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.

The Master Chimney Sweep Certification Image - Indianapolis IN - Your Chimney SweepWhat 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!