Finding the right chimney sweep can be intimidating. There are plenty of stories about people who have had bad experiences with companies pushing unnecessary chimney repairs or have made a mess of someone’s home. Some have caused damage.
Fortunately, there’s one organization dedicated to educating, training and certifying chimney sweeps. When you are searching for a new chimney sweep, make sure you hire one that is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
About the CSIA
The CSIA is one of the leading educational organizations for chimney sweeps. The CSIA is dedicated to increasing chimney and fireplace safety by educating the public and chimney sweeps on proper fireplace and chimney installation, care and maintenance. The CSIA offers certification for chimney sweeps nationwide to help homeowners identify which chimney sweeps have been properly trained and are bound by the industry’s code of ethics.
CSIA certification
To earn CSIA certification, chimney sweeps have to undergo an educational course that trains them to properly clean, inspect and repair chimneys. The training also ensures that they understand the proper construction and installation of fireplaces, and that they know the codes and standards for constructing chimneys and vents; installing fireplaces, heating stoves and chimneys; and U.S. EPA guidelines for home-heating appliances. Sweeps also are taught the science behind wood combustion and creosote formation. Once sweeps have undergone the training course, they must pass a certification exam. To remain certified, sweeps are required to renew their certification each year, and they must retake the exam every three years.
The CSIA difference
In addition to an emphasis on training and education, the CSIA is committed to developing chimney sweeps who are bound by an industry code of ethics. When you hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, you can rest assured that the sweep is not only well trained in chimney and fireplace installation and maintenance, but they are held to a code of ethics designed to provide you with a positive experience. The code requires that CSIA-certified chimney sweeps stay up-to-date and follow all local codes pertaining to home-heating appliances; that they follow all manufacturer’s instructions when installing and servicing fireplaces, heating stoves and chimneys; that they treat customers professionally and with respect; and that they work to educate their customers about fireplace and chimney safety.
Fluesbrothers is proud to be CSIA certified!
At Fluesbrothers Chimney Service, we are proud to be CSIA-certified chimney sweeps. Our certification ensures that we are well equipped to deal with all of your fireplace and chimney needs, from installation to servicing to repair. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, experienced chimney sweep you can trust, call Fluesbrothers Chimney Service today!
