With Thanksgiving behind us, many of you are readying to ring in the season with decorations in the centerpiece of the family room, including placement of the Christmas tree, with stockings hung from a mantle above the fireplace. The Chimney Safety Institute of America knows the importance of these traditions, but also know this: that … More Christmas decorations, your fireplace, and the 3-foot Rule
This photo was posted on Twitter on Thanksgiving eve by @massfirepics. It shows a ladder truck responding to a reported chimney fire, with extension, in Manchester, New Hampshire. Here at the Chimney Safety Institute of America, we paused to post this photo, as we were creating a recap of all the media-reported or eyewitness-photographed fires … More Thanks, to the firefighters who extinguish chimney fires
Beech Grove, Indiana resident Keith Marshall bought his home in 2006, but one feature he has never used was one of the prettiest parts of his residence: the wood-burning fireplace. And Keith estimated that it hadn’t been used at all in the past 14 years. The n-shaped cherry red brick, topped by a white mantel, has precious keepsakes … More Unsure of using your fireplace? A chimney inspection can help
Homeowners often seek out do-it-yourself tips when it comes to getting their fireplace ready for seasonal use. But as Chimney Safety Institute of America Certified Chimney Sweep Mark Ormand shows, this is what can result: Deceased insects. As in, wasps. Hundreds of dead wasps. “This is one good reason why you don’t just stick your head … More Dare to inspect your own chimney? Here’s what may be hidden above the damper
We’ve all seen on the news and on social media about the incredible snowfall totals produced in different parts of the United States this winter. The Chimney Safety Institute of America reminds homeowners in the impacted areas that chimneys and vents for solid fuel and gas appliances must be cleared of snow and ice to … More Snow and ice can block chimneys and vents as well as clothes dryer exhausts
There’s a reason that Chimney Safety Institute of America Certified Chimney Sweeps are in demand by the public — particularly with our unseasonably cold Autumn — and that’s in part to their commitment to education. We saw evidence of this last summer, when CSIA saw one of the highest turnouts ever for our annual “Installing … More NFI and CSIA agreement to mean discounts, improve access to education
It has been nearly three months since a 6.0 earthquake rocked residents of Napa, California. Chimney Safety Institute of America responded that day, documenting the chimneys that failed as a result of the temblor (and there were many) that were shared on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram. Chimneys are powerful symbols. CSIA showcased the damage with … More California official to earthquake victims: Get your chimney inspected by a CSIA certified sweep
In a new Chimney Safety Institute of America video for homeowners, we asked CSIA Instructor Rich Rua of A Traditional Sweep in Portsmouth, Rhode Island for his tips on handling the ash remains of freshly burned firewood. We want everyone to enjoy their solid fuel appliance, but also be safe. Because homeowners lack a temperature-sensing tool, … More A chimney’s sweeps thoughts on fireplace and wood stove ash removal
Here at the Chimney Safety Institute of America, (which has 1,500 certified chimney sweeps in 49 U.S. states and Canada), we advocate for annual chimney inspections. Not annual chimney sweeping. Here is why. Although a thorough sweep will remove creosote and other products of combustion from the flue, some might argue that the inspection is more vital, particularly because a sweeping provides only … More What’s involved in an annual chimney inspection versus an annual chimney sweep
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — Chimney Safety Institute of America attends educational conferences, in part, to introduce and promote our sweeps’ expertise to attendees. Attendees such as home inspector Ryan Johns of Palmetto, Florida — who told us he talks all the time about the “dirty chimneys” he encounters. Ryan says he always adamantly recommends to home buyers to … More Advocating for chimney sweeps and dryer exhaust technicians in Pittsburgh
Wisdom from the Hearth 