by Billy Sweet | Apr 25, 2016 | Chimney Maintenance, Chimney Masonry Maintenance
There are many reasons to have a chimney inspection, including new property, damage, fire, and more. When you schedule a professional chimney inspection you should receive a report on the condition of your fireplace and chimney, along with a recommendation for needed repairs.
Problems with the Fireplace
Common issues with the firebox can include cracks, water damage, and deterioration to the masonry. Some minor problems can be repaired quickly and easily, but more extensive damage calls for further inspection, and sometimes restoration.
Since cracks in the masonry are considered a fire hazard by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) it is vital to repair them immediately. Not only do cracks allow creosote to form on interior walls, but they also allow more water damage into the firebox. When damage becomes irreparable, a professional will recommend fireplace restoration, which will restore your fireplace to safe use.
Another reason a fireplace may need restoration is because the firebox dimensions do not allow for proper ventilation, causing smoke to fill the room. With the growing use of prefabricated fireboxes, the art of chimney construction has been a dying one. Many general contractors aren’t trained or experienced in the ins and outs of building a properly-dimensioned fireplace and chimney system, and should always consult a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) during construction.
Don’t D-I-Y
Only a Certified Chimney Sweep® constantly trains in and implements the safety standards of the industry. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep we strive to offer the best service to the Boston, North Shore, and Portland areas, while upholding the safety codes of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). When you hire a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep you get a detailed cleaning, a thorough inspection, and an expert recommendation. Your fireplace restoration should leave you confident in your system’s safety, beauty, and efficiency. Because we know how important your home is to you, we work with homeowners closely to insure they’re not only pleased with the final result, but it adheres to the standards of home owners insurance, and safety codes.
In this do-it-yourself world, there are just some things you don’t chance. The safety of your family and property is one of them. Only a profession is experienced and trained in chimney safety and repair, and only Billy Sweet Chimney Sweeps have thirty years of experience servicing chimneys in New England.
When you hire a Billy Sweet professional we will take before and after photos for insurance or real estate purposes. We also invite homeowners to review our services on Google and Yelp so that you know what you’re getting when you hire us to come into your home or business. We let our service speak for itself.
If you have a problem with your fireplace or chimney system and are ready to make the necessary repairs before burning season, contact Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today!
by Billy Sweet | Nov 12, 2015 | CSIA Certification
When faced with deciding who is actually right and qualified for a job, it is important to look at the certifications of the company and their employees before settling. That mindset applies to doctors and dentists, and it certainly applies to chimney sweeps. In our field, receiving a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification not only gives us the best training in properly cleaning your chimney, it also educates on the best responses to worst-case scenarios like carbon monoxide and chimney fires. Knowing that your chimney sweep has the best qualifications will make Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep the easiest choice for you!
What we do as a profession was largely unregulated until 1983, when the CSIA was founded. This not for profit organization aims to educate not only those in our field, but also the public on how to maintain and correct any hazards their chimney or venting system may present over time. To become certified, there are two exams based on a comprehensive review time that can happen in person or online. Once those exams are completed thoroughly, a code of ethics is signed to ensure that sweeps can be trusted with the public’s safety. That also is tested through educational classes that discuss upcoming technologies and hard to grasp concepts, like physics through a certified sweep’s entire career.
The CSIA has several goals for their chimney sweeps including the need to fully eliminate any chimney related hazards that could threaten property, pets, and especially human lives. These hazards could come from carbon monoxide or chimney fires from creosote buildup. As certified chimney sweeps, we have several areas of knowledge that are all connected to the main purpose of prevention and education. Besides the basic practice of what we do, cleaning and inspecting chimneys and venting systems, we also involve ourselves with all the minutiae. Knowing all the factors and physics in the development of creosote, as well as the requirements from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) easily separate CSIA certified professionals from the companies that simply have the physical tools for the job. Our continuous education on a comprehensive list of subjects gives us confidence in our practice as well as in our sharing of that knowledge with our customers. We want our clientele to know what to expect from their chimney sweep, and we embrace the challenge to aim higher and know more!
We want anyone looking for a chimney sweep to look first at those that are CSIA certified. Not only are they more educated on what’s important, but they also care more about the home and people that are associated with the chimney. Thank you so much for choosing Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep as your CSIA certified sweeps for over 30 years!
by Billy Sweet | Apr 13, 2013
Privacy Policy Last updated: June 2023 Welcome to Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operate the www.billysweetchimneysweep.com website (the “Service”). This page informs you of our policies regarding the...
by Billy Sweet | Apr 13, 2013
Seeking Chimney Services in North Shore Area of Massachusetts? Give Us a Call We love that we get the opportunity to serve folks living in the North Shore area of Massachusetts. There’s no denying this part of the state has a lot to offer. Whether you’re...
by Billy Sweet | Apr 13, 2013
One of the things our customers appreciate about us is that we would love to get your feedback and hear a review of our services.
