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If you have a fireplace, every so often you should engage the services of a chimney sweep. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, “The primary job of a chimney [sweep] 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.”
As part of their inspection process, chimney sweeps focus on spotting potential fire and smoke dangers, such as a blocked chimney. A blocked chimney can be especially hazardous to homeowners who have a gas fireplace. 99% of gas fireplaces are designed to vent fumes and heat to the outside through a chimney. If the chimney is not functioning properly, than these fumes, such as carbon monoxide, can build up in deadly levels in a home. Certified chimney sweeps perform three types of home inspections: · Level 1 – During a level 1 inspection, a chimney sweep examines the accessible portions of your chimney and chimney connections for soundness of the structure and flue mechanism. In addition, the chimney sweep will check to see if your chimney is clear of any obstructions and flammable material(s). · Level 2 – A level 2 inspection by a chimney sweep generally takes place when the homeowner changes the material that they are burning in their fireplace – from gas to wood and vice versa. In addition, it is required to have a chimney sweep inspect a fireplace when a home is bought or sold, and / or damage may have occurred to the chimney. · Level 3 – If a chimney sweep identifies any causes for concern during a level 1 or level 2 chimney inspection, they will often recommend that a level 3 inspection is performed. A level 3 inspection generally entails special tools and inspecting portions of the chimney that are not visible. And, in some cases, removal of certain portions of the fireplace and chimney are required to complete the inspection. If you have not had your chimney inspected by a chimney sweep in the past several years, then it is recommended that you do so before the start of the next cold season. One thing to consider is that the chimney service trade is not managed and in most states, chimney sweeps are not regulated. In order to make sure that your chimney sweep is on the up and up, consider logging onto the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website (www.csia.org). They maintain a list of chimney sweeps that they have certified. And their list is easily searchable by state, so you can find a chimney sweep that works in your area.
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