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What Is A Chimney Sweep? From the Chimney Safety Institute of America www.csia.org The primary job of a chimney service professional is to aid in the prevention of fires related to fireplaces, woodstoves, gas, oil and coal heating systems and the chimneys that serve them. Wood burning heating systems, in particular, require careful monitoring and skillful operation. Chimney sweeps inspect, install, sweep and maintain these systems, diagnose performance issues, describe changes for performance improvement and educate the consumer about safe and efficient operation of venting systems. The fundamental duty of a chimney sweep is sweeping chimneys to remove the hazard of accumulated and highly combustible creosote produced by burning wood and wood products. It means eliminating the build-up of soot in coal- and oil-fired systems, it means getting rid of bird and animal nests, leaves and other debris that may create a hazard by blocking the flow of emissions from a home heating appliance. In doing their primary job, sweeps also function as on-the-job fire prevention specialists. They are constantly on the lookout for unsafe conditions that can cause home fires or threaten residents with dangerous or unhealthy indoor air quality. Chimney Cleaning ~ Fireplace and Heater Chimneys All Cleanings Include a FREE Safety Inspection (NFPA Level 1 Inspection) & a Digital Photo Report * 
Each fall, homeowners shift into home-improvement mode. They clean gutters, garages and basements -- preparing homes for winter. But they usually don't inspect, repair or clean their chimneys, despite the potential for damage to their property or even to their lives. An annual chimney inspection by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® is a modest investment that can reduce the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps have earned the industry's most respected credential by passing an intensive examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimneys and venting systems. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a non-profit institution dedicated to public and chimney professional education, virtually all chimney and fireplace fires are preventable. Both CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent these hazards.
About the Chimney Safety Institute of America The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety. CSIA is committed to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide property. To achieve these goals, CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public, chimney and venting professionals and other fire prevention specialists about the prevention and correction of chimney and venting system hazards. About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit membership organization founded in 1896 as the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by developing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA is the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on public safety. The National Fire Protection Association states, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary.” An annual chimney inspection by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® is small investment that can reduce the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps have earned the industry's most respected credential by passing an intensive examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimneys and venting systems. At American Chimney, our C.S.I.A. certified sweeps specialize in fireplace cleaning and inspections. Our technicians bring a Safety Inspection Checklist for a Level 1 inspection. The inspection starts at the top of the fireplace where we inspect the chimney cap, chimney crown, flashing, and brickwork. Our technicians will also inspect the inside of the chimney and fireplace. This includes the smoke chamber, damper, firebox, lintel, hearth, and the ash dump door.
Based on our findings during this inspection, our technicians will determine if a cleaning is needed. After the chimney and fireplace inspection and/or cleaning process, the technician will notify you if there are any immediate concerns and if the fireplace or heater should not be used. You will receive a digital photo report will detailed descriptions of any damage that is found within 1-2 weeks.
Call (215) 364-0881 today and schedule your annual inspection. * Digital Photo Report will be sent if any safety concerns are found
(NFPA 211 chimney inspections descriptions) NFPA 211 Inspections are now classified as Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 . Each level of inspection covers specific items depending on the individual appliance and venting system. Below is an explanation of the three levels of inspections and what services your chimney service technician should provide for each level. NFPA Level I Chimney Inspection ~ FREE with all Chimney Cleanings If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. NFPA Level II Chimney Inspection ~ $125 pass or fail These inspections are generally required for real estate transactions. Level II inspections include video inspection of the interior of the chimney flue as well as inspection of the attic and basement areas of the chimney.
NFPA Level III Chimney Inspection ~ Call for Pricing Required when a Level I or Level II inspection warrants that a further, invasive, inspection must be performed to investigate suspected damage or other possible problems in hidden areas.
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