps Week 2016 CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (864) 682-5422 or email ronb@sweepstuff.com June 13 – June 19, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 16-17, 2016 Olympia 2-Day Reline Seminars Day One – Metal Chimney Liner Installations Day Two – Everything you need to know about Sizing Liners Hampton Inn – Louisville, KY For more information visit www.olympiachimney.com

June 2016

June 20 – June 26, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 22 - 25, 2016 Midwest Chimney Safety Council Meeting & Masonry Chimney Restoration Workshop Springdale, Arkansas For more information call 816-461-3665 or visit www. mcsc-net.org June 23-24, 2016 Olympia 2-Day Reline Seminars Day One – Metal Chimney Liner Installations Day Two – Everything you need to know about Sizing Liners Homewood Suites - Madison, WI For more information visit www.olympiachimney.com June 24, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Hampton Inn – Sturbridge, MA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 25-26, 2016 NEACHP - SWEEPFEST 2016 For more information email Phil Mitchell at sootski@aol. com or register at www.NEACHP.org June 27 – July 3, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 29-30, 2016 Olympia 2-Day Reline Seminars Day One – Metal Chimney Liner Installations Day Two – Everything you need to know about Sizing Liners Hampton Inn – Folsom, CA For more information visit www.olympiachimney.com

July 2016 July 4-10, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 11–17, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 11-12, 2016 CSIA Chimney Physics CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

The Finest in Masonry Weatherproofing Products

July 15, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 18–24, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 25–31, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

Our competitor offered distributors incentives not to sell our products.

wha w h a t they th h eyy don’t d n’’’t want wa n yyou w u to t k kn kno n Discover what know!

Better Peformance

Better Warranties

Better Pricing* ng**

Better Value 27

Flexible Crown Masonry Coating

20 yr. Warranty Twice the Coverage Applies Easier Faster Drying Cost Less

CrownTite

Brush Grade Masonry Coating 20 yr. Warranty One Coat Application Applies Easier Cost Less

WaterTite

FlashTite

12 yr. Warranty Better Penetration Vapor Permeable Delution Stable Cost Less

10 yr. Warranty Applies Easier No Mesh Required Cost Less

Masonry Water Repellant

Available from: Olympia Chimney Supply • New England Chimney Supply • Regional Chimney Supply Save on shipping. Pick up at over 500 locations. Go to www.weathertiteinc.com for locations.

800-711-9672 *As Listed in Multiple 15/16 distributor catalogs.

June 2016

S W E E P I N G

REGION REGION REGION

3 1 12 2 234 34 35 5 6 4 45 5 56 6 6 New

Members

PENNSYLVANIA

NORTH CAROLINA

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

Robert Witter | Townly Coal LLC | Geneva

Thomas Kennedy |TriCounty Comfort Systems Inc. | Upland

Rene Uhalde | Uhalde, Rene | Sylva

Galen Lehman | Lehmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s | Kidron

David Steward | Copper Ridge LLC Chimney & Fireplace | Claremore

28 S W E E P I N G June 2016

REGION

Richard Pocock | Swede Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Cleaning | San Diego

Ian Myers | Myers Chimney | Minden, ON

REGION

CALIFORNIA

INTERNATIONAL

REGION REGION

Jeremy Hinrichs | Ozark Fireplace | Grassville

REGION

REGION REGION REGION

ARIZONA

REGION

REGION REGION

REGION REGION

REGION REGION

REGION

NEW YORK

August 2016 August 1-5, 2016 CSIA Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Appliances CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 1-7, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 8–14, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

August 19, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Richmond Airport Hotel, Richmond, VA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 15–21, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 15-20, 2016 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 22–28, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.

CSIA.org August 29 – September 4, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.

CSIA.org

June 2016

29 S W E E P I N G

CSIA UPDATE June 2016 Report

www.CSIA.org

CSIA Provides Free Training to Local Firefighters On May 9th - 11th, CSIA provided a free modified Chimney Physics course to are fire departments. In total, nearly 80 fire fighters participated and the event was even picked up by local TV news stations.

In addition to training/certifying chimney sweeps and educating homeowners around the country, we are always looking for ways to partner with our community to promote chimney safety and prevent avoidable fires at the local level.

ADVERTISEMENT

June 2016 Report

Get to Know Your CSIA Board: Mark Stoner President Hometown: Madison, IN

Resides in: Nolensville, TN How Mark got his start in the chimney business: “I read Mother Earth News and saw an August West ad that said you could make $55 an hour sweeping chimneys. I said, ‘I can do that’, so I saved $3000 and bought the kit.

Why CSIA Certification is important to Mark: “I realized that there was education out there that I needed to get and I felt like the best guys in the business were CSIA Certified. It had a marketing advantage over sweeps who were not CSIA Certified.

About Mark’s current business: Ashbusters Chimney Service employs 35 people and operates in areas in Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

Where Mark sees himself in 15 years: “I’d love to be riding a motorcycle across Europe. I also see myself owning several businesses and helping others in a consulting role.

Best piece of advice Mark has received: “I was working at a home show and an elderly gentleman approached me and told me that I was “not doing enough to let people know how important chimney sweep work was” and it really stuck with me that he was right.”

Mark’s best advice for others in the chimney sweeping industry: “I think chimney sweeps need to challenge themselves to think bigger and expand their horizons. I think the best way to do that is through continuous reading and education.”

CSIA Education Roadshow

Excellence in Education. Delivered.

To-your-door expertise.

CSIA Education Roadshow is an exciting new opportunity to experience the industry standard in chimney sweep education and earn valuable CEUs and web icons, through in-person courses provided by one of CSIA’s expert instructors at YOUR event.

If you offer it, they will come.

Hosting an event which includes CSIA Roadshow courses is an excellent way

to build relationships within the industry and gain credibility with potential members, it will literally help you get the right people in your front door.

Leverage the CSIA’s network and grow your business.

Including CSIA Roadshow as part of your event will provide you with several opportunities for promoting your company or product, both on-site during the session, as well as through CSIA’s

ADVERTISEMENT

social networks and e-newsletter.

Get started.

Literally anyone who wants to include a CSIA Roadshow session and has access to a suitable location can submit a request.

For a complete list of the available CSIA Roadshow courses or to bring CSIA education to your event, please contact CSIA Program Coordinator, Claire Rutledge, at (317) 837-5362.

www.CSIA.org

In-Person Chimney Physics Registration July 11 - 12, 2016 | CSIA Tech Center | 12 CEUs In this two-day course, you’ll learn how to diagnose common homeowner complaints that your competition is likely to miss. Understanding the house as a system allows you to start asking the right questions with the first homeowner call. You’ll complete the session with an expert skill set and a discount toward purchasing your own digital manometer from Copperfield.

During this intensive, two-day course students learn to diagnose and resolve chimney performance problems related to modern building construction in a way that’s easy for the new heating appliance owner to understand.

Topics covered include solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances and the use of diagnostic tools.

Students are presented with the unique opportunity to practice the skills gained during classroom instruction and on the CSIA TellTale pressure house. The model home allows students to first replicate performance problems and then successfully resolve the problems in a controlled laboratory setting. The course combines classroom training with hands-on experience in a controlled environment with blower door tests run on the CSIA Technology Center.

Other tools of the trade to be covered in this session include: Digital Manometers, CO Detectors, Combustible Gas Detectors, Draft Gauges and Smoke Pencils.

CSIA ON-SITE EDUCATION National Chimney Sweep Training School June 6-11 | Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center]

Contact Us:

Our flagship event where you’ ll spend a week learning the fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health & safety considerations, and have step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards, and practices.

CSIA CEUs: 16 [4-T, 4-CS, 4-HS, 4-CL] NFI CEUs: 16-T

Mailing Address

Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam

2155 Commercial Drive

June 24 | Sturbridge, MA

Plainfield, IN 46168

July 15 | Plainfield, IN (CSIA Technology Center)

Telephone

In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study. CSIA CEUs: 1.50-T, 1.50-CS, 1.50-HS, 1.50-CL NFI CEUS: 6-T

(317) 837-5362 Email: Office@CSIA.org Twitter: @Chimney_Safety

Chimney Physics July 11-12 | Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center] CSIA CEUs: 3-T, 3-CS, 3-HS, 3-CL NFI CEUs: 4-E

Facebook: /ChimneySafety ADVERTISEMENT

June 2016 Report

Newly Certified Chimney Sweeps Colorado

Service | Scotch Plains

Korey King | Clean Sweep Chimney Sweep | Colorado Springs

Robert Clark | Potomac Services | Sterling

New York

John Griffith | Potomac Services | Sterling

Florida Hunter Tisdale | ARC Home Services | Pace Kevin Maxwell | ARC Home Services | Pace Maryland Troy Rowland | Clean Sweep of A.A. Co. | Millersville New Jersey Gerard Gully | Village Sweep Chimney

Joseph Cusumano | North American Chimney & Gutter | Bayshore Alfred Papile | Certified Chimney Service Inc. | Mount Sinai

Alexander Hargrave | Mid-Atlantic Masonry Heat | Madison

Rhode Island

Kirt Moran | Chimney Saver Solutions | Richmond

Michael Iamele | A Traditional Sweep | Portsmouth

Cathy Peterson | Potomac Services | Sterling

Virginia

Eric Shaffer | Winston’s of Northern Virginia | Fairfax

William Brown | Potomac Services | Sterling

Keoki Smythe | Potomac Services | Sterling

CCS CEU Renewals Arkansas

Stove | Sunrise Beach

Tennessee

Ralph Scantlin Jr. | Clean Sweep Chimney Service | Hot Springs Village

Mississippi

Kevin Chitwood | Ashbusters Chimney Service | Smyrna

Minnesota Thomas McGrath | Sweep Dreams Chimney Service | Sauk Rapids Dan Williams | Dano’s Chimney Sweep | Rochester Missouri Michael Matthews | Dr. Soot Chimney &

Justin Perkins | Santa’s Friend Chimney | Brandon New York William Bobier | Clean Sweep Chimney & Stove | Windsor Ohio

Matt Keatts | Ashbusters Chimney Service | Nashville Virginia Larry Swisher | Old Dominion Chimney Liners | Penn Laird

Jim McKee | Blackburns Chimney Sweep | Columbus

Newly Certified C-DET California

Brad Residori | Lint Busters | Robinson

Louis Petrie | The Chimney Sweeper | Van Nuys

Virginia

Maryland

William Brown | Potomac Services | Sterling

Troy Rowland | Clean Sweep of A.A. Co. | Millersville

Stephen Burkett | Vent and Filter Services | Ashland

Pennsylvania

Robert Clark | Potomac Services | Sterling

Kevin Murphy | Murphy’s Dryer Vent Co. | Paoli Texas

John Griffith | Potomac Services | Sterling

Cathy Peterson | Potomac Services | Sterling Eric Shaffer | Winston’s of Northern Virginia | Fairfax Keoki Smythe | Potomac Services | Sterling Wisconsin Jeff Coon | Chimney Mechanix | Shawano

Interested in becoming a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep or Dryer Exhaust Technician? Give us a call at (317) 837-5362!

ADVERTISEMENT

Around the

Tech

Center Frances Kelly

T

Executive Director

his last month we had the opportunity to welcome both the NCSG and the CSIA boards of directors the Technology Center for their annual planning meetings. These meetings give the directors a chance to go over past goals for the organization and set new ones both for 2017 and into the future. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to share new initiatives with you in the coming months!

34 S W E E P I N G June 2016

Outside at the Technology Center staff put in a small community garden outside and planted veggies and flowers. Last but not least we celebrated Ashleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday with him!

Classifieds

Gotta chimney question? Sizing? Codes?

Call Royal Edwards! Make Royal your tech department. CALL NOW 813-982-0219 for on-call tech support.

Continuing Education special bonus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ask how you can get the Friday morning E-Blast for FREE. CALL NOW 813-982-0219 GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195 Call 1-800-648-9523 for more info and visit www. elitesoft.com to download a free trial version.

Established 25-year chimney sweep business for sale in Raleigh/Triangle area of North Carolina.

Prefer CSIA Certification.

Contact fssweep@earthlink.net CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERS Members can run one 35-word classified free each year! Regular classified ads are $2/word or $1/ word for NCSG members. Classified ads are noncommissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Sara Sichting at ssichting@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.

Where Has Your Sweeping Been Dave Hess recently visited with Doc and Valerie Binder of Doctor Flue, Inc. in Aruba.

Doc usually takes his sweeping issues and catches up while relaxing on the beach.

Where will you take your Sweeping? Send us a photo to marketing@ncsg.org to see yourself in the magazine.

June 2016

35 S W E E P I N G

Darwin

Award Our technician Randy Skiba, #4194 found this one today. Homeowner in north Minneapolis, Minn. said she just got the work done they did tuck pointing , new wash made out of spec mix and a new rain cover made out of a roof vent and yes for a wood burning fireplace. We found the tiles were all cracked and all this work needs to be redone.

Tech: Randy Skiba #4194 Company: Jack Pixley Sweep Spring Lake Park, Minn.

Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?

Send it to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ ncsg.org. for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. Include a few words about the scene and location.

Ad Index Ahrens Chimney Technique

800-843-4417

ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net 29

Chim Cap Corp

800-262-9622

www.chimcapcorp.com 18

Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com CVC Coaching

36 S W E E P I N G

704-425-0217

Inside front cover

www.cvccoaching.com 20

ENERVEX 770-587-3238 www.chimneyfans.com 15 Fireside Distributors

866-800-3473

www.FiresideAmerica.com 25

Firesafe Industries, Inc.

800-545-6607

www.firesafeinc.com 5

ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 10 Lindemann Chimney Company

866-629-8006

www.lindemannsupply.com 9

National Chimney

800-897-8481

www.nationalchimney.com 13

Novaflex

800-654-5600

www.z-flex.com 17

Olympia Chimney Supply

800-569-1425

www.olympiachimney.com 7

Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc

800-258-5496

www.sandhillwholesale.com 4

SaverSystems, Inc

800-860-6327

www.saversystems.com 16

Smoktite 207-439-0069 info@ventechindustries.com 12 WeatherTite Inc.

June 2016

800-711-9672

www.weathertiteinc.com 27

For more safety tips visit SmokeyBear.com

National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

1408

www.ncsgconvention.org