We at Mike’s Clean Sweeps care about what we do.
We feel it important to inform folks that ours is a challenging and diverse trade, with many sub areas and specialties, and not a whimsical janitorial service. Doing a good job in the chimney trade requires extensive training. While we all have to start somewhere, sweeps that concentrate on the cleaning aspect of the trade often give a green light to fireplaces that are not fit for use. Who can really blame them, given that they lack the requisite equipment to perform a proper inspection? We run a specialized camera with every chimney we touch and sometimes find that the previous sweeping company has not performed a thorough cleaning. Since some technicians never run a camera, they are not always aware that their efforts are insufficient.
The dirtiest chimneys require the latest technology to be properly cleaned. We use SnapLok rods and choose a powered, rotary method that spins a brush head or whip to thoroughly scrub the flue tiles.
We no longer provide cleanings without an inspection due to the frequency with which we discover concealed defects when we run our cameras. And yet, because there is so little public awareness of the chimney trade, many realtors will ignore the National Fire Protection Association’s requirement that a Level 2 Chimney Inspection be performed with every transfer of property. Since there are so few technicians in this area who can provide a full Level 2, buyers are often left in the dark regarding whether their solid-fuel burning appliance is fit for use. It can be expensive to fix chimneys. That’s another reason why some in real estate would prefer not to have the fireplace inspected—they are fearful of jeopardizing the sale.
We at Mike’s Clean Sweeps are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and are therefore obliged to meet if not exceed the requirements of NFPA 211, and we just think it is crazy that new homeowners must “try out” their fireplace and hope it is not falling apart on the inside. For us, safety of our clients is paramount, and no one deserves a false sense of security when fire is involved.
If you are new to chimneys, take a look around our website. If you have the time, you will see why continuing education is the cornerstone of our company.
Thanks for your interest and we look forward to meeting you in person!
