Have Your Chimney Inspected By A Certified Chimney Sweep Before Buying

Over the years that I have been a Chimney Sweep, I have seen a lot of problems with new homeowners that have had their chimney and fireplace checked by a Home Inspector, only to find out that the chimney should not or could not be used; most are very disappointed, and some are downright mad. Some buyers bought the house with the fireplace being the main "focal point". Do not get me wrong, I am not bashing the Home Inspectors but, most are not trained to see the problems that a Certified Chimney Sweep can see. CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Chimney Sweeps, have to pass a Certification test (given every three years) that covers three National Code books:

The CSIA Test covers NFPA-211 (National Fire Protection Association), the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. NFPA-31, covers the Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment. NFPA-54, covers the National Fuel Gas Code. It is a closed book test that is given by a representative of the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

There is not a law that requires a Chimney Sweep to be Certified but, it goes a long way with Insurance Companies when you find a problem with a Chimney or have to repair a chimney. A Certified Chimney Sweep knows what to look for inside and outside of your home. That being said, all problems can not be seen without doing demolition or creating access areas to view the chimney.

Some Chimney Sweep companies have Chim-scans that enable a camera to run through the inside of the chimney allowing the customer full view. The monitor is set up on the hearth of the fireplace and the camera can be raised or lowered, so the customer and the sweep can see the problem areas. Most Chim-Scans have the capability to be recorded and/or have snap shots made of the areas in question. Do expect to be charged extra for the chimney scanning; but, it is a worthwhile investment to show problems found to the insurance company or the previous homeowner, so further action can be taken.

Have your chimney cleaned and evaluated annually and always have your chimney evaluated before you close on the home so you neither have to pay for something you have bought but cannot use nor must pay out of your pocket later when you decide to sell...and, as the seller, before the new homeowner has the chimney inspected himself and finds your problem. Remember: a chimney is a very large selling point for the simple reason of the heating advantages that it extends to the buyer.

Joe Honea is a Chimney Sweep who lives in South Carolina. He is married to an Italian girl and they have three sons; two are in the military, and one works in automotive collision repair. They have two protective German Shepherd pups that share their home and they have also recently opened an online chimney supply store. http://www.Fireplaceandchimneysupplies.com my blog is http://www.garagedoordr.blogspot.com