Our Company Blog

Get Your Chimney Swept for the Holidays

If you mostly use your fireplace during the holiday season, you should schedule an appointment for a professional chimney sweeping and inspection before the holidays begin. Many fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend having chimneys professionally swept and inspected annually before you light the first fire of the year. This maintenance service is essential to be sure every part of your fireplace and chimney system are working effectively and safely. During the holidays, you do not need to worry about chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks, and Atlas Chimney will clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney to find any potential problems and hazards.

Why is it so important to have my chimney cleaned and inspected every year?

The main reason your chimney needs to be swept regularly is to have all of the accumulated creosote removed from the inside of your chimney. Creosote forms naturally as a result of the combustion process of burning wood. Creosote can vary in color and texture, but no matter if it is black or brown or hard and shiny, flaky and brittle, or sticky and gummy, this natural compound is extremely flammable. The number one cause of chimney fires, creosote ignites easily if the internal flue temperature reaches a high enough point. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will guarantee the removal of every deposit of creosote from your chimney when cleaning your chimney.

Your chimney should also be inspected every year to be sure there is no damage that could make your fireplace unsafe to use. If we find any damage during our inspection, we will make recommendations for repairs that are necessary for the safety of your fireplace and chimney. We also look for any debris, such as bird or animal nests and leaves, that could be blocking the flue. When your flue is blocked, carbon monoxide can be forced back into your home, which is a very dangerous situation.

What can I expect from a chimney sweeping and inspection from Atlas Chimney?

Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will begin by covering the area around your fireplace with tarps to protect your home from getting dirty during the sweeping process. We also set up special vacuums to keep any soot and dust from getting into your home at all. We will loosen up the dirt and accumulations of creosote from the walls of your chimney and then vacuum up all of the residue. We will then inspect the accessible areas of the inside and outside of your chimney to look for damage and blockages. You will receive a written report of the findings of our inspection.

Get your fireplace ready for the holidays. Contact us at 512-CHIMNEY (512-244-6639) to make an appointment to get your chimney swept and inspected today.

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.