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The Importance of Hiring a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep

It is important to make sure hired technicians are experienced and trained. In addition, they should also be licensed, bonded, insured, and certified within the industry. For chimney sweeps, this certification comes from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and this non-profit organization also provides certifications for dryer vent exhaust technicians. At Atlas Chimney, we are proud to have both types of CSIA-certified technicians on our staff, and we would like to take this chance to tell you more about why it is so important to consider these certifications when making professional home maintenance hiring decisions.

How does a technician become certified by the CSIA?

In order to receive certification, technicians much pass two exams. They are based on Successful Chimney Sweeping, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, and the International Residential Code. Applicants have several options from which to choose to prepare for these exams. They can do an in-person one-day review session at various locations across the country. In addition, there is a one-week seminar at the National Chimney Sweep Training School at CSIA headquarters in Plainfield, Indiana. There is also an online review course available. Once they have passed the two exams, technicians must pay dues and sign the CSIA Code of Ethics to receive certification.

Why is it so important to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep?

As part of the Code of Ethics, technicians pledge to keep up with updates and changes to building codes that are applicable to chimneys and fireplaces. In addition, there are new technologies in maintaining, repairing, and installing chimney and fireplace systems to follow. Another important part is trusting the integrity of our services when we come to your home. Technicians must also pledge to conduct themselves honestly and fairly on the job, which means you will not have to worry about getting an unfair or dishonest estimate from any CSIA-certified chimney sweep.

Have your chimney swept and inspected by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep! Contact us at Atlas Chimney today to schedule an appointment for our professional chimney maintenance services!

The Importance of CSIA Certification

When you are looking for a chimney professional to take care of your fireplace and chimney maintenance and repair needs, you should always look to see if that professional has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Known as the standard of the chimney industry, CSIA certification reflects the education and training a chimney sweep has received as well as the trustworthiness of the chimney services he or she provides. When you hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, you know your chimney will be properly cleaned and inspected to ensure everything functions efficiently and safely. At Atlas Chimney, our CSIA certifications are extremely important to us, and we would like to tell you more about why this credential holds just as much importance to you.

How does one become certified by the CSIA?

In order to receive certification from this non-profit organization that is committed to fireplace and chimney safety, one must first go through the training and review process. With the options of attending a one-day session in person or of enrolling in a one-week session online, chimney professionals from all over the country have the opportunity to undergo this process. After completing the review session, one must pass two exams. The first exam is a one-hour test based on Successful Chimney Sweeping, a CSIA publication, and on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. The other exam is a 90-minute open book test on the 2006 International Residential Code. Both of these exams cover topics about chimney performance and safety, building codes and standards, and the care and installation of all types of solid fuel-burning appliances. After passing these exams, the chimney sweep must agree to pay the Annual Certification Fee and sign the CSIA Code of Ethics.

Why is CSIA certification so important for me?

The main reason why this certification is so important to you and other homeowners has to do with the CSIA Code of Ethics. By signing this code, our chimney sweeps at Atlas Chimney agree to uphold specific responsibilities, commitments, and obligations, including:

We will perform our duties by using chimney and venting safety techniques recommended by the CSIA.

We will continue to expand our education by improving our skills and learning new techniques to remain updated on fireplace and chimney safety standards.

We will use honest business practices by refraining from unfair and deceptive dealings and by clearly informing our customers about the essential safety procedures of fireplace and chimney systems.

We guarantee respectful and professional behavior whenever we work on chimneys and fireplaces in the homes of our customers.

To discover the benefits of hiring a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to perform your fireplace and chimney services, contact us at 512-CHIMNEY (512-244-6639). We are happy to show you exactly how important our CSIA certifications are to us.