Whether your chimney needs a routine sweeping or more in-depth repairs, finding the right chimney company for the job can be hard. Because of this, most homeowners simply wind up going with the first company they find listed in the phone book or the first website that appears after a Google search.

There are several factors that you should take into consideration before hiring a chimney sweep. The right maintenance and repairs affects your fireplace and chimney’s efficiency and safety; because of this, it is important to make sure you are working with a true professional.

Choosing the right chimney sweepHow  you can hire the best chimney sweep - Southern MD - Magic Boom-w800-h800

Not all chimney sweeps are created equally; while it may seem like a simple job to do, being a successful chimney sweep requires training and technical knowledge that not every guy with some brushes and a truck has. Because of this, homeowners should make sure their chimney sweep is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA. This certification is considered the “gold standard” in the chimney industry in terms of education, knowledge, and training.

In order to earn their CSIA certification, chimney sweeps must go through training and education at the CSIA national training school before passing a certification exam. Likewise, sweeps must also retest every three years to keep their certification; this ensures that your certified chimney sweep is up to date on the latest advancements in the chimney industry.

Hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep is about more than working with a knowledgeable professional; homeowners who hire CSIA certified sweeps can also rest assured that they are working with a true professional who will operate ethically. Certified sweeps all sign a code of ethics which ensures they are held to higher ethical and professional standards.

Hiring a chimney sweep

The CSIA has provided homeowners with a list of potential questions to ask a chimney sweep before hiring them. Asking questions like this can help insure you are hiring a true professional and will receive quality chimney and fireplace services.

• How long has the chimney sweeping company been in business?
• Does the company offer current references?
• Does the company have unresolved complaints filed within the city or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau?
• Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
• Does the company ensure that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep will be on the job site?

Finding the right chimney sweep doesn’t have to be an intimidating or difficult process. By hiring a CSIA certified chimney sweep, you can be sure you are working with a highly trained and ethical professional. If you are in the Waldorf, Maryland area, trust your fireplace and chimney to the CSIA certified sweeps at Magic Broom; contact us  today to learn more about the difference working with a certified chimney sweep can make!