Our Company Blog

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!

Why Chimney Relining Is So Important

One of the most essential components of your chimney system is it’s liner. It needs to be in good condition so that your fireplace and chimney work safely and efficiently. Although most chimney liners are built to last for years, damage can occur over time. Cracks, gaps, and corrosion to the liner can allow toxic combustion gases like carbon monoxide to enter your living space. Since the liner is located inside your chimney, it can be difficult to know its condition.

In order to determine what kind of shape your liner is in, you need to have your chimney inspected by experienced professionals. Atlas Chimney is proud to provide comprehensive chimney services. These services include both professional inspections and relining services to the residents of the Austin area. We offer different chimney relining options like HeatShield repair and restoration and stainless steel liner installations. After we inspect your chimney, we can recommend the best way to reline your chimney to ensure your system functions effectively and safely. Because safety is our top priority, we would like to tell you exactly why chimney relining is so important.

Your chimney liner protects your home from the risk of an accidental fire.

One of the functions of a chimney liner is to protect the wood around your chimney. It shields it from the extremely high temperatures that are produced by your fireplace. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the National Bureau of Standards tested the safety of masonry chimneys. Their findings? Unlined chimneys were extremely dangerous, because heat moved so quickly through the chimneys that any adjacent wooden parts caught fire. Sometimes in as little as three and a half hours! Your chimney liner keeps the combustible parts of your home safe from this heat transfer.

Your chimney liner protects the bricks and mortar of your chimney from corrosion damage.

Some of the byproducts of combustion are toxic and corrosive. When they are able to seep directly into the masonry materials of a chimney, erosion occurs. Without the protection of a liner, combustion gases will eat away at the bricks and mortar of your chimney. This can lead to a hazardous situation as the cracks and gaps created by the erosion can allow poisonous combustion gases like carbon monoxide to leak into your home.

Your chimney liner provides a properly sized flue for your specific heating appliance.

A popular option to increase the heating efficiency of your home? Install a wood-burning or gas fireplace insert into the existing opening of your older masonry fireplace. However, masonry chimneys are typically much larger than these inserts, and this size difference can cause performance and safety issues. To solve this sizing difference, Atlas Chimney can install a new stainless steel liner to provide a flue that correctly matches the size of the new heating appliance.

Make sure your chimney liner is in good condition so that you can enjoy safe, warm, and efficient fires this year. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection before the arrival of winter.