Our Company Blog

We Are Looking for Quality Workers

As we are heading into our busiest time of the year, Atlas Chimney is looking to hire quality workers. While previous chimney experience is a plus, it is not a requirement as we have available driver and manual worker positions. If you live in the Austin area and need a job, we can help you if you love working with your hands and are in good physical condition. We are proud to offer competitive pay and flexible hours to our employees. We would like to tell you a bit more about the qualifications we are looking for as well as about the possibility of becoming a certified chimney sweep for us.

What are the requirements for working at Atlas Chimney?

As mentioned above, previous chimney experience is not required, but we are looking for applicants with experience with working on ladders and roofs. We also are in need of workers who have solid trade skills. We also require that our employees have dependable transportation and a clean driving record. If we feel you would make a good addition to our growing team, you will have to agree to both a background check and a drug screening before we can offer you employment.

How can I become a certified chimney sweep?

At Atlas Chimney, we are proud to offer chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services from technicians who have been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We enjoy helping our workers begin their careers as chimney sweeps with us, and we offer education and training through the CSIA. If you are interested in becoming a certified chimney sweep, the CSIA  is the industry standard for the certification process. After you purchase the necessary texts for the CSIA certification program, you will then enroll in a week-long online review session. Once you have completed the review session, you have up to one year to take the Certified Chimney Sweep exam. This exam includes a one hour exam based on two of the required texts, Successful Chimney Sweeping and the National Fire Protection Association 211, and a 90-minute exam based on the International Residential Code. After you pass this exam, you will sign the CSIA Code of Ethics and pay your annual certification fee to become a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. Once you have received this certification, Atlas Chimney will welcome you to our team of CSIA-certified sweeps.

If you are looking for a job in the Austin, Texas area, Atlas Chimney is hiring! Contact us to be considered as a new member of our growing team.

Why a Chimney Cap Is Necessary

In order for your chimney and fireplace system to work efficiently and safely, you need to be sure that all of its components are in place. One of these components is a chimney cap, which is essential for several reasons. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has been working on chimneys in the Austin, Texas area, and we have seen many uncapped chimneys. We frequently repair chimney damage that would have been prevented if the chimney had been capped. Why are chimney caps so necessary? We would like to share with you the important functions of a chimney cap so that you can understand why it is such an essential part of your chimney and fireplace system.

KEEPS WATER OUT OF YOUR CHIMNEY

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a chimney cap is the most budget-friendly way to prevent water from getting into your chimney. Without a chimney cap on the top of your chimney, your roof has an open hole that easily allows water from rain and melted snow to enter the chimney. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians can professionally install a chimney cap that will keep water out of your chimney.

PREVENTS WILD ANIMALS FROM GETTING INTO YOUR CHIMNEY

When birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals are looking for a nesting spot, they often mistake chimneys for trees. To keep these critters from getting into your chimney, you need to have a good quality chimney cap with metal mesh sides installed on top of your chimney. These mesh sides will prevent wild animals from being able to enter your chimney.

STOPS HOT SPARKS AND EMBERS FROM JUMPING OUT OF THE CHIMNEY

The metal mesh sides that keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals from getting into your chimney also stop hot sparks and embers from jumping out of your chimney. This reduces your risk of experiencing an accidental fire being ignited on your roof or in your yard.

IMPROVES CHIMNEY DRAFT

Having problems with your chimney draft? Atlas Chimney can help you correct these issues with a chimney cap that has vents on its sides that direct how wind flows into your chimney. This type of cap improves your chimney draft by directing the wind to help pull exhaust gases and smoke out of your home.

As you can see, a chimney cap plays a significant role in how your chimney and fireplace system works. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our chimney cap sales and installation services.