How often do I need my chimney inspected?
It is recommended that you have your system inspected annually. Yearly inspections are paramount in ensuring that your system stays in good condition and is safe for your home and family.
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Will I need a Level 2 inspection every year?
No. A Level 2 inspection is the default for all new customers during our first service call. This ensures that no part of your system is overlooked prior to use. During subsequent visits, a Level 2 inspection may be requested by you if you choose. There are qualifying factors that require a Level 2 inspection. The main qualifiers are as follows:
Chimney fire
Changing fuel type
Shock or damage to the system from fallen tree branches, lightning strikes, etc..
Putting your house on the market
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I had a Level 2 inspection by another company last year. Do I need one if I have you service my system this year?
Yes. Any system we inspect for the first time will require a Level 2 inspection. This also applies to regularly scheduled customers who miss their prescribed maintenance schedule.
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Why do I get smoke in my second fireplace when using the main fireplace?
There are a number of reasons this could be happening. We will diligently go through our troubleshooting process during our service call to find out what the issue is so that it can be properly corrected.
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I get smoke in my basement when using my fireplace upstairs. Why is this and can you fix it?
It could be an air balance issue or a number of other things. The only way to know for sure is through a troubleshooting process to pinpoint the issue. Only then are our professionals able to prescribe a solution.
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I have been sweeping my own chimney for years. I learned how online. Why should I spend money to utilize The Chimney Guy (or any other chimney company)?
A sweep and a thorough inspection of your entire system are two completely different things. A certified CSIA chimney professional has been trained to spot issues that may not be obvious to the average person. For example, when you look into your chimney, you may see an intact flue lining of clay tiles. They are stacked atop one another and appear perfectly aligned. All good, right? Not necessarily. The builder may have dry stacked your flue tiles. Flue tiles stacked without the proper bonding material presents the opportunity for the hot flue gasses to escape the flue system and migrate into the building in areas such as behind walls or even in the attic. For your own safety, hire a certified professional to perform proper and thorough maintenance on your system.
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Why is the pricing so varied between companies?
I cannot answer that definitively. There are several factors that contribute to a company’s pricing structure. Some factors include wages, location, depth of service offered, difficulty accessing your system, and timing to name a few.
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Everyone is advised to do their due diligence when selecting their chimney professional. The important thing is to make sure you are hiring a certified professional. You will find a comprehensive list of CSIA-certified technicians on the CHIMNEY SAFETY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA’S WEBSITE. From this list, you will find professionals educated in chimney safety, codes, techniques, and theory. The list of technicians is constantly updated due to the CSIA’s policy on continuing education. That knowledge does come with a price. That value is dictated by each company’s history, expertise, etc.