Sweeping Magazine- October 2015

Sweeping October 2015 VOLUME 39 #9

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

Converting From Oil To Natural Gas No Such Thing As Perfect Timing In Business What To Do If A Customer Rejects Recommended Service Or Repairs.

A History Of Oil Appliances

- 27.

www.ncsgconvention.org

Registration Now Open

Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 10 History Project 14 Industry Watch 18 Technical Q&A 20 New Members 23 Progressive Perks 26 Date and Events 28 Sweeps Advantage 29 Around The Tech Center 34 Classifieds 35 Darwin Award 36

Cover illustration by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau

Table of Contents Sweeping October 2015 Volume 39 Issue 9

Features There is No Such Thing as Perfect Timing in Business

A History of Oil Heating

Tech Q & A

What To Do If A Customer Rejects Recommended Service Or Repairs.

6 14 20 24

October 2015

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 2015-2016

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

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

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

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

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2015 – 2016

STAFF

Resources

Vice President, Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com Treasurer, Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com Region 1 Mike Elliott (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.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 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com Secretary, At Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net At-Large Director Vacant At-Large Director Dennis Dobbs (256) 845- 9814 info@fireplaceservicecenter. com Supplier Representative Vacant

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

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.

Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org

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.

Claire Rutledge Program Coordinator crutledge@ncsg.org

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.

October 2015

© 2014 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

I

hope this edition of Sweeping Magazine finds you enthralled in the heart of busy season. The time after Labor Day lasting up until NCSG convention, whereby you find yourself and your business competing for not enough hours in the day, not enough sleep in the night and never enough resources to anticipate the demands and blessings this time of year brings.

The navigation of an employee calling in sick, you yourself, attempting to stay clear of all friends and family that have the slightest hint of a cold or cough. Letting go of the clients calling simply looking for the lowest price. The bounty of deliveries to your shop. The impeding demands of the holidays just ahead. Is any of this sounding familiar?

No matter the size of your business, whether you have one employee or 20 we are all linked by our brother and sisterhood of soot. We are unique and no other industry can quit understand our trials, tribulations, and success.

In August I was blessed to be able to travel to Germany for ESHCFOE. I was there to represent the United States as NCSG President. ESCHFOE was focused on their technical year. They rotate technical years and meeting years.

ESCHFOE was held at a German chimney sweep school outside of Munich, Germany. It is amazing the standards the German chimney sweeps have and the training that is required to be a chimney sweep. Attendees got to experience some of the testing equipment that is used

to test chimney efficiency and chimney leakage. There were also classes on some of the new heating technology that is available in the area. We also went on a field trip sort of day and visited a factory that makes flue liners and a print shop that does most of the chimney sweep related printing, such as brochures and training manuals.

Long before my much anticipated travel I had to navigate letting go of a few of my long held fears. The fear of traveling internationally, not knowing the language, worry over if something happened to me or worse yet my family in the states during my absence how would I deal with being so far from home, what currency would I use, and the list of fears went on and on. I had before me such a wonderful opportunity and yet felt so conflicted.

President’s

Letter Jeremy Biswell

President

Navigating Letting Go

I found myself relying upon the wisdom of those that had gone before me, past presidents of the NCSG, neighbors that had studied abroad in Germany, NCSG educational director Ashley Eldridge, my banker.

The more I reached out the more my fears lessened and I felt confident I could navigate the journey before me. CSIA President, Mark Stoner would be meeting up with me in Germany, along with other past presidents and NCSG staff. I hope you were able to follow some of my travels on the NCSG member’s discussion list. For this trip was not mine alone but all of ours in the industry.

A celebration of our success as a guild membership in United States. My one wish would be that this trip would inspire a

3 S W E E P I N G October 2015

member who has been contemplating joining the board to surpass your fears and get active.

Maybe you are fearful you do not know many sweeps in the industry, you are afraid of the time commitment, you are very introverted and fear speaking up at meetings, much like my list yours too may go on and on. I would encourage to reach out to a current board member, call me up, visit the NSCG in Indianapolis, verbalize your fears and you will find many of them are unfounded, you will find yourself in a rewarding place giving back to the industry and learning more than you ever thought possible. If you have never attended NCSG, then start small, make 2016 the year you attend. This year we will be in sunny Orlando, FL, a drastic climate change from Lancaster, Pa. this past February. The staff at NCSG have worked very hard and put a lot of time and effort into reviewing your past attendance at classes, your feedback on the topics and speakers. They have put together a wonderful list of classes sure to touch on an interest and educational need for all.

In summary, make this season about navigating your fears, letting go of long held beliefs or systems that are no longer relevant and branch out into an uncomfortable situation to learn, grow, network, and for lasting bonds within our industry.

Jeremy

Flexible & Effortless.

Mastering Its Craft.

4 S W E E P I N G

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October 2015

H

appy busy season everyone!

I hope this issue finds you well and in the middle of a successful fall season. This time of year our office is inundated with calls from frantic homeowners trying to have their chimney swept before the holidays.

First things first this issue you will want to read President Jeremy Biswell’s and check out some of his photos from this year’s ESCHFOE technical conference in Germany. Over at the history project Claire Rutledge wrote a special article on the history of using oil to heat homes. You’ll especially want to give that article a read if you work on oil appliances often. There is also a special

extended Tech Q and A on converting from oil to natural gas. Of course this issue is also packed with great marketing, business and legal advice from our regular contributors.

Have you ever thought about board service? Go to the call for nominations on page 27 to find what positions are up for election this year and be sure to get your applications in before October 26.

Editor’s

Letter Darcy Marlett Editor

Cheers,

5 S W E E P I N G October 2015

There is No Such Thing as Perfect Timing in Business Taylor Hill

Spark Marketer

6 S W E E P I N G

I

recently read a great book by Harry Beckwith called Selling the Invisible; A Field Guide to Modern Marketing, published in 1997. While a bit out of date for some things, there are other aspects that will never go out of date. One of these is the section on fallacies in business, and I wanted to focus on one of them in particular: waiting for the perfect time. I hear and sense this a lot from business owners I speak with all over the U.S., as they try and figure out when to “pull the trigger” on marketing, hiring, and a number of other business decisions.

October 2015

The Truth About Timing No one can predict when something will be a good time or not. Take all the babies that have been born at the wrong time into families that are not ready financially, don’t have space for another person, have not received that promotion, are not married yet, or feel they aren’t ready for any other reason. Yet, they do it, and they figure it out because they can’t control some things.

If I had known my mother would pass away last year, I would have made sure to go see her more, talk to her on the phone more often, and make sure I said I love you to her many more times!

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said and done when we don’t, because no one knows when something will happen that will affect your life or your business.

With that said, there really is no time like the present. It’s a cliché, but it is very true. If you want to do something in your business, you have to get it done.

You have to make the decision and then follow up with action.

What About Planning?

John Lennon said, “Life happens when you’re making other plans”. I say it’s true in business as well.

One of my earliest memories is of a land deal my grandfather did, and I hope I remember it correctly. I’m not sure who the other person was in the transaction, but I do remember a conversation that ended with this exchange: Other person: “I was going to buy that property!”

My grandfather: “While you were waiting, I did.”

8 S W E E P I N G

That’s not to discourage planning — as it has a place in life and business — but if you think you can plan your way to the top, you are fooling yourself.

I have never heard a successful person say their success relied on great planning. I have heard some say it was due to hard work, and more say they were at the right place at the right time!

You Can’t Time Right Place at Right Time I wish I had a dollar for every successful person that has attributed their individual and business success to being in the right place at the right time. I know Carter and my introduction to the chimney

October 2015

industry was this exact thing as well. Had we been introduced a year earlier, I don’t think we would have had the structure and infrastructure to do all the work that came from our first speaking engagement.

I’m not sure if we would have been ready to speak with the authority we would have needed at that time either. We had some success that we could point to, but not near enough to be confident that we could do a great job in this industry.

We didn’t know it, but we were getting ready for the moment an opportunity would be provided.

When it was, we seized it, and even changed the course our company was on to build our services around home service businesses. This was in response to a challenge by one of your own, Mark Stoner, the current CSIA President and owner of Ashbusters Chimney Service.

One day, after a BNI (Business Networking International) meeting, Mark asked me how we were doing. I answered him honestly: that we needed more business. He asked me if we ever turn anything down, and when I said yes, he told me we were making a mistake.

As we discussed this further, I realized he was right. The last thing he said to me was this: “Say yes to everything for one year and watch how this changes your business”.

The Decision When I got back to the office I spoke to Carter about the conversation with Mark, and he looked at me and asked me what I thought. I told him I thought it was a good idea.

What did we have to lose?

The Action Right out of the box, we took on two of the worst possible clients in all the world! We had yearly contracts and just gutted it out. We did every job that came through our door for one year, and when we looked back, it was amazing at what we had accomplished!

We didn’t really plan at all, we just did. First hand knowledge that there is no perfect timing, there is only now.

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

9 S W E E P I N G October 2015

Coach’s

Corner Jerry Isenhour

DO YOU THINK LIKE YOUR CUSTOMER?

So many businesses miss the mark on this all important part of the sales process. When they do, they lose sales they should have closed. Why? Because their proposal failed to include what the customer wanted and needed. Instead, it contained what the company thought they needed. Big difference.

This was recently brought home to me in my search for a contractor to attend to a service to my home. Now the service was frankly pretty simple.

It was yard and landscaping work. It was something I could easily have done myself if I had the time. In fact, I really enjoy that work. So, over the past few years I have found it useful to contract this work out.

And, quite frankly, very few of the businesses I engaged knew how to communicate with me well enough so I knew they understood all of my concerns.

Recently we went on the search again, contacting several local companies. And then Sheryl mentioned one of the members of her BNI group that owned a lawn care company.

She talked to the owner at the next BNI meeting and requested he come out and do a quote for the needed yard maintenance, including mowing, trimming, seeding, mulching, and fertilizing. These being all the normal things that are done to a lawn in the south to keep it looking like you want. I wanted a company that could provide this on an annual basis and do a job both they and I would be proud of.

10 S W E E P I N G

Here are some of the things that impressed me: he came out at the time he said he would. He

October 2015

had a quote to us when he said he would. His quote covered all the needs asked for. It was properly presented and itemized in a way that I understood the value of what I was buying.

Furthermore, during the course of the discussion each time I asked a question he answered it in a very positive way. Let me repeat this, he did it in such a way that I saw the VALUE I was getting.

He had read MY needs correctly and had communicated them in a way that was clear, understandable, and appealing to me. And even though his quote was higher than anyone else had ever given me, in the end he sold himself, his company, and his service to me.

This is how it is in any business.

What you offer as a service provider is not a commodity, something that is bartered and put out for bid like something in the futures market. The products and services you offer are those of a specialty contractor. But it is not the value you see that you offer, it is the value as seen by your customer that is the all-important thing.

Remember, when you talk with a customer, when you present a product or a service, you must make sure they see the value.

Because it is always the case that in the final analysis it is what they value, not what we think they should value that matters.

Sooty Bob probably said it best when at a conference some years ago he asked the question “Why does the customer call and ask you how much�? Most people felt it was because they wanted to know the cost. But as Sooty Bob went into depth to explain,

he showed they really wanted to know things like the following: • Are you a good person?

TRADE-IN SPECIAL

• Will doing business with you be a good experience?

• Will I receive the value I am looking for?

• Will I get the value I am looking for?

Bob explained further, they don’t know how to ask you that, so the only thing they know how to ask is how much do you charge! In reality they are looking for so much more.

We must take steps to present our company and ourselves as value providers. This is why the Internet review today is so important; it speaks to the value we bring. And, like all references and testimonials, it becomes more like fact when others say it than when we say it.

Made in Germany

To think like the customer you must first and foremost listen to the customer. You must listen to what they say, what they really want. You do this so that in your marketing and in your face to face and voice to voice communications the value you bring is crystal clear.

Do this and you will be richly rewarded with a steady growth of customers who will take your business to the dreams you have for it.

Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant, educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry and how his team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take a look at his web site www. cvccoaching.com He can be contacted at jerry@cvccoaching.com or by phone at (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page CVC Coaching and Youtube channel CVCCoaching.

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Convention Frequently Asked Questions 1. I am an employee of a Guild member company, and I’ve never attended the convention & tradeshow. Is there special first-time pricing for me? a. Yes! As a benefit to Guild member companies, any primary, 1st additional, 2nd additional, or 3rd additional employee registrant who has never been to convention does receive a discount of $100 off their registration.

2. I am a senior citizen, and I noticed you have Senior Category Guild Member registration. Do I register as a senior? a. No. The $100 registration is for those individuals who pay their NCSG dues as a Senior Member. This means they are retired sweeps who have sold their businesses but choose to remain affiliated with the Guild.

3. Where do I go to find out more information about event themes, transportation in Orlando, or hotel details? a. Please visit the official convention website at www. ncsgconvention.org.

4. Where is the Opening Night Reception? a. This year the reception will be in the Rosen Plaza on Wednesday night. We would love to see you there for a lowkey evening with heavy appetizers and a cash bar, but please do register to attend when you register for convention.

5. If I am unable to attend convention but have already registered, can I get a refund? a. It depends. If you need to cancel until December 15 we can refund 90 percent, between December 15th and January 24 75 percent. After January 24 we do not refund convention registration and we do not give company credit. You can reference the refund policy on your registration.

6. I want to know the session schedule, what CEUs I can get, and where downloadable handouts are for the sessions. a. The convention app will have all session schedules, CEUs, speaker information, and handouts when it is released. You can also find this information on the official convention website www.ncsgconvention.org. Be on the lookout for release dates and updates via email and the website.

7. I don’t know how best to register, can you help me?

Sure! You have many options to register. You can email or fax us your registration, call into the NSCG office and register over the phone, or register online 24/7 at www.ncsg.org .

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13 S W E E P I N G

History

Project

By Claire Rutledge

A History of Oil Heating

F

un fact: the word “petroleum” is a mashup of both Greek and Latin origin. Petros means “rock” in Greek and oleum means “oil” in Latin. This “rock oil” of humble origin has had such a profound effect upon human history and technological development that governments rise or fall, wars are won or lost, and economies crash or soar based on proximity to it, and the ability to control it.

Heating oil is a low-viscosity refined petroleum product, commonly known in the United States

14 S W E E P I N G October 2015

as No. 2 heating oil, which is used as fuel for furnaces or boilers. While not seen too much in the United States’ homes nowadays, it once was common and you may find oil heating in some of the older homes you service. The amount of oil heating you come in contact with in the field has a direct correlation to where you are located and how old of a home you are in. In other countries with closer proximity to refineries and distribution centers (having local abundant resources is also handy) this form of heating is very common still.

The first evidence that we have of the use of petroleum products was in Iraq around 4000 BCE. Oil seeps in the Fertile Crescent were used for asphalt, which was used as mortar in building public structures. Ancient Persian tablets record the use of petroleum for artificial lighting. Roughly around 347 CE Chinese engineers discover how to drill for oil — a byproduct of salt mining with bamboo poles over 800 feet deep. Up until this point in history all the petroleum in use had been taken from naturally occurring seeps, entirely dependent on what surfaced. The invention of oil drilling allowed for a dependable supply of petroleum.

The first true oil well was built in 1594 in Baku (now in modern Azerbaijan, then part of the Persian Empire). The first modern oil well was built nearby in 1848. This is where the petroleum industry has always been in renown.

The advances in technology of drilling, refining, and producing petroleum products like heating oil have come mainly from this region. The United States’ industry would not exist without these historical advancements.

Marco Polo recounted the fields of wells of Baku, which to Western Europeans was amazing as Western Europe had little to none naturally occurring petroleum. The 17th century Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi said that there were as many

as 500 wells around Baku’s fortress. Baku even built a temple to oil – the Ateshgah of Baku that stayed lit by natural reserves from at least the 7th century to the 19th century.

In 2009-2010, Azerbaijan averaged producing 1 million barrels of petroleum a day.

In the United States, the industry had far more humble and recent origins. 1857 saw Michael Dietz patent a new technology: kerosene flat-wick lamp. Up until that point the

15 S W E E P I N G October 2015

United States used products such as whale blubber and coal for heating and light which were inefficient, dangerous, dirty, and extremely smelly (the whale blubber oil at least).

The Dietz lamp created great demand for oil, which was still not easy to acquire in vast quantities. Edwin Drake’s oil discovery in 1859 in Titusville, Penn. allowed petroleum products to be produced cheap.

In 1895 whale oil could be sold for 40 cents per gallon, while kerosene sold for 7 cents. Around the same time, petroleum

16 S W E E P I N G

products for industrial use, cars, and prototypes for forcedair furnaces propelled the material into the forefront of the American market. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw “oil booms” in California, Oklahoma, Texas and even the NSCG home state of Indiana.

Up through 1950’s it was common to find an American home heated by coal, though quickly home construction changed with the new oil technology that allowed for more efficient and dependable use. Rationing of coal during World War II also pushed consumers to find an abundant heat source. Oil heat systems removed the need for dirty and dangerous coal in the average American home. The 1970’s saw heating oil in homes give way to gas. Almost 10% of today’s American homes utilize oil heating. This 10% of homes (plus industrial uses) employ nearly 100,000 Americans, and with sales exceeding $16 billion annually. Over 80% of homes that rely on heating oil for space heating are located in the Northeast.

One reason why is the availability of heating oil in northern United States — the Canadian St. John Refinery produces over 300,000 barrels a day. Half of this is exported to the US Northeast.

Bibliography and Photo Sources:

October 2015

“2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey.”

U.S. Energy Information Administration. November 28,2011. Accessed August 20, 2015. <http://www.eia.gov/ consumption/residential/ data/2009/index.cfm.>.

“The Annals of Salt Law of Sichuan Province.” January 3, 2012. Accessed August 25, 2015. <//www.pvisoftware.com/blog/ ancient-drilling-technologies/ >.

THE OIL & GAS YEAR | AZERBAIJAN 2015 THE OIL & GAS YEAR The Who’s Who of the Global Energy Industry.

Accessed August 25, 2015. <http://www.theoilandgasyear. com/content/uploads/2015/02/ TOGY_AZERBAIJAN_2015PREVIEW.pdf >.

“Edwin Drake in front of the original well, Titusville, Pennsylvania, 1861.”

Accessed September 25, 2015. <http://explorepahistory. com/displayimage. php?imgId=1-2-44C >.

“Furnace, Octopus.”

Accessed September 25, 2015. < https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Furnace>.

“Heating Oil History and Usage.”

Quarles. 2015. Accessed August 20, 2015. < http://thinkheat. com/oil-heat/about-heating-oil.>

Totten, George E., Ph.D. “Incontext: A timeline of highlights from the histories of ASTM Committee D02 and the Petroleum Industry.” 2007.

Accessed 8/21/15. <http:// www.astm.org/COMMIT/ D02/to1899_index.html >.

“History of Oil.” Order Oil. 2004. Accessed August 25, 2015. <http://www.orderoil. com/fuel-oil-history.php >.

“An Oasis of Oil in Kurdistan.”

July 8, 2008. Accessed 8/25/2015. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/ SB121552761878735885>.

“Refining.” Irving Corporate.

2015. Accessed August 20, 2015. <http://irvingoil.com/ operations_and_partners/ operations/refining/>

tops them all.

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Industry

Watch

18 S W E E P I N G October 2015

National Chimney is Growing Green No, the manufacturer of chimney products—with more than two decades of service to chimney sweeps and other chimney professionals— is not growing green with envy.

Quite to the contrary.

National Chimney is adding warehouse and manufacturing space while making its new and existing buildings more energy efficient.

National Chimney currently has manufacturing and distribution points throughout the nation for shipping quickly to anywhere in the U.S. and even internationally.

Vermont’s facility is expanding with a 10,000 sq. ft. addition while Indiana’s facility has been increased to 75,000 square feet. Other locations include Phoenix Arizona, Mt. Sterling Kentucky, Sanford Florida, and Finksburg and Kensington Maryland.

In addition to the new construction, Indianapolis and South Burlington are in the process of adding tubular skylights for energy savings. Tubular skylights capture sunlight from dawn till dusk and disperse the light so that both horizontal work surfaces and vertical warehouse

racking is illuminated evenly. The tubular skylights distributed

by National Chimney have almost no heat/ cold transfer from the outside, greatly reduce energy consumption from incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, and have even been shown to increase worker productivity.

Perhaps the biggest energy saver of all is the addition of solar panels to the roof of the South Burlington facility.

“We have installed a 100 Kilowatt “Net metering” commercial Solar Array system which will provide for the electrical needs of its manufacturing, shipping, and administrative offices,” according to Tom Dragon, National’s CFO. The 386 panel system is expected to last with minor maintenance for 25-30 years, and provide a breakeven on the investment in just under 5 years. “It’s a great time to make these changes in support of our customers and communities,” says National’s President, Darin Bibeau.

For more information about National Chimney’s full line of chimney products, call 800-897-8481 or email Darin at dbibeau@ nationalchimney.com.

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Technical

Q&A

Micheal Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

Question:

Do I automatically have to reline a masonry chimney with a metal liner when my client is converting their heating equipment from oil to natural gas?

20 S W E E P I N G October 2015

Answer: Technically no, not automatically. If the existing clay flue liner is in good condition, free of cracks perforations and voids, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily need to be relined.

But there are many things to consider when our client is converting from oil to gas. The IRC requires us to sweep the flue (IRC G2425.15.2), and the NFPA 211 requires us to do a level 2 inspection in this circumstance (NFPA 211 15.4.1). Once we have completed our sweep and inspection, we will have a better idea as to the condition of the existing flue liner.

combustion products, including gases, moisture and creosote.

NFPA 211 15.4.1 Circumstances. A Level II inspection shall be conducted under the following circumstances: (1)*Upon addition or removal of one or more connected appliances or upon replacement of an appliance with one or more of dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency, unless the last connected appliance is removed and chimney use will be discontinued

IRC G2425.15.2 (501.15.2) Flue passageways. The flue gas passageway shall be free of obstructions and combustible deposits and shall be cleaned if previously used for venting a solid or liquid fuel-burning appliance or fireplace.

If the liner is damaged, contains cracks, voids, perforations or is otherwise no longer able to contain the by-products of combustion, and/or if the chimney structure does not meet clearance to combustibles requirements, relining the flue is definitely required.

The flue liner, chimney inner wall or vent inner wall shall be continuous and shall be free of cracks, gaps, perforations, or other damage or deterioration that would allow the escape of

We must also confirm if the existing clay liner will be oversized for the new gas appliances. In most cases it is not that difficult to determine proper sizing, the condition of

the liner and confirm chimney clearances during a level 2 inspection. If the chimney previously vented oil appliances for any number of years, and was not swept annually, there is a good likelihood that liner

and even chimney structure damage will be present.

There are also gas appliance manufacturers that will require a metal liner in a masonry chimney, regardless of the condition of that masonry

chimneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; liner. We should always check the venting requirements in the manual of the new gas appliance(s) when our client is converting.

And in some cases, the code enforcement official or AHJ in the town or municipality that we are working in will require relining in all oil to gas conversions.

But letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say for a moment, that we did not observe any damage to the clay liner, it is an appropriate size, and that chimney clearances are maintained. Should we still recommend a reline? We can, but we should at least educate our clients. The flue gas temperatures of gas appliances are typically much lower than the flue gas temperatures of oil appliances, especially if they are

21 S W E E P I N G October 2015

older oil appliances. This results in more flue gas condensation and water vapor in the flue during appliance venting. Even if we do a very thorough job sweeping, there will still be oil soot deposits in areas of the flue. Oil soot deposits may also be absorbed by the clay liners and the mortar joints between clay liners. When a gas appliance is connected and venting into the flue, the flue gas condensation can mix and react with oil soot deposits and result in deterioration of the flue liner, sometimes rapidly. Chimneys located on the exterior of the home will be that much more prone to excessive flue gas condensation.

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October 2015

This type of deterioration may result in flue gases/combustion by-products traveling outside the liner and potentially outside the chimney, which are both hazards. Appliance connections at the base of the flue may also become clogged and obstructed with deteriorating clay liner debris which may result in hazardous appliance venting malfunction and/or the spillage of flue gases and combustion by products into the home at the appliance(s).

So even if the chimney and flue don’t automatically need relining, it may be considered, and our clients should be educated and advised of the need for annual inspection and advised of potential future failure. if we are relining the flue with a metal liner we should consider the material we are using.

We should use caution when considering an aluminum liner, when the chimney flue previously served oil. Oil soot deposits that could not be swept out, can rapidly damage an aluminum liner. Holes and pitting may form in a short period of time. We should also check gas appliance efficiencies and venting requirements as aluminum may not be suitable, or certain alloy stainless steels. If we are not sure, we can do our due diligence by consulting with the appliance manufacturers, the liner manufacturers, or both.

Though relining may not be an automatic requirement, relining the flue may help extend the life of the chimney, prevent damage, and/or may help prevent future hazardous appliance operation/venting conditions.

New

Members

MISSOURI

WISCONSIN

WASHINGTON

Ursula Vaillancourt | Sootbusters LLC | Tupper Lake

Juan Jimenez | A House on a Rock Home Inspections | Richmond

Cody Gibson | The Chimney Sweep LLC | Neosho

Joe Pollak | All Seasons Roofing and Chimney Service | Lake Geneva

Maria Woodall | ADDCO Electric Fireplaces | Portland

CONNECTICUT Ashley Kelly | Bio Mass Controls | Putnam

FLORIDA Luke Gray | North Florida Chimney Sweeps | Tallahassee

COLORADO Lou Mudd | Pro-Vac Chimney Sweeps of Western Colorado | Fruita

6

REGION

REGION

Kyle Griffith | Home Fires Company, Inc. | Hendersonville

REGION

REGION

54 65 NORTH CAROLINA

REGION

VIRGINIA

David Rebello | Archway Clean Sweep | St. John

REGION REGION REGION

REGION REGION REGION

NEW YORK

Loretta Ford | C.F. Ford Chimney Service | Cortlandt Manor

REGION

REGION REGION

REGION REGION

2 14 34 245 5 356 6 23 S W E E P I N G October 2015

Recommendation Denied: What To Do If A Customer Rejects Recommended Service Or Repairs.

Eugene M. LaFlamme

24 S W E E P I N G

The primary goal for sweeps and hearth professionals is to make sure their customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fireplace and chimney systems are operating effectively, efficiently and, most important, safely. In doing so, it is not unusual for a sweep or hearth professional to make certain service or repair recommendations.

What happens, however, when a recommendation is made and the customer declines the service or repair? How should the sweep or hearth professional then proceed, especially if the recommendation relates to a safety issue?

October 2015

Unfortunately, sweeps and hearth professionals do not have the authority to ban a customer from using their fireplace and chimney system.

The customer owns the system and if they are intent on using it, even if it is unsafe, they can and often times will. In such a situation, however, the sweep or hearth professional should take certain steps to protect itself in the event the identified issue ultimately causes a loss.

The reason for the recommended service or repair should be fully explained to the customer. If the issue is a potential fire hazard, advise of the hazard. Further, the sweep or hearth professional should tell the customer not to use the fireplace and chimney until the recommended repair is made. Use terms such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;do not use,â&#x20AC;? as opposed

to “it is recommended that you do not use” or “you should not use.” The former is unequivocal, whereas the later could be viewed as a suggestion.

The recommended service or repair and the reason for it should also be put in writing and given to the customer.

This will prevent a “he said, she said” situation where the customer denies that the sweep or hearth professional gave them any verbal warnings or recommendations.

Further, if possible, the customer should sign off on a record or work order indicating that they have declined the recommended service or repair.

That way, the customer cannot subsequently claim ignorance if the issue identified causes a problem or loss. If you cannot

get a customer to sign the record, make sure they are at least given a copy of the record.

The sweep or hearth professional should also retain a copy of the record in its customer file.

Eugene M. LaFlamme is a partner at McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC, a national defense firm specializing in fire and explosion cases. Eugene’s practice focuses on the defense of companies involved in the hearth and chimney industries.

He can be contacted at elaflamme@ MLLlaw.com or (262) 522-7000.

While sweeps and hearth professionals can make various service and repair recommendations, they cannot force a customer to accept the recommendations.

Consequently, when a recommendation is declined, the sweep or hearth professional should follow the above steps to protect itself. A copy of the written recommendation and customer signature declining the same will be an invaluable piece of evidence should the issue subsequently cause a fire or other loss.

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October 2015

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Membership Development Coordinator

Easy Access To Education

26 S W E E P I N G October 2015

T

wo educational sources are now available for members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. And the best part - these sources are available to accommodate your schedule 24/7!

CVC Coaching, official supplier of Education to the NCSG membership provides a 30 – 60 minute webinar monthly that is available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website. A wide range of experts provide information of great benefit.

Grandy & Associates features a different “business” topic, by a different national speaker each month, with each audio program lasting between 30-45 minutes.

Plus, you have full access to all 240+ past presentations broken down into 18 categories ranging from marketing and advertising,

motivating employees, business management, service agreements and more.

Don’t miss out on these educational opportunities! It is what helps make you and your company the best in the trade.

Call for Nominations: Board of Directors When you serve on the NCSG Board of Directors, you help lead the chimney industry into the future and can develop leadership, management and communication skills that will serve you in your business and personal life. You can make an immediate difference in the chimney service industry by helping to determine the organizations’ strategic plan and annual budget.

NCSG board members are responsible for: • Attending four board meetings each year: Two of the meetings are held at the CSIA Technology Center in Indianapolis (Spring- typically held for three days, Summer- typically held for two days), the November meeting is usually held online via and via teleconference and the fourth is held immediately before the NCSG convention at the host city. Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed for board members attending, with the exception of the convention meeting only.

• Participating in the NCSG members-only and board of directors’ electronic discussion lists.

• Welcoming new and reinstated members to the organization via phone calls and email • Connecting members to regional legislation affecting the industry

And NCSG board members receive: • Complimentary NCSG National Convention registration for you and your spouse while you serve on the board.

• One free CSIA class per year for

NCSG board members.

• Networking opportunities at board meetings which help develop life-long friendships with business associations from across the country.

The NCSG Governance Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions.

Region 2: 2 year term

The newly elected directors will be seated at the February 23, 2016 board of directors meeting in Orlando, FL. If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact NCSG Governance Chair Jay Walker at TallahasseeSweep@aol.comor or NCSG Executive Director Frances Kelly at fkelly@ncsg.org.

Represents: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Region 3: 2 year term Represents: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Region 4: 2 year term Represents: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio

Region 6: 2 year term

27

Represents: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

S W E E P I N G

At Large Director #2: 2 year term Represents: National Membership Nomination Deadline October 26, 2015

October 2015

Dates and

Events

28 S W E E P I N G

October 5-11, 2015 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 October 12-18, 2015 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 October 15-16, 2015 CSIA Inspection and Report Writing CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 16, 2015 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep速 Review & Exams Albany, NY For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 19-25, 2015 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 October 26 - November 1, 2015 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

October 2015

November 2-8, 2015 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 November 5-6, 2015 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician速 Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org November 9-15, 2015 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 November 13, 2015 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep速 Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org November 16-22, 2015 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 November 23-29, 2015 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

Sweeps

A dvantage Featured Coupons of the Month

Program

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, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

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!

SAVE UP TO $75 SAVE UP TO $ 25 SAVE UP TO $ 25

HY-C Company LLC $75 Rebate with your next purchase of 30 HY-C Chimney Caps $25 Rebate for your FIRST order of HY-C Roof VentGuards or Dryer VentGuards FREE freight on your order of HY-C Roof VentGuards Dryer VentGuards (min. 12) and receive a $25 rebate

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

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

www.CSIA.org November 30 – December 6, 2015 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 December 7-13, 2015 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 December 14-20, 2015 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 December 21-27, 2015 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 December 28, 2015 – January 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

October 2015

29 S W E E P I N G

CSIA Update OCTOBER 2015 REPORT

www.CSIA.org

Social Media group visits CSIA Tech Center hosts 50 professionals as part of ‘Safe, Warm Home’ outreach campaign

Chimney Safety Institute of America hosted 50 Indianapolis-area social media pros on September 10. The topic was Mobile 101. (It applies to CSIA, as 37 percent of people who use CSIA.org access the website from handheld, smart devices.We got to show the group a video, talk about our mission, and ask them to help us promote our National Chimney Safety Week. We got them to share photos of our special chimney figurine that’s been distributed to media. Many, had not heard of us before. (Photos courtesy Laura Yurs Photography and Indy Social Media.)

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OCTOBER 2015 REPORT

www.CSIA.org

CSIA up to 1,635 CCS, 341 C-DET New CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps

Michigan

California

Molly Embelton | Hancock Chimney Service | Grandville

Jerry Teel | Sierra Hearth & Home | Jackson Erick Silva | Lakeshore Chimney Sweep | Truckee Colby Jacobs | Flue Season | Redding Colorado

Nate Beld | Hancock Chimney Service | Grandville Reece Buschini | Hancock Chimney Service | Grandville

Michael Gorton | Clean Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaners of MI | Clark Lake

CSIA Board Member Bo Tasso, who heads up our CEU committee, says online classes offered by CSIA are great way to recertify. See him in a new CSIA video.

New Jersey Nathan Sajban | Oosting Masonry Construction | Midland Park

Josh Sanders | Colorado Fireside | Montrose

Phil Solimene | A-1 Affordable Construction | Clifton

Georgia

New York

Virginia Steven Aldridge | Chimney Saver Solutions | Richmond Tyler Seal | Prouty’s Chimney Sweep | Leesburg

Carson Prince | Advanced Chimneys, Inc. | Marietta

David Hergan | Cambridge Stove and Chimney | Cambridge

Jared Franklin | Acworth

North Carolina

Clayton Shaw | Rusty’s Fire Place & Chimney | Hamilton

Illinois

David Hawthorne | Triangle Chimney Pros, LLC | Raleigh

Drake Goeppinger | Rooftop Chimney Sweeps | Alexandria

Ohio

Matt Maxey | Chimney Saver Solutions | Richmond

Lee Auberry | Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration | Yorkville Tom Ragagli | Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration | Yorkville

Lorraine Davis | Buckeye Stoves | Fredericktown

Jeffery Thornton | Fireplace and Chimney Tech Serv. | Itasca

Pennsylvania

Keith Gallagher | Lindemann Chimney | Lake Bluff

Mike Wakefield | Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps | New Cumberland

Indiana

Michael Williamson | Chester County Hearth & Home | Elverson

John Click | Greenwood

Tennessee

Maryland

Jack Keeley | Smilin’ Irish Jack | Lakeland

Jose Sagastume | Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps | Frederick Lacy Campbell | Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps | Frederick Raphael Runion | Chimney Sweeps of Sherwood Forest | Mount Airy Massachusetts Greg Pyden | Rockwell Masonry | Edgartown

Victor Medrano, Jr. | The Chimney Doctor NOVA | Woodbridge Vermont Jordon Chamberlin | Brickliners Corp | Williston Christopher Starkey | Brickliners Corp | Williston Stephen Davison | Brickliners Corp | Williston

Saxon Stoner | Ashbusters Chimney Service | Smyrna

Baird Dilworth | Black Magic Chimney Sweeps of Southern Vermont | Manchester Center

Dalton Rose | Ashbusters Chimney Service | Smyra

Wisconsin

Texas

Benjamin Finco | Pratt’s Professional Chimney | Burlington

Marshall Jackson | 1st Choice Chimney | Flower Mound

Austin Christiansen | Mr. Chimney Inc. | Germantown

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OCTOBER 2015 REPORT New CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians California Jerry Swanson | Chim Chimney Professional Chimney Services | Sacramento 916.387.5000 Illinois Lee Auberry | Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration | Yorkville 630.553.5995 Michigan David Marra | Safety King, Inc | Utica 586.731.4720 Matthew Luna | Safety King, Inc | Utica Texas Marshall Jackson | 1st Choice Chimney | Flower Mound 817.791.4606

www.CSIA.org Education class spotlight Inspection and Report Writing

Oct. 15-16 | Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center] This is a fast-paced two-day program designed to enhance your inspection process. During this session, our instructors will concentrate on helping you create systems for doing inspections so all members of your company will be able to do the same level of inspection as the owner would do. Using the NFPA 211 and the Successful Chimney Sweeping manual (chapter 14 - levels of inspection) as a backbone, the course will expand this nationally-recognized recommendation and apply it to every sweeping job that you do. The session will teach you how to look at photos from the field, address defects through systematic, not problematic, language into your professional narrative report. CSIA CEUs: 12 [4-T,

4-CS, 4-CL]

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam October 16 | Albany, NY November 13 | CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, IN [LAST CCS for 2015!]

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® 2-Day Workshop/Exam November 5-6 | Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center]

Complete calendar: csia.org/education President’s Report

BE SAFE

CSIA wishes Marketing and Communications Director Tom Spalding Sweep’s Luck in His New Adventure This September CSIA was sad to say goodbye to Marketing and Communications Director Tom Spalding after two wonderful years of service to the industry. Many of you had a chance to get to know Tom at convention, CSIA classes, trade shows and on CSIA social media channels. His passion for the work that our organization does was always apparent (he even received his C-DET certification) and we wish him well in his new role as Senior Public Relations Manager at One America in Indianapolis, Ind. Stay tuned to the CSIA Facebook page and website for a the upcoming announcement of who will join us as our new Marketing and Communications Director.

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Greetings! It’s October, and for many of you it is indeed the silly season as we get homes and businesses to enjoy their fireplace or wood stove with less risk. Mark A. Stoner This is a reminder that, as a safety advocate, that our focus isn’t just on customers having safe, warm homes, but our CSIA certified personnel also making sure to not take shortcuts and remember not to rush the job.

We want everyone to be busy, prosperous, smart, and safe! Have a great Halloween and start to the Fall season.

NUMBERS CLIMBING As of mid-September we stood at 1,635 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps and 341 C-DET Techs. Highest totals in eight years. Thank you so much.

Dateline: Nashville, TN

OCTOBER2015 REPORT Sweep School 101

Training school students in the field Chimney Safety Institute of America was delighted to be the cover story in the October issue of the American Society of Home Inspectors “Reporter,” and as part of that assignment, we asked photographer David Bruce to document field day, which is part of the hands-on experience offered at the National Chimney Sweep Training School. Photos were taken during the Aug. 24-29 school.

Thanks to the students, CSIA Instructor Bob Fish (black shirt) and Field Day CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Bryan Smith of Your Chimney Sweep in Indianapolis, IN.

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Around the

Tech

Center Frances Kelly

Executive Director

S

eptember was a month of many highs and one sad goodbye.

NCSG Communications and Marketing Director Darcy Marlett went to Pittsburgh at the beginning of the month to talk to over 30 potential convention venues at Connect Marketplace. Ashley Eldridge, Darcy, and myself also traveled to Orlando, FL to check out the hotel for the 2016 convention. We can’t wait for attendees to see all the wonderful things we have in store.

September also marked Membership Coordinator Debbie Cornelius’ 10th Anniversary with the

34 S W E E P I N G October 2015

Guild, we welcomed student’s for the last National Chimney Sweep Training School of 2015, and Claire Rutledge even found time to update and repair some of the Guild’s historic collection displays.

At the end of the month we wished CSIA Marketing and Communications Tom Spalding goodbye as he leaves our association to a new opportunity at One America in Indianapolis, we will all miss him.

Classifieds 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.

35 S W E E P I N G October 2015

Darwin

Award

Here is explanation: Termination of two 13" x13" flues (inside diameter of each 10.5" x 10.5") each flue runs to a fireplace. Left one is to upstairs fireplace 48" wide x 36" high, right flue is for lower fireplace that is 72" wide x 38" high) neither fireplace drew well and so contractor installed the two RS-12 Enervex Fans. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why the brick layers brought the two flues together after the lower one went around the upstairs fireplace.

The chimney is less than 1 year-old. Crown is apx.

5ft by 7ft.

Just for kicks, here is what the top of that same chimney looked like after two weeks of work: Relined the upper fireplace flue with 14" round, moved the upper part of the lower flue over, Installed 16" Enervex fan over that flue, poured concrete crown with drip edge.

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

Greenville, S.C. 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 36 S W E E P I N G

Ahrens Chimney Technique 800-582-1392 ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net 16 Chim Cap Corp 800-262-9622 www.chimcapcorp.com 5 Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com 4 and 7 CVC Coaching 704-425-0217 www.cvccoaching.com 21 Firesafe Industries, Inc. 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com 12 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 17 Lindemann Chimney Company 800-722-7230 www.lindemannchimney.com 9 National Chimney 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com 19 Olympia Chimney Supply 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com 13 Sand Hill Wholesale 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com 22 SaverSystems, Inc 800-860-6327 www.saversystems.com 26 Smoktite 207-439-0069 www.smoktite.com 25 Wohler USA, Inc. 978-750-9876 www.wohlerusa.com 11

October 2015

, PROTECT TREES FORESTS AND OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE THREAT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

New infestations of insects and diseases can start if you take firewood with you when you travel.

Keep your trees safe by following these tips: · Don’t take firewood with you when you go camping, hiking or traveling. · Buy locally harvested firewood. · Tell your friends not to move firewood.

Facebook.com/DontMoveFirewood Twitter.com/DntMoveFirewood

.org

Youtube.com/DontMoveFirewood

National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

1408

JOIN NOW NCSG membership gives you access to education discounts, supplier discounts, free business education, and most importantly a thriving network of chimney professionals who understand the struggles and triumphs of running a business just like yours.

Visit NCSG.org or give us a call at 317-837-1500 to find out more about how membership in the National Chimney Sweep Guild can help your company.

NCSG National Chimney Sweep Guild