1. Exactly what does a chimney sweep do?
The primary job of a chimney service professional is to aid in the prevention of fires related to fireplaces, wood stoves, gas, oil and coal heating systems and the chimneys that serve them. Chimney sweeps install, clean and maintain these systems, evaluate their performance, prescribe changes to improve their performance, and educate the consumer about their safe and efficient operation.
In doing their primary job of inspecting and sweeping chimneys, chimney professionals also function as on-the-job fire prevention specialists. They are constantly on the lookout for unsafe conditions that can cause home fires or threaten residents with dangerous or unhealthy indoor air quality.
2. How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
This is a tougher question than it sounds. The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom for deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary. “This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don’t use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at ¼” of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.
3. How do I choose a chimney sweep?
The chimney service trade is not regulated, nor is chimney sweeps licensed in most states. Further, opening a chimney service business requires a relatively small capital investment. Thus, virtually anyone- without education, training, experience or even a working knowledge of proper tools or equipment can become a chimney sweep. As a result, many ill-equipped, ill- prepared individuals are free to offer their “services” to homeowners.
More frequently, these individuals will take advantage of learning opportunities and become competent, qualified chimney sweeps. In other cases, they will continue along the same path they started on, offering incompetent service and, in some cases providing trusting homeowners with false sense of well-being. For this very reason, a number of states are currently considering license requirements for chimney sweeps. As precursors to state licensing, some municipalities currently license chimney sweeps and in most of those, the criteria for licensing is the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential.
The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential is the hallmark excellence among chimney service professionals and among homeowners and related industry professionals who understand the quality and value it represents. Homeowners should be aware that there is only one legitimate national certification program for the chimney service industry and that is the CSIA program. Those who have earned the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential have demonstrated their commitment to their industry to fire prevention, and to the clientele they serve. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps pass an extensive examination on the national codes and standards and agree to the CSIA Code of Ethics.
4. How can a sweep help me to maintain a safe home?
Paying a little bit now can protect your largest investment against fire damage or carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper inspections and maintenance have even saved lives. And besides, a clean chimney simply smells better; the same elements that catch fire also create chimney odors when the chimney is not in use.
5. Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is not easily detected. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for common illnesses such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, or even depression. Carbon monoxide detectors are now readily available and no home should be without at least two of them: one near the fireplace and another near the sleeping area of the home. Detectors are NOT a substitute for routine maintenance, but can be a lifesaver should problems occur. Carbon monoxide problems are always caused by poor ventilation, and blocked chimneys are one of the largest single causes of carbon monoxide in the home. Without proper maintenance, heating systems can be dangerous because they can cause fires or release toxic gases into your living area that cause serious damage, illness, or even death. Poor ventilation is the cause, so it’s critical to have a clean chimney. When there is build up in your chimney, they must be removed by a chimney professional.
6. How long does a chimney cleaning/ inspection take and do I have to be there?
A chimney cleaning usually takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to clean and evaluate. We strongly recommend that the homeowner is there so we may relay our findings or any recommendations that we find during our inspection.
7. What should I do with my pets?
It is recommended that you secure your pets before we arrive. Although your pets may be friendly, we are still strangers to them and we are in their territory. After laying down our drop cloths there is always a chance your pet may track soot off the runners, onto the carpet or furniture.
8. May I go up on the roof and check the chimney with the service men?
For insurance reasons we are not allowed to permit customers on our ladders or staging. We do, however, use digital cameras to take photos of your chimney for any repairs or damage we may want to point out to you. You may view the photos on the spot, and our servicemen will go over any recommendations with you at that time.
9. My clothes don’t dry as fast as they used to, and I’ve been told that the problem is not in the dryer. Can you help me?
Yes. Very often dryer exhausts become clogged with lint and other debris, such as nesting material. Hales Chimney uses special equipment to clean the vent.
10. When Hales Chimney services my home, will there be a mess?
No. Our technicians will set up drop cloths and use a powerful vacuum that prevents soot and dust from entering the home, and we are careful to take precautions in order to prevent any mess.
11. With the rising cost of heating, is there anything I can do to minimize heat loss in the area of my fireplace?
Most fireplaces/chimneys were originally built with a cast iron damper. Unfortunately, these types of dampers warp and rust over time, preventing your fireplace from becoming properly sealed. Installing a top-sealing damper can dramatically cut your energy costs by preventing cold air from entering your chimney because its sealed off from the top.
12. Why do I need a chimney cap?
Chimney caps protect your home and family by preventing birds and animals from entering the chimney. Their droppings accumulate on the smoke shelf, causing a bad smell and a breeding ground for mites. Grass, paper, sticks and trash are also imported by these critters for nesting and may block the chimney from venting properly. Apart from animals, rain does a great deal of damage to interior chimney and firebox construction. Rain is also the cause for that “wet campfire” smell and a rusty damper. Chimney caps are also designed to prevent rain and the metal screen is important to contain sparks and cinders from igniting your roof or other surroundings.
13. What if it rains or snows on the day of the appointment?
We will call you on the morning of your appointment to confirm or reschedule. This will depend on the forecast. North Texas weather can be difficult to read.
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