Checking A Chimney Sweeps Credentials

Tis the Season for chimney sweeps!

Christmastime in San Diego brings many things including cooler weather. People start looking for chimney sweeps and we want to ensure you know what credentials to look for in your chimney sweep.

Many people believe that finding a proper chimney sweep is as simple as a Google or Yellow Pages search. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. The chimney sweep industry is unregulated - meaning that anyone can call themselves a chimney sweep, advertise, and come out to your home.

The problem with this is that if someone comes out to your home and doesn't know what they are doing, they also don't know what to look for. In addition to the possibility of doing real damage to your chimney, an uncertified chimney sweep could miss important details such as a chimney fire, cracks in the firebox, and/or missing components.

These are just a few reasons why it is important to make sure you have a certified chimney sweep come out to your home to inspect and clean your chimney.

There are two different certifications a chimney sweep can hold: the NFI and the CSIA. Both websites allow you to search their certified chimney sweeps for one that is close to you.

For more information on how to find a certified chimney sweep in your area, check out this link from CSIA.

Rain & Your Pre-fabricated Fireplace and Chimney

When you hear water dripping inside your chimney, this is a sign that you have a problem. And if you leave this problem unchecked, it can lead to having to replace the entire fireplace.

At the exterior of the home, covering the top of the chimney, there is a long rectangular piece - often referred to as the chase cover. The job of this chase cover is to keep water from getting into your chimney.

Because pre-fabricated chimneys are fabricated from metal, contact with water is considered a big no-no. When metal is subjected to constant contact with water, the metal will begin to rust. Many times you won't even know this is happening.

If you can hear water dripping in your chimney or if you suspect that your chase cover is not doing its job, don't take a chance. Have a CSIA or NFI certified chimney sweep come out and check the situation.

Replacing a chase cover is preferable to replacing an entire chimney!

Call Burnie Fireplace Services today to get a repair estimate or check us out online @ www.BurnieFireplaces.com

Save Money & the Environment This Winter

In a recent article, the CSIA details how you can save money this winter and help the environment at the same time by simply making sure your chimney is operating properly.

Having a Certified Chimney Sweep inspect and, if necessary, sweep your chimney each year will not only reduce fireplace emissions but the regular chimney maintenance can also help you get more out of your heating bill.

You can read the full article here.

Think you might need a chimney sweep or want to know more about what a chimney sweep entails? Check us out online @ www.BurnieFireplaces.com or call us today @ (858) 513-3915.