There are many health hazards that are caused by the improper maintenance of a home chimney.    If you are a busy homeowner and cannot find the time or don’t have the know-how to clean your own flue, it is a good idea to hire a professional chimney sweep and make sure they are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).  A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep is a skilled technician who inspects the chimney and cleans and clears soot, debris, and ashes from the chimney.  The government’s fire prevention and protection agencies are recommending homeowners have their chimneys inspected at least once per year. Chimney sweep companies that employ CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are dependable, and will provide professional services for this kind of task.  They are promoting their expertise in inspecting and maintaining dryer vents, fireplaces, chimneys and even woodstoves. As a prudent homeowner, you have to understand the complexity and the correct usages of your home’s chimney system.

Hiring a chimney sweep that is CSIA Certified can take care of all the safety recommendations and proper maintenance of your chimney.   Their professional skills must include:

• The ability to perform regular inspections (Level I and Level II) , and recommend needed repairs and waterproofing when necessary;
• The ability to detect and repair of any water leak that will cause damage to the outer and inner parts of the fireplace and chimney;
• The ability to install chimney caps for preventing snow, rain , small animals, leaves and debris from entering the flue;
• The ability to repair an incorrectly built or deteriorated chimney crown;
• Restoring a dented chimney’s chase tops, which are likely to lead to the staining of your chimney’s sidings and putting strain on the assembled metal flue;

According to the CSIA there are additional questions that should be asked to ensure that the person hired is a credible service technician:

1. How long has the chimney sweeping company been in business?
2. Does the company offer current references?
3. Does the company have unresolved complaints filed within the city or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau?
4. Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
5. Does the company ensure that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep will be on the job site?

Professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are experts in inspecting and sweeping residences of all sizes and designs no matter the year of construction.  You want to look for these skilled chimney sweeps that understand, and can utilize, the latest tools that enable them to do their jobs, safely, securely and correctly.