How To Select A Chimney Professional
No other area has a more powerful impact on the well being of your family than your heating and solid-fuel burning systems, ( furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves) and the chimneys through which they vent. Hiring the right chimney technician to properly evaluate, sweep, and repair these systems is a very important decision.
The Brighton, MA Fire Department lends a helping hand to this member of the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild as his company prepares to install a liner in the fire station.
With so many chimney sweeps to choose from, it may be difficult to know if a sweep is reputable, well-trained, and operates with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.
Since Massachusetts currently does not regulate this industry, in order for a homeowner to make an informed decision, they should base their decision on the following criteria.
The best choice a homeowner can make is to hire a technician who is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
These technicians will gladly show their valid CSIA identification badge or you can confirm their stature by going to www.csia.org.
Inquire how long the firm has been operating.
Ask if the company holds any professional memberships or affiliations as well as liability and or other insurances.
Insist that all repair recommendations and costs are clearly equated and ensure all work to be performed is clearly documented in writing.
Make sure they have the licenses necessary to perform this work.
Why Choose a Member of the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild?
The chimney professional often relishes the quiet solitude and harmony of nature afforded by his profession.
1. Members must sign a Code of Ethics every year and are subject to review by our grievance committee if a consumer complaint arises.
2. If not already certified, all members are required to become certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America within one year of membership and all members must re-certify every three years.
3. Members continue to be educated in all aspects of industry developments and products through our member information network as well as technical seminars and workshops.
4. Every member must comply with national, state or local building and fire safety codes on every job.
5. The Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild supports our communities by offering educational classes and public safety announcements. We cooperate on initiatives with other fire safety organizations such as local fire departments and the Department of Public Safety.