by Billy Sweet | Jul 13, 2018 | CSIA Certification
When you’re shopping around for a new physician, you usually do your homework and choose the one with the most experience, the best training, and greatest reviews. This is commonplace for physicians, mechanics, lawyers, dentists, and more–yet, for home maintenance such as chimney care, we so often see homeowners choose amateurs, local handymen, and DIY projects. This is not only a waste of money, but it’s dangerous!
Choose a Professional for ALL Chimney Work
Whether the chimney needs a sweeping, some brickwork, relining, a part installation, or more, there is no one better suited for the job than a trained professional. It is our goal at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep to bring down the amount of residential fires in our area by not only providing services, but also valuable information about fire and chimney safety. We know that the best way to keep your family safe, is when you hire a professional.
- It is what your homeowners insurance wants (and they may pay for it!)
- It is required by most municipal codes/permits
- It is required to maintain many manufacturer warranties
Choosing a professional to do your chimney work may be the best decision you’ve ever made. When installations, repairs, sweeps, and inspections are done right, you save money and can rest assured your family and home is safe.
CSIA–Not Just Any Certification
When you do a quick search for CSIA certified chimney sweeps in and around Boston, Billy Sweet is at the top of the list. We make it no secret that we train and test our sweeps through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the nation’s standard for the chimney industry.
- CSIA is accredited and meets the highest of education standards, regulated by the Indiana State Workforce Innovation Council.
- CSIA was established in 1983 and is the national standard by which officials, manufacturers, and others measure chimney service excellence.
- CSIA is a nonprofit organization governed by industry volunteers and dedicated to lowering the number of residential and commercial fires across the country.
- CSIA members must adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics which protect homeowners from scams. If found in violation, certification can be revoked.
- CSIA focuses on public safety and industry advancements that increase safety and reduce the number of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and other chimney hazards.
- CSIA certification requires re-certification every three years through examination or continued education credits.
All of the reasons why we make CSIA certification a priority here at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, are the same reasons you should at home! We are not only CSIA certified, but also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and active in our communities of Boston, North Shore, and Portland.
Don’t hesitate and call when you have a major problem–we offer preventative maintenance year-round. Make an appointment online or call 617-469-4528 today.
by Billy Sweet | May 10, 2018 | North Shore Info
Home is where the hearth is.
Many would say the fireplace is the heart of the home. It’s definitely the focal point of most homes, and we strive to bring this magic into every home in and around North Shore–our home.
All About North Shore
It’s listed as one of the prettiest coastal areas in New England, and for good reason. Among the coastal villages and towns, you will find scenic beaches and vista points, moderate populations, and plenty to do! North Shore offers the perfect combination of big-city-availability, natural land, and living history.
Things to Do
Whether you’ve just moved to the area, or your vacationing on our North Shore, you can find a variety of fun and surprising things to do.
Explore
Sale aboard a schooner, fish in the open water, climb one of our functioning or historic lighthouses. You can learn more about and enjoy the schooner life by visiting Maritime Gloucester during business hours. Even residents who have long-called North Shore their home, have not seen all there is to see until they’ve seen microscopic sea creatures through a microscope, or held a sea star in their hands.
Dine Out
There are many fantastic restaurants in our community with great reviews, but you have to plan ahead for the one with the highest praise–high above the city, that is. Dine at the TOP of a lighthouse by reserving your space at the top of the Newburyport Lighthouse. The meals are catered by a chosen restaurant from nearby and planned ahead of time, and spaces fill up fast, so make sure you make your reservation now.
Sing on the Beach
You don’t have to do the singing when you walk the Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea. This unique beach is covered in sand that squeaks when you walk on it. You will have the most fun on Singing Beach if you arrive early, or visit during the off-season! It may be the perfect outing on a cool day.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
If you’re in Essex, you probably drive past antique shops that you might have never known were there! Along Route 133 in Essex, there are THIRTY antique shops, and you can find various opportunities throughout downtown areas, boardwalks, and shopping centers.
If you’re in the area of North Shore, we’re probably neighbors! We know all about our community, right down to the local safety codes. We know and work with contractors in the area, and we do our best to offer the best services to our community year after year.
The Importance of Chimney Maintenance in New England
The harsh winters that can befall our community is one thing to consider. Another is the coastal air. The minerals (salt) that come from the ocean water, deposit onto homes and chimneys throughout our service area. This air is corrosive and can lead to chimney damage if they are not properly maintained.
Contact Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today so that we can get started helping you.
by Billy Sweet | Sep 26, 2017 | Fire Safety
House fires are deadly! Out of around 500,000 structure fires reported in 2015, there were 2,685 civilian deaths, 13,000 injuries, and $10.3 billion in property loss. House fires account for only half of total fire reports for that year. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), they account for 82 percent of civilian fire deaths. House fires cause the most deaths. This is because people are comfortable in their homes, they aren’t prepared for fire, and they don’t expect it.
Billy Sweet and National Fire Prevention Week
It has been our goal for over 30 years to educate our community about fire safety. This helps to prevent the loss of property and life that continues to happen each year. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we strive to provide the best and most comprehensive chimney maintenance! During National Fire Prevention Week, we would like to stress again, how important fire prevention should be in our community!
You cannot prevent a fire 100 percent, so it’s important to BE PREPARED. You can make fire preparations many ways, and educate your family many ways. This week, there are many resources to choose from.
Be Prepared for Fire
According to the 2015 fire stats, there was a structure fire reported every 86 seconds in the US. These fires can be caused from electrical malfunction, cooking mishaps, heat appliances, and just about anything that uses energy in your home (in the modern home, that’s nearly everything). Since you cannot prevent a fire 100 percent, it’s best to prepare for the worst, because during a fire, every second counts. A few seconds of prepared escape can save you a devastating loss.
You can prepare for a fire by:
- Checking all of your smoke detectors regularly.
- Planning an escape route that includes 2 WAYS OUT.
- Teaching your family how to check a doorknob for heat.
- Teaching your family to close each door as they evacuate.
- Placing a visual of your escape route on walls inside your home.
- Plan activities with your children (visit the fire station, print out activities from the NFPA website, ask their teachers about school activities.)
Complete these things before National Fire Prevention Week, and make it a regular review at this time of year. House fires occur most during the winter months (January is the highest concentration of house fires), and they usually happen at night.
Prevent Fires at Night
Prevent overnight fires by making sure that your fire is completely out before bed. Do not leave a fire unattended. Shut off your clothes dryer. It should not be running while you are sleeping or out of the house. You cannot prevent a fire while you aren’t home. Check that the stove top and oven are switched off as well as space heaters. These types of heat appliances are not made to be left unattended, and it’s not safe to do so.
You can lower fire risk by maintaining your home properly. Keeping your dryer vent clean and safe, having electrical issues and fuel connections checked by professionals, scheduling routine chimney and fireplace maintenance = these are just a few ways to have a safer home and family!
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is here to answer your questions about fire prevention and safety. Call 800-248-4900 today, and ask us how we’re preventing fires in our homes and offices each day.
by Billy Sweet | Jun 23, 2017 | CSIA Certification
When it comes to professionals, there always seems to be a spectrum to choose from. There are those companies that are licensed, certified, and guaranteed. Then there are those that are merely amateurs, charging for professional work. Don’t fall victim to such scheming!
CSIA Certification
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has been around since the 1980’s and is the standard for the chimney industry. Your realtor, insurance company, and local authorities will look for this signature on documents, inspections, and referrals. Simple put, it means your chimney sweep has:
- Purchased study material (at a cost of over $300.)
- Attended an in-person review, training school, or online review.
- Taken the exam (at a cost of over $200.)
- Signed a Code of Ethics designed to protect consumers from scams.
Once a chimney professional has completed the exams and becomes a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS), he must maintain this membership by re-examination or continued education credits every three years. Additionally, if a chimney sweep is found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics, his membership can be revoked.
Certified Vs. Non-Certified
When you choose a certified professional to come into your home, you have the assurance that they’re backed by a larger group. You don’t just get a handyman interested in chimneys. You get a trained professional who puts the safety and comfort of customers first at every turn. That is our main goal at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. Top-notch service costs more, but benefits the homeowner exponentially over time!
- Preventative Care
Routine maintenance like chimney inspections and sweeps are part of our specialty. A certified professional has the tools, the experience, and the know-how to get the job done quickly. They can also detect an issue with your chimney at its earliest.
- Masonry Repair and Renovation
When it comes to exterior masonry repair, you don’t have to worry about liability or damages when someone is on your roof. A certified sweep is not just covered. They are experts at these repairs. At Billy Sweet, our certified technicians are skilled masons!
Certified chimney sweeps have access to the best technologies. Also, access to top professional advisors, a network of professionals, continued education courses, and more! When it comes to the cost of hiring a professional, you may find that hiring a certified chimney sweep is slightly higher. The difference is the service, the expertise, and the benefits.
Some of the Benefits of Hiring Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep
- When we repair your exterior masonry, we apply a waterproofing sealant for FREE! This in order to preserve your masonry and offer your the best service possible.
- We only sell and install quality products that are backed by manufacturer warranties. Plus, we guarantee our work for a year.
- When we clean and inspect the chimney, we document the process before and after, using a video scanning system.
- There are many benefits to hiring a certified chimney sweep, and even more benefits when you hire Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, your #1 chimney experts in the Boston area.
Contact Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today, and discover what a certified professional can do for you!
by Billy Sweet | Jun 22, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance
During the warm, vacation months of summer the last thing you might want to think about is your chimney. However, if you remember anything this
summer, it should be your chimney! Take this time to schedule those chimney appointments while the weather is warm, and your chimney is out of use.
Easy Scheduling
Late spring and summer is considered off-season for the chimney and fireplace industry. By scheduling during the off-season you’re more likely to get a time that is most convenient for you. You’re also more likely to not wait on your appointment, because during the off-season chimney sweep companies have less emergency calls. If you wait until fall to schedule your chimney appointments you risk missing a problem in your chimney system that must be fixed before use.
If you find a problem during burning season, you have to discontinue use of your chimney for 24 hours before a cleaning or inspection. This means a couple of cold nights for your family, and more if it needs repairs.
Don’t be Tempted to Skip Appointments
If you wait to schedule your chimney appointments and feel you don’t have the time to get it done, you might be tempted to skip them altogether. This is NOT recommended. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual inspections to ensure the safety and functionality of the chimney system.
By skipping these appointments you risk missing a problem with your chimney, whether minor or major, that can compromise the safety and efficiency of the whole system. When you fail to have the chimney swept, the soot and creosote can even block the chimney flue, and since it’s a highly flammable substance, you are more likely to experience a flue fire.
If You Find a Problem
If you are inclined to schedule an appointment with a chimney sweep because your chimney’s efficiency began to decline at the end of burning season, you definitely don’t want to wait to make that call. If you noticed anything off about your system, it can point to a major problem. In most cases there is already extensive damage to the interior chimney system before the homeowner sees the first hint of a problem.
Summer is a great time to schedule your chimney sweep appointments, whether you notice a problem or not. Since it’s off-season it’s more convenient for your chimney sweep company and more convenient for you. You don’t have to stop burning in your fireplace, and you’ll be burn-ready for fall! Really there’s no better time to cross these things off your list.
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep Services
When you’re ready to make this call, a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is standing by. Chimney sweeping is a process that should be done with a professional only to ensure safety of the home and family. Our experience and our professionalism speaks for itself, but if you’re not convinced we invite you to visit our reviews.
Call a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today, or schedule an appointment online.
