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The Master Chimney Sweep Certification

Finding a service professional always proves difficult. You want a professional who is knowledgeable and experienced, and who will do the job right the first time. Finding a chimney sweep can be even more nerve-wracking; if your chimney and fireplace aren’t properly cared for, you put your home at risk of a fire. You might know that the best way to find an experienced, reliable chimney sweep is by searching for a sweep who has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). However, there’s a step above the CSIA certification: the Master Chimney Sweep Certification.

What is the Master Chimney Sweep Certification?

To obtain the Master Chimney Sweep Certification, chimney sweeps go above and beyond the requirements of the regular CSIA certification. With regular CSIA certification, sweeps undergo training or classes and sit through certification exams that cover: the physics of combustion, the proper removal of creosote from a chimney, building codes and clearances for fire-burning appliances, and proper chimney and fireplace repair and maintenance. They swear to follow a code of contact that guarantees they will follow industry best practices! They also promise to follow a professional code of ethics.

To qualify as a Master Chimney Sweep, CSIA-certified chimney sweeps must also:

• Be an active CSIA-certified chimney sweep who has held CSIA certification for 10 or more continuous years.
• Hold the CSIA certification for dryer vent cleaning.
• Completed additional CSIA courses in chimney physics, inspection and report writing or diagnostics and documentation, masonry repair for chimney professionals, and lining masonry chimney with stainless steel.
• Have an active National Fireplace Institute (NFI) Certification that was earned through the CSIA course in Installing and Troubleshooting Wood-Heating Appliances or Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances or an NFI certification that has been held for more than six years, a FIRE Certified Inspector credential, or a degree in fire science from an accredited college.

Where can you find a CSIA Master Chimney Sweep?

CSIA Master Chimney Sweeps are few and far between. The CSIA lists only 33 Master Chimney Sweeps nationwide! Here in Indianapolis, there are two master chimney sweeps. One is a CSIA employee, and the other is Your Chimney Sweep Founder and President Joe Sauter! Joe has worked as a chimney sweep for more than 35 years. He has served on the board of directors and as ethic chairman for both the CSIA and the National Chimney Sweep Guild. He is also an Indiana state-certified firefighter with a master in arson and investigations.

When it comes to finding a qualified, experienced, knowledgeable chimney sweep, you can’t do better than Your Chimney Sweep! When you rely on Your Chimney Sweep, you know that your fireplace and chimney will be cleaned, maintained and serviced the right way. Call to schedule your appointment with Your Chimney Sweep today!

Advantages of Top-Sealing Dampers

Like an appliance, your chimney requires maintenance and repair as heat, weather, and time take their toll. One of the first elements to give out in a chimney is often the chimney damper. Since most chimney dampers are metal on metal, they don’t form a particularly tight seal to begin with. When they’re hit with heat from your fireplace and moisture from smoke and the outside environment, they’ll begin to rust and warp. A warped chimney damper might be difficult to open or close. It can also fail to form a complete barrier when closed.

When your chimney damper stops operating properly, it’s time for a replacement. Most chimneys are installed with damper located in the throat. However, these dampers are usually replaced with top-sealing chimney dampers. They are placed atop the chimney crown.  Afterwards, they are attached to cables. These cables run down the chimney to a handle or lever that allows you to open and close the damper.

Benefits of a top-sealing damper.

When replacing a chimney damper, top-sealing dampers offer a convenient option. This is because their exterior location makes them easier to fit than a replacement throat damper. Convenience, however, isn’t the only reason to choose a top-sealing damper. This type of damper is fitted with a rubber gasket that forms a tight seal when the damper is closed. That means your new damper will do a more complete job of protecting your chimney from the elements. With a top-sealing damper, water and cold air can’t enter through your chimney when the damper is closed. In addition, warm air from your home can’t rise out and exit through the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Top-sealing dampers also keep animals, birds, and debris out of your chimney. Many top-sealing dampers attach to their bases with collapsible metal caging. This means even when the damper is open, birds, bats, animals and leaves can’t enter your chimney. When it comes to keeping moisture, animals, birds and debris out of your chimney, nothing works better than a top-sealing chimney damper!

Need a new damper? Call Your Chimney Sweep!

Is your existing chimney damper failing, stuck in place, or letting a draft in? If so, call Your Chimney Sweep to ask about having a top-sealing damper installed! Your Chimney Sweep installs top-of-the-line top-sealing dampers that will restore your chimney’s function. Plus, it protects your chimney from animals and the elements and last for years to come. Our chimney technicians will evaluate your existing chimney and find the right top-sealing damper to fit your flue. We’ll even install it the right way! Call now to schedule an appointment and have your new top-sealing damper ready in time for the burning season!