Blog Page 32 - Austin TX - Atlas Chimney, Inc.

Choosing From Multiple Chimney Repair Estimates

When it comes time to hire a professional company to perform maintenance or repair tasks, it is always a good idea to get more than one estimate for the job so that you are getting the best service for the best price. However, you can end up with completely different scenarios, which can be confusing and frustrating. How can estimates for the same service differ so greatly? How do you know which estimate to choose? Unfortunately, chimney scams are not uncommon, and the best way to know you are getting an honest and fair estimate is to hire a chimney sweep who has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Atlas Chimney is proud to have CSIA-certified chimney sweeps on our staff who have pledged to conduct themselves fairly and honestly when working on chimneys and providing repair estimates. We would like to tell you some of the things you should be looking for that can help you choose the right chimney repair estimate.

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DOCUMENTATION

According to the CSIA, sufficient documentation should always be provided to support an estimate. Often, a dishonest chimney sweep will tell a homeowner that he needs to repair hidden chimney damage without showing the homeowner what and where the damage is. When Atlas Chimney finds damage within your chimney, we will provide you with photographs and closed circuit video footage of this damage. We will also explain the problem to you, why it needs to be repaired, and how we will fix the problem.

INSPECTION PROCESS

When our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps inspect chimneys, we follow the guidelines that are established in the three levels of chimney inspection from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). We look for debris that could be blocking the chimney that could lead to a carbon monoxide leak into your home. We thoroughly examine the condition of the exterior bricks and mortar joints of the chimney to look for cracks and missing pieces that could allow water to penetrate the chimney. If we find damage that requires another level of inspection, we will go over with you the evidence that we found and explain to you what the next level of inspection involves.

CSIA CERTIFICATION

In order to receive this professional status, chimney sweeps must sign the CSIA Code of Ethics. In this code, chimney sweeps pledge to treat customers honestly and fairly and to never use dishonest practices. CSIA certification is the industry standard, and certified chimney sweeps do not want to risk their certification being revoked. This is why you can trust a chimney repair estimate from a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.

Make sure your chimney and fireplace are ready for the winter. Contact us at Atlas Chimney today to schedule your annual chimney sweep and inspection from our CSIA-certified chimney technicians.

Why You Need to Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep to Service Your Chimney

Now that school is starting back, it is time to start on your fall home maintenance checklist. One of the most important tasks on that list is scheduling your annual chimney sweeping and inspection. Many national fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that homeowners have their chimneys professionally swept and inspected before lighting the first fire of the new fireplace season. Finding a trusted and reliable chimney sweep can be challenging, which is why it can help to look for a sweep who has been certified by the CSIA. All of our chimney sweeps at Atlas Chimney have received certification from the CSIA, which is known as the industry standard. We would like to tell you more about why you should have a certified chimney sweep service your chimney.

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GUARANTEED SAFETY

When you are dealing with a dangerous element like fire in your home, it is crucial to be absolutely certain that everything in your chimney and fireplace system is working safely. According to the CSIA, certain repair needs such as a too small flue or a too short chimney can lead to serious problems that could put your safety at risk. When a CSIA-certified chimney sweep inspects your chimney, these types of issues will be found and investigated. You will receive written and photographic documentation of the issue that is necessary to repair to ensure your safety.

SKILLED AND TRAINED SERVICE

An annual chimney inspection involves much more than just looking at the interior and exterior of the chimney. During the CSIA certification process, chimney technicians learn the important details of fireplace construction and clearance requirements that are necessary to perform a competent chimney inspection and any needed repairs. You can feel secure knowing that a certified chimney sweep has the skills and training to do the job properly and safely.

HONEST AND ETHICAL BEHAVIORS

One of the biggest parts of being a CSIA-certified chimney sweep is signing and following the CSIA Code of Ethics. The sweeps at Atlas Chimney strictly follow this code to reduce any risk of having their certification revoked. You can trust us to honestly discuss what we find during the chimney inspection and to give you all of your options so that you can make an informed decision about the work needed to be done to your chimney. You will not have to worry that you know nothing about chimney work because we will never take advantage of any lack of knowledge.

Be prepared for your first fire of fireplace season. Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to schedule your annual chimney sweeping and inspection from one of our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.

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