Why You Should Only Hire a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep for Chimney Services

Every field has benchmarks that those in the field strive to reach. In the chimney and fireplace industry, that benchmark is certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA. Bethesda Chimney of Montgomery County, MD, provides CSIA-certified work for our customers throughout the Washington DC, and Northern Virginia regions. We’re proud to hold this certification and would like to tell you a little about what it means.

What is the CSIA?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, founded in 1983, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on education, training and certification for professionals in the chimney and venting industries. The institute engages in public-awareness campaigns that explain the dangers of chimney fires and the problems that can happen with chimneys when proper maintenance isn’t performed.

The CSIA’s nationally recognized credentials include:
• CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep
• CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
• CSIA Certified Master Chimney Sweep
• CSIA Certified Chimney Specialist

Look for the CSIA certification badge when hiring a chimney sweep

Because the chimney industry isn’t regulated, just about anyone can set up shop as a chimney sweep. Unfortunately, this is how a lot of dangerous problems begin. When you’re looking to hire a person or company to clean your chimney, inspect your chimney and fireplace or provide repair and rebuilding work, look for the CSIA badge.

A CSIA-certified technician has completed extensive, rigorous training and examinations. He or she is truly at the top of the field, set apart from the typical “handyman” or remodeler.

Have a thorough understanding of chimney safety and venting safety
Engage in continuing education to keep up with the latest techniques and developments
Know and adhere to all applicable codes for chimney and venting work
Install fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts in strict accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines
Maintain honesty and accountability when dealing with customers; never engage in deceptive marketing or sales practices
Treat their customers and their customers’ homes with respect and care

What Certified Chimney Sweeps Do

Chimney sweeps can provide a variety of chimney, fireplace and venting services. Removal of flammable creosote from chimney flues: This job requires specialized brushes, chimney sweep rods, vacuums, solvents and more that allow the technician to do the job safely and correctly. Removal of debris from flues: Leaves, twigs, small-animal nests and the bodies of dead animals inside a chimney can cause smoke to draft inefficiently. This means deadly carbon monoxide may back up into the home. (A proper chimney cap prevents this problem.)

Chimney inspections:

CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are qualified to provide all levels of chimney inspection, from basic annual inspections and real estate video inspections to full-scale inspections when major damage has occurred.

Chimney repairs:

Most certified chimney sweeps provide a full menu of chimney repairs, including masonry work, chimney crown repair, chimney liner repair and many other repairs throughout the chimney and fireplace system.

Contact a CSIA-certified chimney sweep in the Northern Virginia area

The certified chimney sweeps at Bethesda Chimney perform a lot of different jobs, but our main job is safety. We know how to clean and repair your chimney in a way that keeps it safe for you, your family and your home. Schedule an appointment by calling (301) 969-4444 or (703) 935-4444. You can also get in touch with our contact form. We serve Bethesda MD, and Washington DC, along with Reston VA, Tysons VA, Alexandria VA, North Bethesda MD, Olney MD, and other local cities and towns.