A professional chimney sweep offers many more services than just cleaning. A good one can actually help your chimney last longer, and keep your home and family safe when you use your fireplace and chimney. Because the industry is somewhat soft on the issue of regulation, homeowners are sometimes at a disadvantage when looking for chimney sweep. Many of them are not even sure what questions to ask to determine whether the individual understands the job. The list of services you can expect from chimney sweeps are:

  • Chimney cleaning
  • Chimney repair
  • Chimney inspections
  • Relining
  • Installing chimney caps
  • Damper replacement
  • Dryer vent cleaning

Unqualified sweeps are a stain on the industry, and their actions can prove dangerous. It is in your best interest to make sure you employ a real professional.

What Services do you Need?

Finding out what your chimney needs starts with getting an inspection. This is an often neglected aspect of home maintenance. Some people who take very good care of their homes simply don’t realize that this important structure needs attention too. In most instances, an inspection will reveal only that the chimney is badly in need of a cleaning. At other times, the report may indicate problems like:

  • A deteriorating flue
  • Loose masonry and flaking joints
  • Moisture intrusion
  • A damaged damper
  • Cracks in the liner

Certification

A professional chimney sweep should be certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, but that is only one such qualification in the industry. Others are:

  • C-Det (Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician)
  • IAFCI (International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors)
  • National Fireplace Institute Certification

It pays to be informed, so if you are looking for a chimney sweep in the Philadelphia suburbs, do some research. Learn about the kinds of questions you should ask to get the kind of service you are paying for. At Lou Curley, we are proud to be fully certified to serve and will meet any chimney and fireplace needs in Delaware County and the Main Line. Call us today for an inspection and to learn about new products on the market like the HeatShield System.