Chimney Sweeping Business

What is the primary function of a professional chimney sweep? Well, despite the title, there is more to the job than just 'sweeping' a chimney. Your main job function is actually to be focused on the prevention of fires related to fireplaces, wood stoves, gas, oil and coal heating systems and the chimneys that serve them. Another function of a professional chimney sweep would be helping homeowners improve their home's heating efficiency. In today's times of financial uncertainty, everyone is looking to make their homes run more efficiently and they are more likely to use wood burning fire places rather than rely on the unstable oil prices related to heating a home primarily with oil. The third important job of a modern chimney sweep is the prevention of carbon monoxide pollution within the home. Maintaining good air quality is vital for the health and safety of family members and any pets residing within the home.

If you do not have previous chimney cleaning experience, there are plenty of courses available that will not only train you to be a well-trained chimney sweeper but will also prepare you to pass the exams needed to be credentialed with an organization that will refer customers to you to have their chimneys serviced. Most are relatively inexpensive and fairly short as well. Some take as little as six days. In no time at all, you can obtain the knowledge and accreditation needed to be an authority on chimney cleaning and safety!

Here is a little information on the two most popular organizations involved with the chimney sweeping industry.

One of the most important credentials can be obtained from the CSIA. They are the Chimney Safety Institute of America. This is a nonprofit educational organization in existence to provide chimney and venting safety resources to industry professionals and homeowners alike.

You can obtain their credential by passing a 100-question exam based on standard chimney service practices and applicable fire safety codes. To pass, candidates must earn a score of 80 or higher. Certification is valid for three years from the exam date and there is an annual maintenance fee.

The exam is based on the 2002 version of the reference manual, Successful Chimney Sweeping, and the 2006 version of NFPA 211. To pass this test, you will need to have extensive knowledge of the manual and NFPA 211. Since this can be a major undertaking, they also offer a course with knowledgeable instructors to help you learn the information needed to pass this test.

The second well known organization that you may want to become a member of would be the NCSG. This organization is the National Chimney Sweep Guild. They are a great resource for an up and coming chimney sweep. Through them, you can obtain membership information to other chimney sweep organizations, such as State & Regional Chimney Service Guilds and Associations as well as European Guilds. When homeowners are looking for someone to service their chimneys, they turn to for reliable, professional help these organizations.

The CSIA also can be helpful for generating business for you because they advise homeowners to follow the recommendations of The National Fire Protection Association and get annual chimney checks. They also give homeowners advice on the safe operation of a chimney, installing chimney caps, and other general common sense safety tips. Above all, they recommend that homeowners get annual inspections performed by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps.

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