In addition to chimney cleaning, another important service performed by most chimney sweeps is an inspection of the chimney. Chimney sweeps may include an inspection as part of a regular chimney cleaning or may offer it as a separate service.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys be inspected annually and cleaned as needed. This is a good guideline and, if followed, would eliminate most chimney fires and other chimney problems.
There are other times when a chimney inspection should be performed, and we have listed some of them below:
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Immediately after a chimney or furnace fire. |
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Whenever the service of the chimney is being changed. Adding a woodstove to a fireplace, or converting from an oil to a gas furnace, or installing gas logs. |
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Whenever you are considering the purchase of a home with a chimney. Make sure the chimney inspection is performed before closing. |
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Whenever you suspect any type of storm damage. Example - Lightning struck chimney, high winds blew cap off. |
The results of a chimney inspection should be presented to you in a written format. Most sweeps have a special form for this purpose. In addition to performing a visual inspection, many sweeps have a video camera system which is lowered into the chimney for a more detailed, close-up look at the chimney interior. This method can also produce still photos or a video tape of the inspection for more complete documentation. If you are interested in this service, be sure to request it, as this is generally not included in a routine inspection.
Whenever possible, have chimney inspections performed by "CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps"*. The Chimney Safety Institute of America sponsors a certification program for chimney sweeps. This is your best assurance that you are hiring a competent sweep. For a list of "CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps" in your area, write the Chimney Safety Institute of America at 16021 Industrial Drive, Suite 8, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877. Please include a self addressed, stamped, business size envelope.
*The term "CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep" is a servicemark belonging to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non-profit educational association funded in part by the National Chimney Sweep Guild. |
