There are some things that do not require expert levels of attention and care, but matters of family health and safety are not one of those things. Chimney care is potentially a life or death matter. You don’t want just anyone to service your chimney. Following these tips will ensure that you get the best care for your chimney and your family.
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Choosing the right chimney sweep company for your job is crucial. An annual inspection by one of our certified chimney sweeps is a modest investment that can reduce the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. Our sweeps earned their certification by passing an intensive examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimneys and venting systems.
Make sure that your chimney sweep is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Many people pose as qualified chimney technicians without being properly trained or acquiring the requisite knowledge about chimney anatomy. They may offer you very low inspection prices, and then try to convince you to agree to unnecessary repairs on your chimney. Technicians with CSIA certification have an expert chimney eye and can safely and effectively service your chimney. Here at Owens Chimney Systems, all of our sweeps have CSIA certification. In addition, they also have certification from the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association (NCCSA).
- Check online reviews! Online reviews are a great way to find out what actual clients are saying about the company with which you are looking to do business. If the reviews are mostly positive then most likely you and your chimney are in good hands.
- Make sure the sweep is insured to work in your home. Ask the company if they have full insurance coverage for damage that may occur to your home or for injuries that may occur to workers in your home or up on your roof. It’s not likely that you will have to worry about insurance when hiring chimney technicians; however, if the technicians damage your home or get injured and don’t have insurance, the liability is yours. Owens Chimney Systems carries Workers Compensation Insurance on all of our employees.
- Identification. Ask anyone who comes to your door to work on your home for identification. The majority of reputable businesses provide their employees with ID badges, and they should arrive in a marked uniform with a marked vehicle that identifies the company for which they work.
- Professionalism. It’s a good idea to look out for this when deciding who should be working on your chimney. The technician and company you hire should treat you with courtesy and politely answer any questions and concerns you may have. They should also respect your home by cleaning up after their work is completed.
Owens Chimney Systems is a locally owned and operated business with an outstanding reputation in the community. We offer a wide variety of services for your chimney and home, and we get the job done right the first time! We pride ourselves in maintaining the highest standards of work and customer satisfaction. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, we’re delighted to begin working with you.