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 most common chimney problems in Chicago are a result of cracks in the bricks and mortar as well as in the crown. Chimney repairs average $400 – $800 and roughly $7,000 – $16,000 to replace completely.

The post Chicago: How much should chimney repair cost? appeared first on Chimney Monkey.

Brand new chimney build in Chicago could range between $5,000-$30,000. price depends on how much work you need, the size and type of your chimney, the number of fireplaces or utility flues to be rebuild and repaired… and dozens of other factors.

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Burr Ridge is generally bounded on the east by Wolf Road, on the north by 55th Street, on the west by Madison Street (and Route 83 in the southern portion of the Village) and on the south by approximately 97th Street. Ideally situated at the intersection of the Tri-State Tollway and the Stevenson Expressway, Burr Ridge offers easy access to Chicago’s Loop and airports.

Village site: https://www.burr-ridge.gov/ https://g.page/chimney-repair-burr-ridge-il

Chimney Services in Burr Ridge Illinois

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Chimney Monkey

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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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• Chimney Sweep Service | Chimney Sweep Area
• Fireplace Cleaning Service | Fireplace Cleaning Area
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• Dryer Vent Service | Dryer Vent Cleaning Area
• Gutter Cleaning Service | Gutter Cleaning Area
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• Pressure Washing Service | Pressure-washing Area
• Chimney Inspection Service | Chimney Inspection Area
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• Chimney Repair Service | Chimney Repair Area
• Chimney Crown Repair | Crown Repair Area
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• Chimney Tuckpointing | Tuckpointing Service Area
• Chimney Masonry Repair | Chimney Masonry Repair Area
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• Chimney Restoration | Chimney Restoration Area
• Chimney Rebuild | Chimney Rebuild Area
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• Chimney Flue Obstruction Removal | Chimney Obstruction Removal Area
• Chimney Waterproofing Service |Chimney Waterproofing Area
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• Chimney Rain Cap Service | Chimney Rain Cap Installation Area
• Chimney Chase Cover | Chimney Chase Cover Area
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• Chimney Liner Repair & Replacement | Chimney Liner Service Area
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• Furnace Flue Cleaning Service | Furnace Flue Cleaning Area
• Furnace Flue Liner Installation Service | Furnace Chimney Liner Area
• Water Heater Venting | Water Heater Venting Area
• Furnace Flue Venting | Furnace Flue venting Area
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• Chimney Damper Repair | Chimney Damper Repair
• Energy Efficient Damper Install | Lock-Top Damper Install
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• Fireplace Conversion | Fireplace Conversion Area
• Gas Fireplace Installation | Gas Fireplace Install Area
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• Gutter Guard Install | Gutter Guards Installation Area
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• Wood Stoves | Wood Stoves Installation Area
• Firewood Sale | Firewood Delivery Area
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• Air Duct Cleaning |
• Gutter Installation |
• Roof Inspection |
• Outdoor Kitchens |
• Carpet Cleaning |

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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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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.

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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+

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