The CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™
ID # 4925
Northeastern Masonry and Chimney is certified in the business of conducting all aspects of chimney repairs and restorations.
He and his employees have been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, ID# 4925 and is also a member of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild as well as the National Guild. He has over 15 years of experience in this field.
The CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™ Program
The CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™ Program is acknowledged by a growing number of industry organizations, insurance underwriters, local, state and federal agencies and courts as the measure of a chimney sweep’s knowledge about the evaluation and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.
CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweeps keep abreast of the current developments and the technology of their trade. They are knowledgeable about the most recent National Fire Protection Association standards as well as the specifics of state and local codes covering their geographic area. In order to ensure a verifiable level of expertise within the trade, the Chimney Safety Institute of America administers the CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™ Program.
It is an educational and testing program designed to assess a chimney sweep’s knowledge of: 1. technical issues related to chimney construction and dynamics 2. solid fuel appliances and EPA requirements 3. the physics of wood-burning and creosote formation 4. codes, clearances and standards 5. the practices and techniques of the trade.
Throughout most of the 50 states, the homeowner’s best gauge of a chimney service person’s knowledge is the CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™ credential. CSIA-Certified Sweeps are tested every three years, and display a dated, photo-ID badge. A good way to be sure the sweep servicing your chimney is currently Certified is to check the search engine on the CSIA web site. These sweeps must also sign a CSIA Chimney Sweep Code of Ethics to help insure homeowners get not only a knowledgeable sweep, but an honest one. Don’t settle for less…!
If you are planning to hire a chimney sweep to inspect, evaluate or clean your chimney system(s) – here is a checklist of the things you should know about the person or company you are about to hire :
- How long has the company been in business?
- Does the company offer current references? (Don’t hesitate to check them.)
- Does the company have unresolved complaints filed with your city or state consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau?
- Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
- Is the company a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (provides access to ongoing education)?
- Is he or she a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep?
The CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™ credential is the hallmark of excellence among chimney service professionals and among homeowners and related industry professionals who understand the quality and value it represents. Homeowners should be aware that there is only one legitimate national certification program for the chimney service industry and that is the CSIA program. Those who have earned the CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep™ credential have demonstrated their commitment to their industry, to fire prevention, and to the clientele they serve.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non profit, tax-exempt educational institution dedicated to chimney and venting system safety. CSIA is committed to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney-related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property. To achieve its goals, CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public, chimney service professionals and other fire prevention specialists about the prevention and correction of chimney and venting system hazards.
Taking care of your chimney, fireplace or other heating appliances usually raises a lot of questions, so check out our answers to these frequently-asked questions. That’s one thing you should know about us – we want you to have all the information you need.