Tips On How To Hire A Chimney Sweep

Annual chimney maintenance is crucial to the overall safety of your family and the efficiency and operation of your fireplace or wood stove. And the very best person to handle your annual chimney maintenance is a certified chimney sweep.

Hiring a Chimney Sweep Is Easy… With These Tips

Since this professional offers an incredibly valuable service that will protect your family from fires and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, hiring the right company is important.

Choose on service: Prices should be fairly constant across the industry and you need to base your selection on the level of service offered.

Certifications matter: Always be sure that you are hiring a certified sweep. When dealing with a large company as opposed to an individual, it pays to be sure that the person performing the actual work is certified.

Experience counts: Find out how long they have been in business and more specifically, how many years of experience the individual sweep has. Get local, recent references.

Check the BBB: Look up the company in the Better Business Bureau to be sure that there are no outstanding or unresolved claims with the company.

Liability insurance: Ask about liability insurance and be sure that the firm is covered should an accident or damage occur while they are performing the maintenance. Also be sure that any equipment they are using is up to date and will offer you the best overall clean for your hearth.

Once you have found a reputable and reliable chimney sweep, keep their phone number handy. It’s important to have the same company (and ideally the same sweep) back each year for chimney maintenance. That way you can have a more accurate gauge of the condition your chimney and fireplace is in.

What to Know Before Hiring a Chimney Sweep?

Finding a qualified chimney sweep to perform your annual maintenance can take time to identify the best fit. To make the process easier, we have put together a list of five key considerations to keep in mind when selecting an individual or company for chimney cleaning:

1. CSIA-certified qualifications
2. Proper and appropriate training
3. Liability insurance
4. Experience with chimneys in your area
5. Company and the reputation of their service

1. CSIA-certified qualifications

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offers certifications to ensure they meet industry standards for a reliable and safe chimney sweep.

A CSIA-certified sweep can provide an inspection and cleaning service that adheres to the highest safety requirements. So, that’s why it is essential to verify a sweep’s qualifications before moving forward with the service.

Unfortunately, not all chimney companies take the necessary measures to ensure they only send qualified personnel for the services. But at High’s Chimney, we have all the qualified and trained chimney sweepers.  

2. Proper & Appropriate Training

When hiring a chimney sweeper, it is important to ensure they have received the proper training and certifications and should have a valid certification from either the CSIA or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI).

The certifications obtained by the sweep indicate that they have obtained the necessary qualifications to carry out their work efficiently and securely. They should possess knowledge of various fireplaces and venting systems and be familiar with relevant local building codes and regulations related to chimney safety.

High’s Chimney is committed to providing services of the highest quality, ensuring that every maintenance person sent out for service is certified and has adequate experience in the relevant field.

3. Liability Insurance

Homeowners are advised to ensure the chimney sweep they hire has liability insurance to protect them in case of an accident, injury, or property damage during service. It will ensure homeowners are not financially liable for any damages or claims that arise from work.

High’s Chimney, a renowned chimney cleaning service, has taken proactive measures to ensure the well-being of its employees and customers alike. To this end, they have invested in comprehensive training for their team and obtained liability insurance coverage.

4. Experience with Chimneys in Your Area

When selecting a chimney technician, ensuring they have the requisite experience and training to service chimneys common to your local area is important. And it would be best if you always looked for experienced local service companies for quality work.

Yet, the essential questions you need to ask are: 

• When was the company established?
• How long have they serviced in your area?
• Do they have a good history of customer service and satisfaction?
• What are the key areas of expertise for the chimney sweepers they employ?
• Are they licensed and insured?

For instance, if you are living in Maryland and are looking for a chimney sweep company or these services; chimney inspection, chimney maintenance, or chimney repair – then call us at 301-519-3500.

5. Company & the Reputation of Their Service

Researching the company’s reputation and quality of service is essential before hiring a chimney sweeper.

The steps you can take are: 

• Read customer reviews.
• Check their experience and credentials.
• Inquire about any additional services they offer. 

When considering a chimney sweep, it is recommended to obtain referrals from people who have had a pleasant experience. However, at High’s Chimney, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and upholding our excellent reputation among our clients.

4 Indicators When You Require Chimney Sweep Service

If you are ever confused about whether or not you need a chimney sweep, four major indicators may indicate the need for service: 

1. The signs of a potentially dangerous build-up of ash in their chimney flue.
2. If smoke is emanating from their Chimney, or there are unusual odors in their house, it is important to take heed.
3. Furthermore, should the smoke detector be alert in their home, or if there is soot or black dust on walls and ceilings, it may indicate issues with fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
4. Additionally, damaged linings, caulking, and pipework inside the Chimney may warrant further inspection.

If you identify these problems and provide the necessary repairs. It is always advisable to contact High’s Chimney by calling 301-519-3500 for a chimney inspection and cleaning.

If you are unaware of the chimney sweep’s cost, keep reading this article until the end.   

How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?

The cost of a professional chimney sweep may vary based on the scope of service and geographic region. Homeowners are encouraged to consider additional costs that may arise due to the need to repair or replace damaged linings and flue debris.

Individuals concerned with the cost of a chimney sweep should contact a reliable service provider to ensure their Chimney is properly maintained. 

But how often do you hire a chimney sweep or chimney cleaning? It is recommended that consumers should take a chimney sweep or cleaning service on an annual basis or ahead of the winter season.

Hire a Chimney Sweep Today

If you require a chimney sweep, call us at 301-519-3500 or check the chimney services you need. 

Keep your family safe by hiring the right chimney sweep to perform regular chimney maintenance at your home. Their service is specialized and highly valued. The experienced staff at High’s Chimney can help you with your chimney maintenance needs.