What to look for in a Chimney Sweeping Company
- A good sweep will maintain proper credentials through a nationally recognized certifying agency. While choosing a “Certified Sweep” may not guarantee a positive experience, it should be known that an ongoing commitment to maintaining proper certification by a sweep generally displays a commitment to following ethical chimney sweeping /inspecting practices as well as maintaining proper codes knowledge.
- A good sweep will be properly equipped to sweep and inspect your chimneys and fireplaces.
- Must have tools and equipment in every professional sweeps arsenal are:
- Clean drop cloths: A good sweep will use clean drop clothes to protect your flooring and furnishings as work is being done.
- A Powerful Industrial “Hepa” filtered vacuum. Hepa filters are the highest level of filtration available. They are commonly used in medical facilities where clean air is vital to patient health.
- Digital camera: A good sweep will use a standard digital camera to document any potential concerns such as deteriorating caulk around the flashing or deteriorating masonry above the roof line.
- A chimney scanning video camera: Because knowing the true condition of your chimney’s interior is vital to safe operation, a good sweep will have the ability to inspect and document the entire flue interior by the use of a video camera system. Video inspection of terracotta clay chimney interiors is especially important because video scanning is the only way to view potentially dangerous sidewall cracks and/or deteriorated or missing mortar joints within the flue lining. (This is especially true in large or tall chimneys.)
- A quality draft gauge. This tool enables chimney sweeps and technicians to troubleshoot performance issues and to make appropriate adjustments to your barometric damper. This keeps your chimney clean and your heating system running efficiently.
- A good sweep will have a combustible gas and carbon monoxide detector. When chimneys are not venting properly, gases can build up in the interior home environment. These detectors measure dangerous levels of combustible gasses and/or carbon monoxide, which can cause sickness or death.
- A good sweep will have basic chimney repair and maintenance products in their vehicle to ensure quick and on-site service and repairs to your fireplace, chimney, or hearth appliance.
- A good sweep will will keep these products in their truck:
- Basic stainless steel flue caps.
- Stainless steel top mount dampers and replacement parts.
- Chimney crown sealer.
- Flashing sealer.
- Stove and heating appliance connector pipes.
- Stove Gaskets.
- Refractory cement and Caulk.
- Replacement refractory bricks for wood stoves.