Our Company Blog

Is My Chimney Safe?

You’ve maybe heard your neighbors ask it of their homes while looking up at the roof or lighting the fireplace. It’s the most common question homeowners ask chimney sweeps, and you’ve maybe asked it yourself. The reason homeowners ask is that the chimney is one of the biggest systems in your home and can be the most dangerous.

safety firstIs ANY Chimney Safe?

The question is, can any chimney be 100 percent safe? Even chimneys that are well-constructed used properly, and maintained regularly are not guaranteed to be problem-free. The fact is that while your chimney will never be 100 percent safe, there are ways to ensure it’s the safest it can possibly be.

Regular Maintenance and Chimney Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), regular maintenance is exactly what makes the safest and most efficient chimney systems. Safe chimneys are efficient ones and efficient chimneys are safe. This means that the most important thing you can do for your chimney and your home is to have it regularly swept, inspected, and properly maintained.

During your chimney sweep, a technician will clean your chimney system of any soot, creosote, ash, and debris, protecting your home all the while. We come in and cover flooring and furniture with drop cloths and use an industrial vacuuming system to keep the whole service mess-free and stress-free. Once complete, you can rest assured that your flue is obstruction-free and no hazards exist.

During a standard chimney inspection a certified technician will assess the whole system from top to bottom, inside and out. There are three levels of inspection based on your own needs. If your chimney has been functioning properly and used in the same fashion with no changes or problems, you need a level one inspection each year. If the chimney has had a problem, repair, or gone through a serious storm or fire, it requires a level two inspection which is slightly more thorough and includes a video scan of the flue interior. This inspection is also required before the sale or transfer of property. When a hazard is detected during a level one or two inspection, your technician will recommend a level three inspection. This inspection may require minor demolition and usually results in a chimney repair.

Chimney Damage and Safety

Another risk factor that brings down the safety or efficiency of your chimney is definitely chimney damage. Once a problem is noticed by the homeowner or reported by the technician, it should be repaired as soon as possible. A damaged chimney is not a safe one, whether it’s simply missing a part of the masonry is spalling. If any part of the vast system is out of order, damaged, or missing, the efficiency of the whole system goes down and risk goes up. The only way to have the safest chimney possible is to schedule routine services like sweeps and inspections and then follow the recommendations of the professionals whom you trust with your home and chimney. Money spent repairing a dangerous chimney is money invested in your home. No chimney sweep from Chief Chimney Services will schedule service without first consulting the homeowner. We won’t even schedule a level three inspection without giving you good reason and getting your permission to move forward. We will offer you a report which often includes photographs to back up our recommendations. If you want a second opinion, we understand, but we stand by our technicians and their recommendations 100 percent. If you get a second opinion elsewhere and want to continue services and repairs with us, that is great too! We welcome the business and appreciate the thoroughness of a responsible homeowner.

Spring Cleaning and Chimney Safety

If you haven’t scheduled important maintenance for your chimney system in the last twelve months, now is the time. As part of your spring cleaning routine, while you’re focusing on cleaning the gutters and decluttering the closets, take a look at your masonry. Schedule a chimney sweep or inspection to close out the winter. Use some of your tax refund to make necessary repairs before the rainy season. Invest in your home during this time to ensure you’re doing all you can to maintain the value of your property, but also keeping your home safer and more efficient than ever.

Chimney Maintenance and Repairs in Suffolk County

Residents in Suffolk County need to look no further than Chief Chimney Services for all their comprehensive chimney services. Our priority is safety and comfort for our customers, friends, and neighbors. That means, we strive to offer the best services in the area, completed by the most qualified experts.

Can you ever be sure that your chimney is 100 percent safe? No. But we at Chief Chimney Services will make certain that it’s the safest and most efficient as it can possibly be this winter and through future winters.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or schedule online today.

By John Pilger on March 16th, 2020 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Is My Chimney Safe?

Start Your Year Off Right With an Inspection

So you’ve put all of your holiday decorations away. You’re in the thick of winter hibernation but not quite ready for spring cleaning. If you’re a home or business owner with a fireplace, it is worth your safety and investment to schedule an inspection now. Don’t wait until spring for necessary and life-saving maintenance. Chief Chimney Services offers inspections year-round, but if your system hasn’t been inspected in the last year, a winter appointment will keep your home and family safe.

chimney sweep climbing ladderChimney Inspections for Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that chimney systems that are inspected annually and cleaned regularly are the safest and most efficient. We are in the business of chimney safety and that is why we offer NFPA level 1 and level 2 chimney and fireplace inspections. Your chimney exterior, fireplace or appliance, and interior flue should be inspected annually under the best of circumstances, but there are other reasons to schedule an inspection.

  • After a serious storm, earthquake, or tornado. Any situation that can affect the soundness of your chimney system is a reason to schedule an inspection. Even a situation that doesn’t seem to change anything noticeable can create hidden dangers.
  • After a fire. Whether you have experienced a flue fire that affected the rest of your house or a fire that went unnoticed, it likely caused damage. An inspection by a professional will catch cracks, gaps, voids, and other damage.
  • When a change has been made to the system, including repairs or installations. An inspection must be completed to determine the correct installation and proper chimney function.
  • Before the sale or transfer of property. Because a standard home inspection only includes a general overview of the chimney system, a chimney inspection by a certified professional is the only way to properly determine the state of the chimney system.

If your chimney hasn’t been inspected in the last twelve months, since last burn season, or ever, it’s time to schedule the basic level one inspection to determine safety before use. If you’re already using your fireplace this winter without an inspection, every time you light the fire it puts your home and family at risk. Schedule a basic level one inspection today.

Chimney Inspections in Suffolk County

If you reside in or around Suffolk County and need a chimney inspection, you can join the countless homeowners in Long Island who put their trust in Chief Chimney Services year after year. When your system has been used in the same way with no problems, a level one inspection should be scheduled. This basic level one inspection includes a thorough examination of the readily-accessible portions of the chimney and appliance. It determines basic structural soundness, checks for flue obstructions and creosote levels, and evaluates the condition and installation of the entire system. Scheduling your level one inspection annually prevents problems that lead to a level two inspection—requiring more money, more time, and possible repairs.
In the event of a necessary level two inspection, your technician will do everything included in a level one inspection in addition to all accessible parts of the system, inside and outside. Your technicians may need access to basements or attics and will use video equipment to get an up-close look at the interior of the flue.

Safer Homes in Suffolk County

Winter is made dangerous by dangerous chimneys. House fires are at their peak in January, and the majority of these fires are preventable. Don’t put your home or your property at risk by waiting. Start the New Year off on the right foot by ensuring your home is safe and sound with an annual chimney inspection.

Chief Chimney Services is a family-run company that strives to put families first. Chimney safety is so important to us and the families we serve that all of our technicians are CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. That means that each of us undergoes training and testing outside of our ongoing work with our customers. In fact, we complete and pass a thorough examination over national fire safety codes and chimney science—a certification that we repeat every three years to stay up to date on the best technologies, advancements, and code changes in the industry.

Do you reside in Suffolk County and need an inspection this year? Once your system is inspected, it is good to go until next year. A clean report from your chimney expert will mean a safer fire this winter, less likelihood of winter damage during these months, and prevent chimney leaks and animal intrusions this spring. Don’t put it off any longer. Schedule your chimney inspection today and save money tomorrow.

While you’re making plans to complete chimney maintenance this winter and spring, don’t forget the other service we provide at Chief Chimney Services. Clean up the chimney after a winter of fires with a chimney sweep. Protect the masonry from water penetration by scheduling waterproofing services before the spring. Planning a spring or summer wedding? You can even schedule a lucky chimney sweep to attend!

Not sure exactly what you need? If you have a chimney system, call Chief Chimney Services and we can help.

By John Pilger on January 20th, 2020 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Start Your Year Off Right With an Inspection

How to Find the Best Firewood

When it’s time to light the fire for the fall and winter, it can be easy to get ahead of yourself. Chimney companies get calls every fall about smoky fireplaces which can be blamed on the wrong type of firewood. We get calls throughout winter about creosote buildup. We see unsafe chimneys too often due to unseasoned firewood. Like many other chimney problems, these can be prevented and avoided. Burn only properly seasoned firewood to ensure your fireplace and chimney system works safely and efficiently all season long.

How to Find the Best Firewood - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServicesSeasoned Firewood

Your wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove should only burn properly seasoned firewood. Green or freshly cut wood has too much water content in it to burn well. In fact, when trees are cut, they might be made up of up to 90 percent water! Green firewood burns incompletely takes more wood to reach the desired temperature and creates more creosote, soot, and ash than dry wood. In order to ensure your wood is properly seasoned and dry enough to burn, it’s important to follow a few simple steps.

Preparing Your Firewood

Either you purchase firewood from a local source, or you cut and store it from your own property. If you purchase firewood locally, it’s important to check it for dryness and to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Never purchase firewood that you haven’t personally seen. Purchasing firewood that isn’t seasoned and ready to burn is a waste of money.

If you cut and store your own firewood, it’s important to do so early enough for the wood to sit and dry for at least 3 to 6 months. Harder wood species can take up to 6 months to a year to dry enough for optimal burning. You can help the wood dry best by cutting and storing it properly.

  • Begin by cutting the wood to length and splitting it.
  • Stack the wood loosely in piles off the ground.
  • Store wood in an area where air can circulate.
  • Arrange stacks on a bed of gravel for water runoff.
  • Cover the top of your woodpile with a loose tarp OR arrange wood bark-side up so that water runs off.

Signs of Seasoned Firewood

Your firewood is ready to burn when it has less than 25 percent water content. You can usually tell when it is dry by the look of it. The wood will dull in color and will begin to crack along the edges. The bark will loosen and may fall away, and the wood pieces will feel light in weight. Finally, if you hit two pieces of the firewood together, it will make a hollow sound instead of a dull thud.

Once your firewood is ready to burn you can light your fire! Before you build a fire, though, make sure your chimney is clean and safe as well.

If you’re not sure that your chimney is ready for a fire, call Chief Chimney Services to schedule a chimney sweep today.

By John Pilger on October 20th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on How to Find the Best Firewood

Time to Get Your Fireplace and Heating System Swept!

After a long winter, we’ve finally reached consistent temperatures for spring. Homeowners are shutting down their systems for the off-season and forgetting fires, firewood, and all the work that comes with them. Part of preparing your fireplace and chimney system for the off-season and ensuring it’s ready for fires again in the fall is scheduling professional services. Now is the time to schedule your fireplace and heating system services. We sweep fireplaces wood, gas, and oil fireplace and heating systems!

Safe and Efficient Chimney Systemshouse with large yard and brick chimney

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the safest and most efficient chimney systems are those that are cleaned and inspected regularly. Sweeps may be necessary less or more frequently, depending on your fireplace use, but the inspection should be scheduled annually no matter what! Inspecting the chimney annually cuts down on the chance of chimney fires, helps prepare your chimney system for burn season, and prevents damage caused by water and other wear-and-tear.

We Clean Wood, Gas, and Oil Fireplaces and Chimney Systems

At Chief Chimney Services, we clean chimney systems and fireplaces throughout Suffolk County, New York. Whether your fireplace is fueled by gas, oil, or wood/pellets, we have the experience, training, and tools to get the work done.

Wood-burning Appliances
When sweeping wood-burning appliances, we take the utmost care to clear the flue of soot and creosote that can lead to obstruction and danger. If the creosote isn’t cleaned away regularly, it can build up and obstruct the airflow, slowing it as it vents. This process will lead to smoke stalling in the system and depositing MORE soot and creosote each time the fireplace is used. When we sweep regularly, we use drop cloths to protect the floor and furniture while we work. We use rods and brushes to clean the flue and a vacuuming system to keep the mess contained.

Oil and Gas Appliances
Though oil and gas appliances burn cleaner than wood appliances, they still produce soot that can bring down system efficiency. While they burn, these fires also produce water vapor which can mingle with the soot, damaging the flue liner and more.

We Clean Dryer Vents

It’s not only chimneys and fireplaces that pose a threat when they aren’t maintained properly. Your home may be in danger if you have other systems that are neglected. Clothes dryer vent fire occur almost 3,000 times a year across the U.S. They cause 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to maintain the clothes dryer can lead to an obstructed dryer vent, cost you money, damage your home, and affect your air. Having the dryer vents cleaned once per year will mean your system works properly, drying clothes in one cycle, and saving you money in the process.

We don’t just clean chimneys, we also clean and properly install dryer vents, restore chimney systems and repair all ventilation systems in your home.

If you reside in Suffolk County and you haven’t had your heat systems checked in the last year, it’s important to call the professionals today.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or contact us online.

By John Pilger on April 27th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Time to Get Your Fireplace and Heating System Swept!

The Importance of a Clean Chimney in the New Year

Every twelve months your chimney system needs a good diagnostic appointment. Scheduling annual chimney inspections will keep your chimney at the highest efficiency and safety possible. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) agree that annual inspections and routine sweeps prevent fires and help your chimney last longer. Scheduling in January means a safer chimney for the coldest weeks of winter and a waterproof chimney this spring.

Chief Chimney InspectionsThe importance of a clean chimney in the new year.

At Chief Chimney Services we see chimneys that may be multiple stories high, may be historical, and even very basic. No matter the age or the size, these chimneys need to be inspected annually and brought up to code compliance. Your municipal authorities require it, your homeowners insurance insists upon it, and your safety depends on it. We specialize in thorough inspections of all chimney types, and we utilize NFPA inspections in order to best serve every home and every customer.
Level One – This basic inspection is required annually when there are no changes made to the system or the use of the system. It includes all readily accessible portions of the system, including a visual inspection of the masonry exterior. This inspection assesses basic structural soundness, obstruction, creosote levels, and evaluates the condition and installation of the overall system.
Level Two – When there have been changes made to the system, including new installations or repairs, suspected damage, or natural occurrence which may affect the chimney, a more thorough inspection is required. A level two includes all that in a level one, in addition to a video scan of the interior of the system and accessible portions by attics, crawlspaces, and basements. Special attention is paid in a level two inspection to ensure clearance of combustible materials. Following your level two inspection, you’ll receive a written report and video footage for your records and to reinforce any recommendations from your chimney professional.

Schedule Now

When you schedule now, your chimney can be inspected before your fireplace usage is at its peak. January is the coldest time in many regions, especially here in our service area, and the fireplace is used the most. This means fire risk is higher, but it doesn’t have to be. Schedule a chimney inspection with Chief Chimney Services today. We’ll let you know if there is a problem with any part, component, or a portion of your chimney. We’ll make sure it is in good shape so you’re safe and warm this winter. We’ll determine if your system is properly safe from water penetration and animal intrusion, and we’ll offer a repair plan onsite if it isn’t.

Don’t let your chimney system up to chance. Start the new year with a new inspection that gives you peace of mind and saves you money in accidents and damage.

Call Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on January 16th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on The Importance of a Clean Chimney in the New Year

Schedule a Holiday Chimney Cleaning for Santa!

Your holiday spirit may be dampened by only one thing: a dirty chimney. Not only can it be ugly, stinky, and unsafe, but it can also ruin the night of the Jolly Elf himself–Santa! Making sure that you get a chimney sweep scheduled now will mean a clean chimney for Christmas.

Why Clean the ChimneySanta reading by a fire
A dirty chimney is a dangerous chimney. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)  recommend routine chimney maintenance for the safest and most efficient chimneys. A chimney works all winter long to vent your fires, and the fireplace is most popular during the holiday season. Don’t neglect yours! Schedule a chimney sweep to help your chimney work properly, to have the best and most beautiful fire possible, and the warmth you most want.
Soot and Creosote – If not cleaned away, soot and creosote can build up in the chimney interior, resulting in a dangerous mass that can ignite at any time. A chimney professional can clean these materials away before they become a problem, and can even remove glazed creosote without damaging the liner at all.
Unwelcome Odors – A dirty chimney will undoubtedly produce some unwelcome smells that may ruin your holiday gatherings and festivities. It may start with just the smell, but you soon may have a smoky fireplace that pushes smoke into your home more than heat.
Ashes, Stains, and Difficult Fires – Your hearth is the focal point of your home year-round, but during the holidays it is brought to new life! Your fireplace will be the backdrop to all of your holiday festivities, gatherings, and photo-ops. A good cleaning will remove ashes, prevent stains, and help your fireplace produce a beautiful, vibrant, and warm fire.

Call the Professionals
If you’re ready to invest in your home and your holidays by scheduling a chimney sweep, make sure you hire a certified professional who can get the job done right. At Chief Chimney Services, you can count on the best experience possible. We keep your home clean by using drop clothes, tarps, and a high-powered vacuuming system. We’ll clean your chimney system with brushes and tools that do the job while protecting your system from damage. We’ll also make sure you’re notified of any damages–minor or major–and recommended repairs or services.

It might be Santa in coming weeks, but it’s your family that depends on a well-working fireplace all winter long. Your chimney will only work as well as it’s treated, and we treat chimneys with the best at Chief Chimney Services.

Call and schedule a sweep with one of our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps today. Call 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on December 14th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Schedule a Holiday Chimney Cleaning for Santa!

Schedule a New Year’s Chimney Inspection

Although the Bomb Cyclone is bringing freezing temperatures now and throughout January, you have likely been using your fireplace for several weeks. In fact, your fireplace and chimney may be in need of a little maintenance before you spend the rest of the season burning fires. Don’t wait until spring to schedule a chimney sweep or inspection. Schedule services now so that you can prevent damage, carbon monoxide intrusion, fire, and more. Schedule a New Year’s Chimney Inspection - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney

Why Schedule an Inspection?

Both the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend routine chimney sweeps and annual inspections for a safe and efficient chimney and fireplace. Neglecting this type of maintenance is exactly what causes a chimney to fall into disrepair, become unsafe, and can lead to leaks, fire, and damage to the home, but also to the family’s health. Schedule an inspection now and rest assured that your chimney is ready for the second half of winter. When your certified chimney sweep gives you the A-okay, it means all the parts of your chimney are installed and working properly, there are no visible hazards, and it’s safe for regular use.

When Do You Need an Inspection?

Homeowners have some freedom to decide when to schedule a chimney inspection. They are recommended annually, but if you haven’t had yours inspected this fall or winter, do it now. Don’t wait! Every fire you light in your fireplace puts your family at risk when you haven’t had it inspected in the last 12 months.
Other reasons to schedule an inspection include:

  • Before selling or transferring property ownership
  • After a change is made to the system (repair, installation, change in fuel-type)
  • After a natural disaster such as tornado, hurricane, or earthquake
  • After a flue fire

Who Can Do Your Inspection?

Only a certified chimney sweep should complete a chimney inspection. The home inspector before a real estate sale does not know how to properly assess a chimney system, nor does a general contractor. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep can complete a CSIA inspection, offer a professional report, and sign it with authority. Your realtor, lawyer, and homeowners insurance provider will look for the CSIA signature, which is the industry standard for chimney care. If you hire an amateur, their work will not be insured, their business may not be licensed, and your homeowner’s insurance may not pay-out if you have to file a claim.

Choose the best chimney sweep company to work on your chimney so that you know the work is done correctly. When you choose Chief Chimney Services, you can depend on us for all of your comprehensive chimney needs. We offer chimney sweeps, inspections, repairs, installations, and more. Schedule with Chief

By John Pilger on January 15th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Schedule a New Year’s Chimney Inspection

Masonry Repairs and Tuckpointing

Your chimney is designed to outlast your house. However, neglecting maintenance and natural occurrences can cause chimney problems that shorten its life. A long winter, for instance, can damage masonry. This is especially true if the chimney hasn’t been properly waterproofed.Tuckpointing And Masonry Repairs - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Service

Water and Your Masonry

Masonry is constructed of many materials that are adversely affected by water. Unfortunately, even a small amount of water can cause big damage, especially during winter. When water penetrates the masonry, it is subject to a freeze/thaw cycle that damages the chimney’s structure. The water freezes when temperatures drop, expanding and busting the masonry. Afterwards, melting when temperatures rise, allowing the water to flow deeper into the damaged masonry. This process is repeated until it causes serious damage!

Common Masonry Damage

  • Spalling – The freeze/thaw cycle causes spalling. This means the mortar cracks and falls away and bricks flake, thus leaving holes in your chimney.
  • Water Damage – Water damage can vary from serious, structural issues to simple stains on the interior or exterior of the chimney system.

Chief Chimney Services has been serving the Suffolk County area for over 20 years. During spring inspections, our technicians often find winter damage that require repairs.

Chief Chimney Services Repairs Your Masonry

  • Tuckpointing – Perhaps the most common masonry repair our technicians see is tuckpointing. Our skilled masons remove damaged mortar and bricks and replace them with new mortar for a clean, restored look. This process can be tedious because the new mortar must match the old in consistency, strength, and color. Failing to match the mortar perfectly can mean weaker masonry!
  • Rebuild – Less common that tuckpointing, but still important, is the masonry rebuild. For the chimneys that have been grossly neglected or badly damaged due to natural disasters or fire, our masons can rebuild them beautifully.
  • Firebox Repair – The firebox withstands the most abuse and often gets the least attention. The firebox keeps the fire in its place, though, so you need it to do its job, and do it well! During your chimney sweep, our technician can spot a problem before it becomes a hazard, and plan accordingly.
  • Chimney Crown Repair – The chimney crown also withstands abuse, topping your chimney and keeping out weather and critters. The crown can become damaged because it hasn’t been waterproofed, because of age, or because it wasn’t properly constructed. Whatever the cause, Chief Chimney Services can replace it with a recast chimney crown that is beautiful and functional!

When it’s time to close out your chimney for the off-season, you want to make sure it’s ready for fall. Don’t spend your summer fretting over your chimney repairs. Get your inspection this spring so you can schedule necessary repairs as well. At Chief Chimney Services we put our customers first, and we want your chimney to be ready and safe for fall.

Schedule your appointment now!

By John Pilger on June 7th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Masonry Repairs and Tuckpointing

Why Are Professional Certifications Important?

You wouldn’t hire just anyone to rewire your home’s electricity, and you shouldn’t hire a neighborhood handyman to work on your chimney system. According to the U.S. Fire Administration there are about 1 million home fires annually. Of these house fires both electrical fires and home heating fires make up 7 percent. The truth is that a fireplace may add value to your home, but if not maintained and used properly it can cost you dearly in life, health, insurance, and repairs. The best way to save money tomorrow is to take preventative measures today. Hire a certified professional who specializes in fire and chimney science, masonry repairs, installations, and more.

Why Are Professional Certifications Important Image - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServicesProfessional Affiliations and Memberships

There are many affiliations that chimney sweeps can have that indicate a higher standard than others. If you’re shopping around for a chimney sweep, you should first look at their professional certifications and affiliations. If a professional in any field spends the time and money to join professional organizations, this is an indication that they are wiling to invest in their performance, their business, and their industry. Some professional affiliations to look for are memberships to national and state Chimney Sweep Guilds and training and certifications from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fireplace Institute (NFI). These certifications mean the chimney sweep has advanced training and education in his field.

The Most Trusted Industry Standard: CSIA

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certification has been the industry standard since the 1980’s for many reasons:

  • Accreditation.
    CSIA meets the highest of education standards and is actually regulated by the Indiana State Workforce Innovation Council.
  • Longevity.
    CSIA was established in 1983 and has been the industry standard since.
  • Non-Profit.
    CSIA is a non-profit organization governed by professionals and technical experts in the industry from across the country.
  • Code of Ethics.
    CSIA members must adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics designed to protect homeowners from fraud. If they are found in violation of the Code of Ethics their certification can be revoked.
  • Public Safety and Industry Involvement.
    CSIA’s mission includes public and professional education and a commitment to eliminate home chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and other chimney-related hazards.
  • Continued Education.
    CSIA members must re-certify by examination or continued education every three years in order to stay abreast to industry changes.
  • Reciprocal Affiliated Trades Relationships.
    CSIA devotes resources to educating not just the public, but also similar trades that can contribute to the safety of homes and families including home inspectors, realtors, and homeowner associations.
  • National Recognition.
    CSIA has been nationally recognized as the industry standard. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps have appeared on Good Morning America, Dateline, and 20/20, in the New York Times, Consumer Reports, and Popular Mechanics, to name a few. It’s the certification required by many homeowners insurance companies, municipal codes, and warranties.

It’s important to find a trusted professional when searching for someone on whom your home’s safety depends. In the Suffolk County area you can depend on the best chimney sweeps by calling Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or requesting an appointment online.

By John Pilger on April 5th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Why Are Professional Certifications Important?

Beat the Fall Rush and Get Your Chimney Inspections and Repairs Done Now

In the chimney and fireplace industry, late spring and summer is considered the off-season. This is when burning season has finished and emergency calls decrease to a standstill. It frees up the Beat the Rush and Get Your Chimney Swept Now IMG- Suffolk, NY- Chief Chimney Serviceschedule for the chimney sweep companies, and allows customers the freedom to get work done at their convenience.

The Fall Rush

When the weather becomes cool some homeowners need to have their chimney swept or inspected before use. Others may be caught without proper wood to burn, and decide to burn wood that isn’t suitable, essentially causing problems in the chimney system. Still others may have had a chimney sweep or inspection in the spring or summer, but forgot to followup for some repairs. So instead of using the fireplace for home heating, they have to wait until the chimney sweep can fit them in to have repairs made. The fall rush is not a great time to need a chimney sweep.

Tips and Tricks to Beat the Rush

It’s not hard to beat the fall rush, but it will save you a headache in the long run. Here are a few tips to get you going:

—Summer Appointments
Homeowners can simply schedule inspections and repairs during the off-season. By scheduling your chimney appointments now, you are more likely to prevent costly damage to your chimney, fireplace, and home or property. Also, if your chimney needs repairs, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to make the repairs now, before an entire summer of rain and warm weather can possibly penetrate the chimney.

—Forward Scheduling
Homeowners can schedule appointments in advance, so they’re taken care of when they need them. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends a yearly, level 1 inspection for homes that have had no changes. Since this is also a requirement of most homeowners insurance, it’s not something you can or should avoid. So schedule in advance. Schedule a year in advance, and don’t worry about it for a year!

—Preventative Measures
There are many things a homeowner can do to prevent problems with the chimney. For instance, choosing proper wood for burning in the fireplace, and also by choosing NOT to burn non-organic substances. Burning trash, clothes, plastic, or treated wood is never a good idea.

Homeowners can also discuss preventative measures with their chimney sweep. Chimney sweeps and inspections are very important measures to take, but waterproofing is also a very easy and inexpensive way to prevent a lot of damage.

The old Benjamin Franklin saying is true: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By preventing damage, you won’t need to make an emergency call to your chimney sweep in the middle of the fall rush.

Call Chief Chimney Services today to schedule your appointment now.

By John Pilger on June 21st, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , | Comments Off on Beat the Fall Rush and Get Your Chimney Inspections and Repairs Done Now