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A chimney sweep’s job is to remove soot and other blockages. Then, he’ll check the chimney’s exterior and smoke chamber to determine what repairs are needed. Once the job is complete, the chimney sweep will provide recommendations for proper maintenance and operation of your fireplace. Before the winter months arrive, you should schedule an appointment with your chimney sweep to prevent damage caused by the cold. Read on for more information on the importance of scheduling a chimney sweep inspection.
Home inspectors are not trained to do an inspection of a chimney, so they’re not as knowledgeable about the details of this vital part of a home. They often don’t understand the nuances of a chimney and may miss major problems. An inspection of the chimney sweep is crucial to a buyer’s peace of mind, and it may even save you a lot of money. When a chimney sweep is hired, they’ll also often negotiate on price to ensure that you’re getting the best value.
A Level 2 inspection will include a video scan with closed circuit cameras to provide a better view of the inside of a chimney. This method allows technicians to view hard-to-reach areas and may even make it easier to access the attic and basement of a home. Depending on your particular situation, you may need a Level 3 inspection, which requires the chimney sweep to remove and destroy any materials attached to it. The technician will then clean up all debris before leaving your home.
The first step in becoming a chimney sweep is getting certified by the CSIA. These programs offer comprehensive training in chimney sweeping and repair, as well as ethics, customer service, and industry regulations. CSIA sweeps are required to pass a two-part exam, the first of which tests knowledge of the trade and the codes governing chimney safety and operation. The second exam focuses on the International Residential Code. CSIA sweeps must complete continuing education credits every three years.
In another case, an association hired a chimney sweep to clean the chimneys in 294 units. The sweep was required to clean and inspect all chimneys and attached appliances in accordance with NFPA 211. However, the unit owner had replaced the original fireplace doors with after-market ones, blocking the air flow around the prefabricated fireplace. As a result, the fireplace overheated and sparked the wood members.