Chimney Care Company's Blog
The Value of CSIA Certified Technicians
When you’re searching for someone to clean, inspect and service your chimney or fireplace, there is one thing you should be on the lookout for: Certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). This certification lets you know that you are hiring a trained chimney professional who will follow industry best practices when taking care of your chimney and fireplace.
About the CSIA
The CSIA is an industry leader in education when it comes to fireplaces, heating stoves, venting and chimneys. It was founded in 1983 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to training chimney industry professionals to properly care for chimneys, vents and heating appliances. Also, to educate the public on safe fireplace and heating stove operation. The CSIA provides industry standard certifications for chimney professionals in the United States.
What CSIA certification means:
To obtain CSIA certification, chimney professionals have to undergo education courses. They also sit through an exam on caring for fireplaces, heating stoves, vented appliances and chimneys. You can be confident that your CSIA-certified chimney sweep has been trained in the science of fire burning and creosote formation.
This fire science includes:
- The correct techniques for cleaning, inspecting and repairing chimneys.
- Building and installation of chimneys and fireplaces.
- The laws and industry standards regarding chimney, vent and fireplace construction and installation.
- EPA requirements dealing with fireplaces and heating stoves.
How chimney sweeps become CSIA certified:
To achieve their CSIA certification, chimney sweeps must attend a CSIA review, or attend the CSIA’s National Chimney Sweep Training School. This is a six-day training course that gives sweeps hands-on chimney care experience. After completing a review or training school, sweeps must sit through a one-hour exam on successful chimney sweeping. In addition, they must learn the National Fire Protection Association’s chimney code. Also, take a 90-minute open-book exam on the International Residential Code. To maintain their CSIA certification, sweeps must sit through the exams every three years or must undergo continuing education courses.
The CSIA Code of Ethics:
On top of their education and exams, chimney sweeps must swear to the CSIA’s code of ethics to obtain their certification. The code of ethics maintains that the sweep will adhere to what they have learned through their CSIA training.
- They will educate themselves on and follow local codes that apply to fireplaces, heating stoves and chimneys.
- That they will abide by all manufacturers’ instructions as they install, maintain and repair home-heating appliances and chimneys.
- That they will treat their customers professionally.
- They will educate their customers on the safe operation and maintenance of their heating appliances and chimneys.
The Chimney Care Co. and the CSIA:
At The Chimney Care Co., we understand the role we play in keeping your fireplace, chimney, your home and your family safe. We know how important it is that our technicians are knowledgeable about what they do. That’s why we are proud to be CSIA-certified sweeps! If you are in need of a chimney professional, call The Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment today! With our CSIA certification, you can be confident that you are getting educated professionals that will treat you, your chimney and your home with respect.
Replacing Your Chimney Chase Cover
When it comes to keeping your chimney and fireplace system safe and sound, keeping water out should be your No. 1 priority. When water is allowed to make its way into your chimney, it can damage your flue liner; rust your 
damper, firebox or fireplace doors; or even cause water damage to the walls and ceilings that abut your chimney.
If you have a manufactured fireplace, your chimney top should be enclosed with a chimney chase cover. Each fall, as you prepare your chimney for the fire-burning season, it’s important to make sure that your chase cover is firmly in place and damage free. If your chase top is corroding, it’s crucial that you have your chase cover replaced.
What is a chimney chase cover?
Unless you have visited your roof, you’ve likely never seen your chimney chase cover. It’s a flat metal box that encloses the top of your chimney. It should be fitted with a chimney cap that allows smoke to escape the flue while keeping water from running down the chimney flue.
What does a chimney chase cover do?
Your chimney chase cover should seal your chimney’s chase. That is, the box framing that surrounds your prefabricated chimney. The chase cover prevents water, animals and debris from entering the chimney flue. It also keeps water from seeping down between the sides of the chimney and the sides of the chase, which can cause water damage to your home’s structure.
Why do chimney chase covers need to be replaced?
Like anything, chimney chase tops will wear down over time. When homes are built or fireplaces or heating stoves installed, contractors often will keep costs low by installing the cheapest possible materials. Because of that, many chase covers are made from cheap galvanized metal. That metal breaks down within the span of about five years, rusting and corroding and failing to keep out water.
How can you tell if your chimney chase cap needs to be replaced?
Often, the first sign of a failing chimney chase top is a water leak within your chimney. If your chimney chase cap has developed a hole or crack, you might notice water pooling within your firebox, rust around your damper or a discolored wall or ceiling near your chimney. To avoid a leaking chimney, it’s important to have your chimney inspected annually! Your chimney technician will check your chimney chase cover and warn you of any signs of weakness.
What should I look for in a new chimney chase top?
At The Chimney Care Co. we recommend installing a chimney chase cap made from a durable metal that will protect your chimney for years to come. We install chimney caps made from stainless steel or copper, both of which will provide a beautiful finish to your chimney and keep your chimney dry.
If you’ve noticed water leaks in your chimney, if you’ve noticed rust or corrosion on your chimney chase cap, or if you are due for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection, call The Chimney Care Co. to schedule an appointment today.