We’ll start by scheduling our clients. Either by phone or through our online form and email. We’ll collect some basic information prior to scheduling a service call such as location, fireplace type, quantity and roof information for chimney access. This will help us to formulate a proper quote for our services.

Our technicians arrive within the scheduled window to perform requested services. Technicians will greet client with friendly demeanor and proceed with direction to the appliance being serviced. We require our technicians to wear shoe coverings upon entering the home and other PPE as requested by the homeowner.

Our technicians will perform a minimum Level I Inspection in accordance with NFPA 211 15.3 - 15.3.2.7.3 to any new appliance serviced with Chimnerds to search for any possible defects noticeable to any accessible area of the fireplace and venting system. If the scope requires it, technicians may recommend an elevated Level II or Level III Inspection be conducted.

Once technician is finished with their inspection, they will report their findings verbally to the client. This is usually where the technician will recommend if the unit needs to be cleaned prior to next use. If client accepts, technician will begin the sweeping procces. After unit is cleaned, technician will inspect for any changes caused by sweeping. Technician can perform any minor repairs to the unit at this time. Once finished technician will collect payment. Client will recieve copy of inspection report by email.

A service call will be applied to any appointment that requires our services. This is to cover travel, labor and reserved time block. New customers without an inspection report from a CSIA Certified Professional Chimney Sweep dated within one year of service must have a Level 1 Inspection performed by us for evaluation prior to our services.

Per (2016) NFPA 211 15.3.1. A Level I Inspection shall be conducted under the following circumstances.

1. During annual inspections is accordance with section 14.2 (Annual Inspection).

2. During routine cleaning of a flue or flues within chimney.

3. At the time of replacement of one or more connected appliances with an equal number of appliances of similar type, input rating, and efficiency in accordance with 14.4 (Appliance or Connector Replacement).

4. At other times as indicated in section 15.3 (Level I Inspections).

According to (2016) NFPA 211 15.4.1. A level II Inspection shall be conducted under the following circumstances:

1. Upon addition or removal of one or more connected appliances or upon replacement of an appliance with one or more dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency, unless the last connected appliance is removed and chimney use will be discontinued.

2. Prior to relining of a flue or replacement of flue lining, in accordance with 7.1.10 (Relining).

3. Upon Sale or transfer of property.

4. After a building or chimney fire, weather or seismic event, or other incident likely to have cause damage to the chimney.

5. At other times indicated in section 15.3 (Level I Inspections).

Per (2016) NFPA 211 15.5.2. A Level III Inspection shall be conducted under the following circumstances:

2. Where necessary for the investigation of a building or chimney fire, weather or seismic event, or other incident known to have caused damage to the chimney or building.

3. Where a hazard detected or suspected as the result of Level I or II inspection cannot be fully evaluated without access to concealed areas.

4. At other times as indicated in section 15.1 (Level III Inspections)

Due to the nature of venting pipes and fireplace construction. Areas of units may be inaccessible without major demolition work (Level III Inspection). In such cases, Chimnerds does not perform major demolition or repair work to area that is to be demolished to access areas being serviced by Chimnerds.

These will need to be performed by licensed professionals in their respective fields (demolition, drywaller, painter, mason, roofer etc.…) If these areas become accessible to Chimnerds, we can perform the needed inspection. However, a Level III Inspection remains the legally correct scope of work to perform and charge accordingly.

It is required that no burning occurs in the fireplace for 24 hours prior to any service being performed.

Wood logs and ash must be removed from firebox prior to service. Ash removal from firebox and/or ashpit is a seperate initial fee from sweep, followed by additional fees per bucket removed.

While Chimnerds takes extreme measures to ensure an immaculate chimney sweep and fireplace cleaning occurs. If a sweep is to be performed we do require that the homeowner, family members, and pets remain a relative distance from operations as hazards could be present such as equipment, ash, creosote, asbestos, mortar dust, animal debris as well as excessive decibels from vacuum operation are always a possibility. We only want the safest outcome for our clients.

If Chimney Swifts (A protected species of bird) are present inside of flue, Chimnerds will not perform sweep. Homeowner must contact a wild life professional for removal prior to us sweeping. General nesting removal is a separate fee from sweep determined on level of nesting present.

If advanced glazing is present in flue, Chimnerds may recommend chemical treatment which will require a follow up visit to sweep.

Chimnerds can perform minor repairs on-site during initial appointment if time allows, however moderate and severe repairs will require an a estimate to be created. A 50% deposit of estimated total and customer signature are required to be scheduled for a future, dedicated date to complete services. The remainder is due upon completion.

Any inclement weather, including heavy winds may prevent access to the roof or make our operations extremely messy. Chimnerds will offer a reschedule date to the client if this occurs.

In rare cases, an unlined insert may be present in a masonry fireplace dwelling. Chimnerds will not perform sweep if this is true. Unit must be removed by homeowner for us to perform sweep of masonry dwelling, however; Chimnerds will always recommend a correctly lined unit to be placed back into the dwelling, and will not replace incorrectly installed insert back into dwelling.

Per (2016) NFPA 211 13.4.5.1, UL 1390, UL 737, UL 1777 and UL 1482. Insert type appliances must be continuously lined with stainless steel liner extending the full height of the chimney, and our policy is to quote these codes to cover company liability when encountered in the field.

In some cases, a prefabricated fireplace flue may be found to be disconnected during inspection. Chimnerds cannot sweep this flue until it is properly re-connected. An estimate can be made for Chimnerds to properly connected disconnected flue pipe if accessible without major demolition work. Almost always will an elevation of inspection be required in this scenario.

Dryer Venting pipe must be rigid and correctly installed to perform sweep. Flexible venting pipe, and rigid venting with screws installed at connctions will require an estimate to made for it to be corrected for future sweeping to occur. If Chimnerds services a rigid vent pipe that was not installed by our company, and there are any portions of the vent that are inaccessible; client will be instructed to sign a waiver stating pipe could become disconnected during sweep. Chimnerds is not responsible for this scenario as our tools will not disconnect properly installed vent pipe in inaccessible areas. An estimate can be made for Chimnerds to properly connect disconnected vent pipe.

Chimnerds will only perform repair or correction to the portion of the flashing that is connected to the chimney. Flashing underneath shingles, and any work needing performed to the cricket will require a certified roofer to perform. Cricket installations will also need to be conducted by a certified roofer.

While Chimerds hopes this will never be the case, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason not prohibited by law.