FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Our basic service is chimney cleaning and inspection. The technician will do a Level I Visual Inspection, per the National Fire Protection Association guidelines, to assess the overall condition of the chimney. At that time, we can advise the customer on whether or not the chimney needs to be cleaned, and make recommendations to correct any unsafe conditions. If the chimney needs to be cleaned, our technician will mask off the fireplace opening so there is no mess in your home, and thoroughly sweep the chimney from top to bottom. The sweeping process is intended to remove flammable creosote deposits that build up within the firebox, smoke chamber and flue system. These deposits can start a dangerous chimney fire at only 1/4" thickness! The safest way to prevent chimney fires is to have your chimney inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My father always taught me that "the middle-man" is usually the best choice. Meaning, don't go for the "$39 Special" (there's usually a catch!), and the most expensive guys on the block aren't necessarily the best choice either. Rather, begin your search with the companies who's pricing falls somewhere in the middle. This is where you will usually find the best service at the most reasonable price. Having said that, with regards to hiring a chimney sweep, my two best pieces of advise are this: 1. Make sure you are hiring a state licensed contractor. Your chimney is part of your home, and anybody that will be doing work on your home should be a state licensed contractor. 2. Make sure the chimney sweep you hire is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). This is the gold standard for chimney sweeps. These guys know their stuff.