Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

How often should I have a chimney sweep and inspection?

The National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommend for saftey and efficiency reasons to have your chimney inspected on an annual basis.

Why is being a CSIA certifed chimney sweep and inspector important?

Potomac Services chimney sweep technicians are trained and certified by CSIA. Not every company can say this and its important because CSIA is only nationally recongnized credentials and standards for chimney service professionals. When a sweep is CSIA certiefied, it means they passed a comprehensive examination on national codes and standards and chimney inspections as defined by the National Fire Protection Association and agreed to comply with the CSIA code of ethics.

What are the reasons why chimneys are inspected?

• • Preparing a home to be sold
  • To document an insurance claim
  • Or annually when the chimney is swept

  How do I prepare for a chimney sweep and/or inspection?

  • Avoid having a fire at least 24 hours before the chimney is to be swept
  • Move any personal items like furniture, accessories, or breakables around the fireplace
  • Give the technician about 6 – 8 feet of clearance working space
  • Move pets away or put them in another room so that the noise of the vacuum does not bother them

  Should I be worried about mess from a chimney sweep?

  • Be assured that dust and soot are carefully contained
  • Dust is typically captured with a vaccum

  How long does a chimney sweep and inspection take?

  • A sweep and inspection typically can be done in 1-1.5 hours

  What is the difference between a level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection?

  
  Level 1 – Safety Inspection

  • Use chimney regulary, and not experiencing problems
  • Examine readily accessible portions of your chimney’s interior and exterior
  • Readily accessible means no tools are needed to gain access except common tools like screw driver or plyers
  • Check basic condition of your chimney structure and flue
  • Fundemental structure
  • Clearance to combustibles
  • Look for any obstructions
  • Identify the nature and volume of combustible deposits in your chimney

  Level 2 Inspection

  • When making a change to your heating system – changes in heating type, relining of your flue, replacement or addition of an appliance #2
  • Transfering inspection of your property
  • Operational malfunction
  • Building or chimney fire
  • Earthquake, strong storm, tree hitting it, etc