How to Determine if Chimney Work is Necessary
As with a vehicle, chimneys require regular maintenance for safety and proper function. Therefore, choosing a skilled and reliable Milwaukee chimney sweep is imperative. These professionals can improve the safety of a home as well as inform residents about both minor and urgent repair needs. This expert advice is especially useful considering chimney problems can often pose undetected safety concerns.
Chimney Fire |
"Chimney sweeps are trained experts that perform a valuable service to help protect residents and property," noted Sooty Bob. "Their advice should be taken seriously. But it should also be challenged so that the end result is a positive experience."
Chimney service remains an important consideration for all fireplace owners. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 30,000 residential fires in 1996 were related to solid fuel appliances and equipment, chimneys or chimney connectors. These fires led to 130 deaths and over $184.4 million in property losses.However, like other home repairs, some chimney services are recommended to improve performance but are not essential for the safety of the home or chimney. In order to feel confident about choosing a reliable sweep as well as moving ahead with any prescribed chimney repairs, Sooty Bob advises residents to:
- Ask for References. Find a chimney sweep through references. Ask friends and neighbors.
- Check Credentials. Verify the credibility of the sweep through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) [www.csia.org] or the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) [www.ncsg.org]. All offer resources on sweeps in areas throughout North America. Check for local business credibility through the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau.
- Verify Recommendations. If a sweep recommends service, ask him for a way to verify that the service is necessary. Many sweeps offer a video scan of a chimney for a nominal charge, which can be money well spent. Or, have them describe the problem with a detailed report.
- Determine Level of Urgency. Ask the sweep to indicate the level of urgency associated with the repair. Look for technical feedback about any safety risks, long-term repercussions or health hazards.
- Be Smart. Investigate possible repairs via the Internet. CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA} [www.nfpa.org], as well as the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) [www.hpba.org] offer great tips to help educate fireplace owners. The CSIA also offers brochures that explain various chimney services, such as: chimney lining, care and maintenance of a fireplace, carbon monoxide hazards and much more.
- Double Check. Before discounting a diagnosis, consider a second opinion.
Chimney sweeping is a technical industry. Sweeps can go to school at the CSIA Technology Center in Indianapolis and learn professional inspection techniques according to the standards set by the NFPA
Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996.
Our Website is at http://cleansweepchimney.vpweb.com
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