Hiring The Best Chimney Sweep

Are you seeking a chimney sweep service because you just purchased a house with a fireplace? Or is your current fireplace neglected and in need of care? There may be a number of reasons you are seeking a chimney sweep service, but what is important is hiring the best chimney sweep. How do you determine who the best chimney sweep service? Read on.

How Do I Find a High-Quality Chimney Sweep Service?

A Reputable Chimney Sweep Will Be Certified

A chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or a Certified Chimney Sweep Professional (CCP) by the National Chimney Sweep Guild will be trained in all the latest best practices and techniques in chimney repair.

A Good Chimney Sweep Service Will Be Experienced

Along with training, you must ensure that your chimney sweep service has been around for a while. Training is essential, but some scenarios aren’t taught in a classroom, and if a chimney sweep is experienced, there is a good chance he will have seen it before. After all, you don’t want to be the test customer for a chimney sweep service’s first job. There is a greater chance with an inexperienced chimney sweep of missed issues an experienced eye would catch.

A Good Chimney Sweep Will Be Insured

This requirement of the best chimney sweeps is self-explanatory. If while in the course of inspecting, sweeping, or repairing your chimney, a chimney sweep damages the roof or any other part of your home, insurance will cover the costs so that you’re not left holding the bag.

Professionalism is a Hallmark of the Best Chimney Sweeps

Again, this requirement is self-explanatory. Are the company’s service agents polite and well-versed when you speak with them over the phone or on Zoom? Do they promptly respond to emails? Do they show up when they say they will? Do you wear professional attire? Do they clean up when the project is completed? All of this is easy to find by checking out a company’s reviews on Google or Yelp.

A Good Chimney Sweep Won’t Price Gouge

When a chimney sweep service inspects your chimney and then assesses what needs to be done to get it in working order, a quote should be given to you in writing upfront. When repairs begin, you shouldn’t receive a list of additional charges not included in the initial quote. While it’s true that something may arise that is not listed in the original quote, there shouldn’t be five or six additional charges tacked onto the original quote. Be wary of chimney sweep services that are unwilling to give you a quote before starting repairs. If you hear things such as “We won’t know the cost until we get started,” “There are always unseen costs that arise during repairs,” or any similar pitch, thank them for their time and seek another service. One other note: if you have an elderly family member who will have repairs done, someone should be there when the chimney is being inspected to protect them from price gouging.

A Reputable Chimney Sweep Service Will Follow Established Safety Practices

Ask the chimney sweep service you hire if they adhere to CSIA guidelines and have their own safety policies in place. After all, you don’t want to have a chimney sweep coming crashing down off the roof and into your driveway. You also don’t want to be involved in any investigations of OSHA violations, which, while not aimed at you, must be dealt with. You also don’t want a chimney being repaired left in a haphazard position where bricks or building materials could injure your family or pets.

Mercer County Chimney is the Top Chimney Sweep Service in the Area

Don’t trust servicing your chimney to just anyone; choose the best local chimney sweeps in the area. If you live in the extended Mercer County area, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Chesterfield, or Allentown areas, get in touch with us.

We can take care of all your chimney needs, from inspections to repairs and sweeping, with professionalism and courtesy. Don’t put off having your chimney taken care of, act now!