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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The chimney inspections we provide can be can be broken down into three categories, creatively named Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inspections, each of which a chimney aficionado such as yourself is sure to face at some point.

Level 1 Chimney Inspection

As the name suggests, Level 1 inspections are fairly elementary: our Chimney Monkey technicians examine portions of the chimney exterior and interior that are readily accessible to make sure the chimney structure and flue are sound, while also verifying there are no chimney obstructions or combustible deposits. In other words (i.e., not those of the CSIA), we poke around for obvious problems.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America requires a Level 1 inspection for any kind of chimney service work to be performed. So, before we put a single finger on your chimney, we always conduct this thorough survey.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

A Level 2 inspection (in addition to a Level 1 inspection) is needed when any changes are made to your chimney, fireplace, or venting system. This can be anything from a change in fuel type to a change in shape, or even a change in the flue or materials.

A Level 2 inspection is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property. This ensures that you’re not getting a firecracker for a chimney when you buy your third mansion. But any kind of malfunction in your fireplace, whether due to a building fire, chimney fire, seismic occurrence (i.e., an “earthquake”), or even a rowdy hailstorm can necessitate a Level 2 inspection.

During our Level 2 inspections, Chimney Monkey experts use specialized video scanning equipment to visually confirm that that all internal structures, joints, and flue liners within the chimney a) exist, and b) are of sound integrity.

Level 3 Chimney Inspection

Level 3 chimney inspections are much rarer than the first two levels, as they are only conducted when a chimney is on its last legs. Rather than merely looking at the chimney (as reliable as this may be), Level 3 inspections actually require us to remove parts of the chimney to get a better idea of how messed up your chimney actually is. For your sake, let’s hope it never comes to that!

Either way, be sure to contact the seasoned pros at Chimney Monkey for all your chimney inspection needs! Call [insert # here] today for your free quote on chimney inspections and other chimney-related services.

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