The role of a chimney sweep is very important to the health and wellbeing of your chimney, fireplace, wood stove, and your dryer vent. You may find it difficult to believe or a scary thought to hear than anyone can stick a sign on the truck or office door and call themselves a chimney sweep for hire.

That’s right; no training is required if you want to start a chimney sweep service. On the other hand, that chimney sweep you hired and trusted to inspect and clean the interior of your chimney may not hold any certifications at all. So why should you hire a certified chimney sweep, and who holds classes for certification?

CSIA Chimney Sweep Certifications

The Chimney Safety Institute of America is the most trusted and reputable chimney education organization. This is where most chimney sweeps begin their quest for certification. They offer onsite and online classes to teach you how to inspect and clean a chimney.

Students are required to pass two exams which may be taken online or on paper. The exams cover safety, policies, and procedures. The certification received after successfully passing the two exams is valid for one year, and chimney sweeps must take the tests again every three years to maintain certification status.

 

That Other Chimney Sweep

Any chimney sweep who can’t show you proof of certification… probably isn’t. You have to ask yourself if the amount of experience they have in the field is enough to reassure you that your chimney is safe to use. A chimney sweep who has been in the business for more than fifteen years probably has the experience to spot chimney problems when they arise. Some may have been trained by someone with generations of experience, but how do you know they have the experience they claim?

We’re located in Drexel Hill and provide all types of chimney services to homeowners and commercial property owners in the surrounding areas and along the Main Line. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for a consultation, a chimney inspection, or chimney cleaning. Both of the chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are CSIA Certified, CDET Certified and seek out continued education opportunities every year.