Certified Chimney Professionals, a national Chimney Sweeping Certification Board announces today that Art Kalina, of Chimney Monkey has achieved the Certified Chimney Professional (CCP) designation.

The CCP course consists of a comprehensive chimney sweeping manual and independent testing.  CCP candidates receive training in the following subjects: Chimney inspections and inspection standards; science of fuels and combustion; heating and venting systems, cleaning of fireplaces, wood stoves, heaters, inserts, pellet stoves, and masonry stoves.  Also included is cleaning of chimneys for oil/gas boilers and furnace systems as well as problems with the performance of chimneys and vents.

This in-depth program also includes the candidates study and knowledge of the NFPA 211; The National Fire Protection Association Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances – 2013 Edition.

All candidates for the CCP designation also agree to abide by a professional code of ethics.

“Our certifications are intended to fortify the experienced chimney professional’s knowledge, and to allow the experienced chimney professional the chance to prove by independent testing that they have attained a professional level of knowledge of the codes, standards, and practices of a Certified Chimney Professional or a Certified Chimney Reliner and to achieve the designation” states Marshall Peters, Director of Certified Chimney Professionals.

Additionally, Mr. Peters asks the following questions:  “When it comes to fire, would you leave your home in the hands of just any guy with a ladder and a brush?  Why not instead, trust your chimney to a Certified Chimney Professional who has proven by independent testing that they have demonstrated a professional level knowledge of chimneys and vents.”

“We are pleased to announce that Art Kalina has achieved this CCP designation.”  states Mr. Peters further.

About Certified Chimney Professionals Certifications

CCP offers training materials, testing and certifications for both the Certified Chimney Professional and the Certified Chimney Reliner designation.

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Of course, after a full season of regular usage, your fireplace and chimney are now looking somewhat worse for wear. If you want to keep your chimney in good shape for icy seasons to come, add these quick tips to your spring cleaning checklist:

1) Chimney cap

Your chimney cap is what prevents water and debris from going down your flue. However, it should also allow smoke to be released (otherwise your chimney is not of much use, eh?)—so make sure it’s snug, but also that it is free on any obstructions.

2) Chimney crown

The chimney crown is the mortar/concrete fixture that seals the top of your chimney. Any leakage here can lead to significant structural damage for your chimney. As long as you’re on the roof, use the old eyeball test to survey the crown for any cracks, big or small.

3) Chimney exterior

The same principle applies to the rest of your chimney, as well. While the crown is your chimney’s first line of defense against moisture and precipitation, leakage can occur anywhere on your chimney that is compromised. While you can use sealant to cover some small cracks, crumbling brick/masonry is a good sign that you need professional chimney repair.

4) Chimney flashing

“Flashing” is the technical term for the material that seals the gap between the chimney and roof. Faulty seals can spell disaster for your entire roof if left unchecked. Look closely for cracks and gaps in the flashing.

5) Flue

Unfortunately, this one is all but impossible to check yourself. Unless you have an extra long selfie stick, it will be tough to get the depth and angles you need to determine the level of creosote buildup and/or structural damage in your flue. For this step—and any of the maintenance the above steps demand—it’s best to call your local chimney professionals for help.

And who better to call than Chimney Monkey? We’re so obsessed with chimneys you could even say we go “bananas” for them! All jokes aside, we are one of the most trusted and fastest-growing chimney and home services companies in the Chicagoland area.

Call us today for a free quote on your chimney inspection, cleaning, or repair: 847-994-4388

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Moisture, or water damage, causes the most problems for chimneys. When moisture from winter weather sits for a long time, it deteriorates all the components of the brick and mortar chimney over time. While the bricks themselves are moisture-proof, the mortar that binds them together, is not. The mortar can erode when water seems into it, causing the bricks to weaken that it is holding together. Some of the damage that can occur when moisture permeates the bricks is:

• The walls in your home can become stained, discolored and ruined
• The metal and masonry of the actual firebox can deteriorate inside the home
• The clean-out area of the fireplace can become clogged
• A bad smell can occur of water and mixed with creosote in the chimney
• Damp parts can rust and fail to function properly
• The cooling and heating system can become damaged
• The outside of the chimney can become stained and cause an unattractive appearance
• The whole chimney structure can bend and fall

The best solution to the problems listed above, is prevention. Prevention from these problems is quite simple. All you need to do is install a chimney cap. A chimney cap is an inexpensive solution to a potentially expensive problem. If you don’t have a chimney cap, large amounts of water can seep inside the chimney. Chimney caps serve other important functions such preventing the possibility of fire that can be caused by sparks flying out of the chimney as well as preventing animals getting inside the chimney.

After you have enjoyed a beautiful and snowy Chicago winter, it is best to call a chimney professional to see if the condition of your chimney has deteriorated. A professional can come out and perform all the needed repairs to get you ready for the next majestic Chicago winter.

The post Keep Your Chimney Safe This Winter appeared first on Chimney Monkey.

However, you can mitigate this one particular issue by performing chimney maintenance before the onslaught of the winter season. No doubt the winter season will have you using it many times. What can you do to ensure your chimney is ready for the colder, snowy months that winter brings?

4 Key Tips To Safely Use Your Chimney During The Winter Months

Have An Inspection Done

The first and most important thing you need to do is have the chimney inspected every year or even twice a year. This will ensure your chimney stays in good working condition.  A technician can look over the chimney, looking at the masonry and flashing to ensure there is no damage or cracking. If there are any issues, you’ll need to fix the problem before the first snow. If not, you could experience smoke leaks.

Install A Good Cover

The easiest step in keeping the snow out is to install a chimney cover, which keeps the snow from getting into the chimney. Since there are various chimney sizes, you’ll need to find out what size yours is and find the right size for it. Your chimney technician can let you know what options are available to you.

If your chimney already comes with a cover, be sure it hasn’t been damaged, and it securely fastened in place.

Clean Your Chimney

Your chimney can lead to home fires, even when it’s snowing and cold outside. If your chimney is dirty, the chances of it catching fire increases. Have a chimney technician come by and give your chimney a good cleaning before you have to use it all winter long.

Waterproof The Crown

This would also be the ideal time to apply a waterproof material to the chimney. You have your choices of all kinds of sealants, which will keep moisture from getting into the cracks.

With the threat the snow and below zero temperatures, you need to ensure your house and its occupants are safe. With the four tips listed above, you can make that happen and enjoy the winter months in front of a roaring fire while the snow falls outside.

Chimney Monkey will make your chimney safe again!

Contact us at 312-687-1325 or e-mail at info@ChimneyMonkey.com for a +FREE QUOTE+

The post 4 Tips Homeowners Can Use To Ensure Their Chimney Is Ready For Cold, Snowy Months appeared first on Chimney Monkey.

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Contact us at 312-687-1325 or e-mail at info@ChimneyMonkey.com for a +FREE QUOTE+

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