Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

What You Will Get From A CSIA Certified Sweep

Although they are built to last, chimneys, fireplace systems, and other heating appliances do require a certain amount of annual maintenance to continue working their best. When choosing a company to complete this work, many homeowners are often tempted to go with the least expensive company rather than the company with the most experience.

When selecting a company to sweep and clean your fireplace and chimney, it is important to find a business with CSIA certified chimney sweeps. Unlike general contractors, handymen, or intrepid DIYers, these professionals have undergone rigorous training and testing to ensure that they are among the most highly trained professionals in their field.

Why use a certified sweep?

Although many companies may be capable of completing work on a chimney system, homeowners should only trust CSIA certified chimney sweeps. The CSIA, or Chimney Safety Institute of America, is widely considered the top licensing organization for chimney sweeps and has over 1,500 certified chimney sweeps in North America. Because of this, it is easy to find a reputable, certified chimney sweep in your area.

By choosing a business that employs CSIA certified sweep, homeowners are guaranteed to work with professionals who have shown they are at the top of their field in expertise, knowledge, and training. Likewise, they will also be familiar with any new safety and technology innovations, and will also able to make sure that all chimneys, fireplaces, or other heating appliances are compliant with state and local building codes. Many certified sweeps also have received training in the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA standards for fireplaces, inserts, and stoves in order to ensure that these appliances are operating at maximum efficiency.

What does a certified sweep do?

During a typical cleaning, the primary duty of any chimney sweep is to remove any creosote buildup from the firebox and chimney structure. Creosote is an extremely flammable, sticky, and foul smelling byproduct created when wood is burned. Excessive creosote buildup is one of the major causes of chimney fires; because of this, it is important that homeowners have their chimneys thoroughly and professionally cleaned each year to ensure that these deposits are completely removed.

In addition to cleaning the firebox and chimney, a CSIA certified chimney sweep will also check the interior and exterior for any signs of deterioration, such as cracks, chipping, or damage to the masonry. Some sweeps may evaluate the efficiency of a fireplace system; this is particularly important for older heating appliances that may not meet current EPA standards. Lastly, CSIA certified chimney sweeps may check levels of carbon monoxide in the house when the fireplace is in use to make sure there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do I choose the right company?

Finding a trustworthy chimney sweep company can sometimes be difficult. Because of that, the CSIA has provided homeowners a sample list of questions to ask prospective businesses to ensure they are getting the best service possible.

• How long has your company been in the area?
• Do you or your sweeps have liability insurance coverage for any possible damages?
• Do you have any available customer references?
• Will the sweep who works on my home be CSIA certified?

By asking these simple questions, homeowners can ensure that they are getting a trustworthy, highly knowledgeable professional to work on their home. If you’re ready to schedule a chimney sweeping with a local, reputable business, contact Clean Sweeps today!

Should You Replace Your Chimney Chase Cover?

Chimney chase covers are often overlooked when homeowners consider their fireplace maintenance. This is because, for the most part, chimney chase covers are only used with factory-built chimneys rather than masonry chimneys. Unlike a chimney cap, chimney chase covers are used on chimneys made of metal, wood, or vinyl siding.

Like a chimney cap, a chimney chase cover is designed to protect the fireplace from the elements, as well as to prevent birds and other animals from entering the chimney. When undamaged and correctly installed, their angled tops prevent water, snow, and ice from accumulating around the top of the chimney, instead directing it to flow harmlessly onto the roof. Aging chimney chase covers can sometimes cause unsightly, rusty staining to the sides of a chimney. Likewise, an ill-fitting or broken cover can lead to a number of problems such as water damage or animal infestation.

The experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan will be able to help you determine if your chimney chase cover needs to be replaced. If it does, they can also aid in the selection and installation process for a new cover.

How often should chimney chase covers be replaced?

Chimney chase covers, especially those that were improperly installed or made out of cheap materials, may begin to rust in as little as five years. Unlike chimney damage, which is easily visible without climbing onto the roof, chimney chase cover decay may be harder to spot.

There are two major red flags that indicate a chimney chase cover needs to be immediately replaced. The first is any signs of water or moisture in the fireplace structure. This can also include dripping sounds in the chimney after a rainstorm or when snow is melting, along with the walls of the firebox itself feeling damp. The second red flag is rust stains on the side of the chimney structure itself. When this happens, the galvanized coating of the metal has been completely eaten away, and the metal has more than likely begun to pit, or rust through.

Chimney chase cover materials 

Modern chimney chase covers come in a variety of different materials to fit every budget. However, because they are constantly exposed to the elements the quality and durability of the material should be considered when choosing a new chimney chase cover.

Copper: Copper is considered to be the top-quality metal for covers. However, because of its extremely high price tag, most homeowners find that it is too expensive of an option to consider.

Stainless steel: Often the most popular choice as it offers a balance between durability and price. One of the strongest metals, it can virtually last a lifetime.

Galvanized steel: While less expensive than stainless steel, galvanized steel rusts quickly and will need to be regularly replaced. Galvanized steel offers short term savings, but may end up costing homeowners more in the long run.

Aluminum: Unlike galvanized steel, aluminum will not rust. However, it is a soft metal that may damage easily, and finding the correct size chase cover may be difficult.

While replacing a damaged chimney chase cover may seem like a major hassle, the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan will be able to help you select and install a chimney chase cover that will keep your fireplace and chimney in pristine condition for years to come.