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Why Hire CSIA Certified Sweeps?

Now is the time to prepare your chimney system for winter. A properly maintained chimney will work safely and efficiently for you, last longer, and cost you less in repairs and heated air loss. When you schedule important appointments like your chimney sweep and inspection, you should be sure to hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS).CSIA certified

CSIA Certification and Training

It’s important to us that chimney and fire systems in our communities of Suffolk County, Long Island are maintained properly so that the frequency of accidental fires is less each year. We believe that one fire is too many, and we do our part by educating the public about chimney safety and offering important services that keep the fireplaces and chimneys in our area as safe as possible. Our professional training and CSIA certification help us to be the best and offer our customers the best chimney sweeps have to offer.

Our CSIA certification means that we spent hours in classroom and field training, completed and passed a 3-hour examination, and we are knowledgeable and experienced in diagnostics and fire safety standards nationwide. As CSIA certified sweeps we are part of a network of industry professionals that help each other and the public bring down the number of fires affecting our communities. We also adhere to a strict Code of Ethics designed to keep homeowners safe from potential scams. Any CSIA member found in violation of this code can have their credentials revoked. In addition to initial certification, we also re-certify as CSIA certified chimney sweeps every three years either by re-examination or continuing education credits. This means our education never stops because this industry never stops changing. Technologies and advancements in diagnostics, repairs, and products mean that we have to continuously learn our trade.

Choosing the Right Professional

When you’re searching for the right chimney professional to get your chimney in shape for fall, look no further than the experts at Chief Chimney Services. We service a wide swath of Long Island zip codes and if you’re not in our service area we will try our best to find someone to service your system. Our priority is safety and comfort this season, and maintenance now means safety later. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFP), the safest and most efficient chimney systems are those that are cleaned regularly and inspected annually. If your system hasn’t been serviced yet and you’re looking to use it this fall, call Chief Chimney Services today. We offer routine preventative services, inspections, repairs, installations, and general diagnostics.

If you own or rent in the Suffolk County area, you can reach a chimney and fire expert at 631-863-2460 or make an appointment online.

By John Pilger on October 10th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Why Hire CSIA Certified Sweeps?

The Different Levels of Chimney Inspections

Like every working part of a home, the chimney system is one that must be maintained properly in order to work properly. It should have the correct fuel, should be used properly, and should be assessed regularly.Chimney Inspection Levels - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

CSIA Inspections

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend routine maintenance for a safe and efficient chimney system. This includes regular chimney sweeps as needed to keep an individual chimney system clean, and annual inspections to assess safety and function. CSIA inspections are the national standard to which chimneys are held. Officials will look for the CSIA signature for insurance claims, code enforcement, and home sales.

Three Levels for a Thorough Inspection

Because of the varied use of chimneys and fireplaces, not every chimney will need the same inspection. A chimney that has just endured a flue fire will need a more thorough assessment than a chimney that is used periodically and has never had a problem or change. This is why CSIA has three levels of inspections.

  • Level One – This inspection is required annually when there have been no changes to the chimney system and it has been and will be used in the same way. The technician will assess all readily accessible portions of the system and needs no tools for this level of inspection. If a problem is recognized, there will need to be a more thorough examination.
  • Level Two – This inspection is recommended when a hazard is discovered in a level one inspection. It is also required upon the sale or transfer of property, following a natural disaster that affects the home, or when a change is made to the chimney system. The level two inspection includes all that found in a level one inspection, in addition to an assessment of hidden portions of the system (attics, crawlspaces).
  • Level Three – The most thorough inspection is recommended when a serious hazard is suspected and may include the removal of components to access those hazards. During this inspection the technician may use special tools to remove interior walls or components of the chimney in order to access the hazard, but only if required to reach the hazard. This inspection will determine what repairs must be made in order to use your chimney without putting your home and family in danger.

There are many hidden damages when you use a chimney and fireplace for home heating, but these dangers are decreased when the chimney system is properly maintained. Schedule an inspection today so that you don’t have to worry about a dangerous health emergency or accidental fire this winter.

Chief Chimney Services offers chimney inspections that include video scanning for added visibility. Our sweeps are CSIA certified, and experienced to catch even the slightest weakness in your chimney system. Call and speak to one of our sweeps today at 631-863-2460.

By John Pilger on October 26th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on The Different Levels of Chimney Inspections

FAQ: Smoke and Draft Problems

As a homeowner you want your fireplace or stove to be an efficient heating system. If you have noticed a smoke or draft problem, then your heat system is probably not working correctly. This means the gases aren’t rising fast enough through the chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) mentions 100 reasons your fireplace doesn’t work and most of them could be brought back to smoke and draft problems.

FAQ Smoke and Draft Problems - Smithtown NY - Chief Chimney

What Causes Smoke and Draft Problems?

The cause of a smokey chimney can be as simple as a household appliance competing with the chimney’s ventilation or the house being too tight for the gases to vent. It can be more tricky than this sometimes, however.

For instance, if a chimney is leaky or dirty, the smoke can be obstructed and won’t rise as fast. This can be a fire hazard, because the debris left on the walls of an unclean chimney is highly flammable. When the gases and smoke from the fire rise too slowly, the heat can ignite this debris called creosote.

This can also be a problem if proper wood isn’t being burned in the fireplace or appliance. If wood isn’t properly seasoned it won’t burn completely, causing more debris buildup, and causing the smoke to rise too slowly.

What Does it Mean?

If your chimney is releasing smoke into your home you may experience health hazards such as a range of asthmatic symptoms, cough, itchy eyes, and even hospitalization. It also means your chimney is less efficient, and a possible fire hazard.

What Can I do if I Suspect a Problem?

If your chimney system is less efficient or if you have a smoke problem, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS). An experienced chimney sweep should be able to diagnose a problem and recommend a fix. As a homeowner you should remember to schedule regular cleanings and annual inspections of your chimney. Having your chimney swept is an important factor in chimney safety and efficiency.

How Can We Fix it?

A professional not only can diagnose your chimney smoke and draft problems, but can also make the necessary repairs to get your system back to highest safety and efficiency. At Chief Chimney Services we are experienced in repairing smokey chimneys for problems ranging from: flue obstructions, creosote buildup, improperly-functioning damper, poorly-designed fireplace, airtight homes, and competing appliances.

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to schedule an appointment with a certified professional who will offer professional services and expert advice. When you depend on your fireplace for home heat during the winter, you want it to be efficient and safe. Don’t wait to make an appointment to have your smokey chimney diagnosed today.

By John Pilger on May 6th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on FAQ: Smoke and Draft Problems