Sweeping Magazine- March/April 2017

Sweeping March/April 2017 VOLUME 41 #3

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

Only 10 – 15 Percent Of People Will Implement Change The Stages in Chimney Business Growth— The Rest of the Story Thinking of Expanding?

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Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 10 History Project 18 Technical Q&A 20 New Members 22 Progressive Perks 23 Date and Events 24 Industry Watch 30 Classifieds 31 Darwin Award 32

Table of Contents March/April Sweeping

Features Only 10 – 15 Percent Of People Will Implement Change

2017 Volume 41 Issue 3

The Stages in Chimney Business Growth— The Rest of the Story

Thinking of Expanding?

6 14 16 March/April 2017

Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54 (317) 203-0088 x: 3 John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31 (317) 203-0088 x: 4 Randy Brooks IRC, NFPA 211 or Customer Communications (317) 203-0088 x: 5 Bart Ogden Stainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning and Narrative Report Writing (317) 203-0088 x: 6

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (317) 203-0088 x: 7 Jay Walker Dryer Vents (317) 203-0088 x: 8 Rett Rasmussen Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls (317) 203-0088 x: 9 Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry (317) 203-0088 x: * Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining (317) 203-0088 x: 0

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2017

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire Fireboxes (317) 203-0088 x: 2

S W E E P I N G

2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

Frances Kelly Excecutive Director fkelly@ncsg.org Megan McMahon Director of Finance mmcmahon@ncsg.org Debbie Cornelius Membership Development Coordinator dcornelius@ncsg.org Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org Claire Rutledge Program Coordinator crutledge@ncsg.org

March/April 2017

Darcy Marlett Director of Communications and Marketing dmarlett@ncsg.org Jordan Whitt CSIA Director of Communications and Marketing jwhitt@csia.org Ashley Edridge Director of Education ashley@csia.org Sara Sichting Office Manager ssichting@ncsg.org

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2016 – 2017

2

STAFF

Resources

Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com

Vice President, Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com

Secretary, At Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

Treasurer, Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com

At-Large Director Tom Hunkele (515) 249-6337 nopnotchchimney@gmail.com

Region 1 Mike Elliott (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com

At-Large Director Dennis Dobbs (256) 845- 9814 info@fireplaceservicecenter. com

Region 2 Ed Ridgeway (856) 241-7999 masons@chimney-duct.com

To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question: Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney.

Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/ or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with firsthand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.

President, At Large Director Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

Region 4 Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

Supplier Representative Stuart Karanovich (765) 966-5084 stuartk@saversystems.com

Bylaws Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drangler01@yahoo.com

Membership Bob Ferrari (530) 221-3331 bob@flueseason.com

Ethics Andy Raycroft (703) 836-7858 andy@rooftopchimneysweeps.con

NFPA 211 Representative Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

Governance Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 sweepingJ@aol.com

NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Government Affairs Mike Elliot (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com

NFPA 54 Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net

Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

Scholarship Committee Greg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or sweepingads@me.com Layout and design by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format.

In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.

NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publication’s standards.

Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers. © 2017 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

I

t’s been an interesting week.

A downward spiral as some would say. Typically, this time of year is a slowdown point for most chimney sweep businesses. The weather gets better, the rush of the holidays is over, people are exhausted and somewhat moody.

The schedule had slowed down, as I expect and plan on every year. One of the crews is working on a larger job that has had a few hiccups. It’s a larger house that is gutted for renovations. These jobs are great when you have free run of the home and typically don’t have to worry about making a mess on an already messy jobsite with no carpet, furniture, or belongings in sight.

The crew got the scaffold set and found that the water had been shut off to the home. The closest water was found to be ¼ mile away near a landscaping shed. The water would have to be hauled to the mixing station for the smoke chamber mix and crown concrete we would be mixing the next day.

This would set us back, so I sent another crew with that crew to help. Not only was the water a chore, but they had problems with the scaffold set up, stones loose under the old crown, and I had sent them with the wrong size crown forms. No biggie, the job is only an hour drive one way! Jeez.

After that stressful day, I was blessed to decompress at my daughters dance watch night.

I love watching my happy ballerina go through her moves, occasionally glancing at me for approval that she is doing excellent. These are the good times in a father’s life.

A day later, I got a call from my Mother shortly after getting to

work. She had taken my Father to the hospital after suffering chest pain in the middle of the night. He was in surgery and they were working on unclogging his arteries. They had got there just in time. Any later would have been bad.

Dad made it through surgery.

Getting old stinks. I visited him that evening and decided to spend the majority of the day Sunday at the hospital with him since we all decided he should stay admitted and return to surgery on Monday to unclog more arteries that are blocked.

As I sat there with time to think, I started to reflect on my need to write this final President’s letter. What will I say? What has happened in my life recently that might make some good content? It’s been a bummer of a week. I started to daydream about all of my experiences and what it has meant to me being in this position.

While board membership and being the President of the NCSG is not a paid position, the knowledge and experiences have been far more valuable than any monetary gain. The experience has taught me leadership. Given me business opportunities.

Allowed me to share knowledge with the industry.

I have had the opportunity to not only meet and socialize with sweeps from different areas of the united states, but also chimney sweeps from around the world. Traveling to different countries representing the National Chimney Sweep Guild has allowed me to visit areas only seen in history books.

At ESCHFOE in Germany, I visited and stayed at a true chimney sweep academy outside of Munich, ate things that have only appeared on

President’s

Letter Jeremy Biswell

President

3 S W E E P I N G March/April 2017

the tv show “fear factor”, seen hopps fields farther than the eye can see, drank beer made from the hops in those fields, and watched traditional Bavarian Dancers hop and jump to music that led to an entertaining night had by all.

Last year, ESCHFOE was held in Italy. Luckily, my plane travel lined up well and I was able to take some spare time and visit Rome. In 24 hours, I was able to tour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, The Roman Forum, and the Vatican. I marveled and prayed in the Sistine Chapel, ate gelato outside the Pantheon, visited multiple ancient churches, starred for 15 minutes viewing “The Last Supper”, and sent a love note to my wife from a shop near the balcony that inspired Romeo and Juliet.

Certain things in life are

beautiful to experience by yourself at your own pace. No one else to rush you through or slow you down. Just be on your own schedule. It can be therapeutic and enlightening.

I do have plans to take my family to Spazzacamini and take them to the sites I was able to visit. I want them to have the same experience.

Never forget the things that mean the most in this world.

Your happiness, your family, and your health should come first and foremost. Give what you can to better the world.

Don’t always be negative and don’t encourage others to be negative as well. Try to smile as much as possible. Take interest in other people. Try to be happy.

Never forget to release your creativity and do things that don’t involve chimneys and

fireplaces every once in a while.

Dad made it out of the hospital and is home now. I am happy and thankful for that. Time is a blessing and a curse if you think about it. Spending time with friends and family is important. At the same time, watching people come and go out of your life can be draining on the soul. It is important to reflect on things that are good. I have troubles doing this myself at times, but try to make an effort to do better every day.

I am most thankful to have come across a career in a spectacular industry that has given me a good living for me and my family. Thank you to my family for supporting me through my time I have spent volunteering my time and efforts. Thank you to the NCSG staff. Thank you to all of my friends and colleagues.

You all mean the world to me.

I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be your President for the last couple years. I look forward to seeing you all soon at our 40th anniversary convention in Louisville!

Thank you for being a part of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.

Jeremy Biswell, outgoing President of the National Chimney Sweep Guild Jeremy

March/April 2017

H

appy Spring Sweeps!

I hope your spring is off to a great start. (I also hope that start includes the 2017 NCSG National Convention!)

First in this month’s issue of Sweeping be sure to read Jeremy Biswell’s farewell President’s Letter column.

Jeremy will be finishing his tenure as NCSG President at this year’s convention. Look out for a letter from the new president in next month’s issue.

Over at the History Project you can read about (and see) a unique donation we received from longtime member Bill Kline of Chim Cheree in Greer, South Carolina.

I can’t wait to see everyone at in Louisville at convention!

Editor’s

Letter Darcy Marlett Editor

Cheers,

Also in this issue is an article from a new contributor. Lauren Pezzullo’s article “Thinking of Expanding- These Are the Services Homeowners Want” focuses on adding services that cater to the eco conscious homeowner.

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March/April 2017

5 S W E E P I N G

Only 10 – 15 Percent Of People Will Implement Change — Are You One Of Them?

Taylor Hill

6 S W E E P I N G

Spark Marketer Everywhere we look we’re bombarded with articles, books, podcasts, ads, commercials, and emails telling us what we need to do to get ahead, to improve, to be better. Want a better body? Buy this home gym and eat proper proportions for your goals. Want to be in a better place financially? Pay down your debts, start saving, and don’t spend what you don’t have. Want to be a better leader? Read these top leadership books. Whatever areas of our lives we’re looking to improve, there’s no shortage of paths promising us the success we desire.

But it’s not just the plans or products themselves

March/April 2017

that bring us true change and determine our success - it’s our willingness and commitment to implement them. What if you bought that home gym and purchased a food scale, but both only collected dust? What if you printed out your budget and put your credit card in a drawer, but continued to ignore that budget and live outside your means? What if you lined your office bookshelves with books on leadership, but never read them? Or worse, what if you read them but didn’t put any of the things you learned into action?

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The reality is: Change requires effort. And not a one time push effort either, but a constant effort. Most people simply aren’t willing to put in the elbow grease to implement and create the change they say they want.

In fact, the numbers say only 1015% of people who reach out to coaches or mentors will actually implement the suggested changes. Why is that? If we all want to be better and there’s no shortage of help out there, why don’t more of us implement?

Changing is harder than being.

Being is so easy most of us are usually on autopilot. But shaping, molding, changing, and becoming requires us to put forth effort, no matter how we’re feeling. Plus, it can be intimidating and overwhelming to look at the things you need to do and take that first step towards change. What if you fail? Wouldn’t it be easier and more comfortable to not try and not fail? This mindset is what makes many of us fearful and prevents us from reaching our goals in both life and business.

8 S W E E P I N G

We insert too much time between planning and action.

Changes are easier to implement when they have fire behind them; when we’re passionate.

But many of us allow too much time to pass between our plans to change and our actions.

Without the motivation and drive we had at first, we can easily convince ourselves that maybe change isn’t such a good idea or such a necessity.

We lose sight of the end goal or benefits of change. Part of what makes it easy to lose passion and motivation is a lack of vision.

We lose sight of the benefits or

March/April 2017

end goal associated with the changes we need to implement.

Without the grand vision in view, it’s easy to lose drive and become lackadaisical and apathetic.

We don’t celebrate every little success along the way. When we set big goals and start to implement changes, we often fail to appreciate the little increments of change and solely focus on how far away the big carrot is. Change takes time, and waiting for the big payoff without celebrating along the way can leave you feeling unrewarded and like you’re wasting your time; like you’ll never get where you’re going. But when you take the time to celebrate the little successes along the way, you give your brain little waves of dopamine, and reinforce the benefits of the journey.

We’re too rigid, but not persistent. Most of us are uncomfortable with change.

We don’t like messing up our routine, our habits, or our cozy little comfort zone. But in order to implement change, you have to be flexible and adaptable.

If you get halfway down the road and realize there’s a tire in the middle of your lane, you have to alter your course to continue. It’s the same with a plan. It needs to be flexible and adaptable, and you have to be willing to put in the time to tweak it when necessary.

Many of us would rather stop the car or turn around and give up when an obstacle presents itself. After all, it’s often easier to convince ourselves we never wanted it in the first place than it is to rework the plan of action.

Will You Be A Real Implementer Of Change? It’s Up To You What changes have you been wanting to make in your life and your business? Are you going to be one of the 10-15% who actually implement or like the masses who stay the same and get more of the same, year after year? Do what it takes. Reach out to a business coach. Read those books. Do a few quick sets of push-ups between jobs.

Whatever changes you’d like to make, put in the elbow grease and keep yourself motivated.

Set yourself up for success, write down the benefits of the changes you’re looking to make, commit yourself to putting in the work, and reward yourself along the way. Put one foot in front of the other and keep your eyes on the prize. The map to a different tomorrow starts with today.

Taylor Hill is Co-Founder and Crew Chief for Spark Marketer, a local online marketing company specializing in marketing for service businesses across the US. He loves the chimney industry and is passionate about helping service business owners navigate the Internet oceans filled with sharks and unsavory pirates. He’s also co-host of the Blue Collar Proud Show, the podcast that’s all about having and living the blue collar dream. @sparkmarketer, facebook.com/ sparkmarketer, @taylorkhill @bcpshow

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March/April 2017

Coach’s

Corner Jerry Isenhour

Are the following on your horizon, or even in your goals for 2017?

• Higher sales • More satisfied customers • More enthused customers • A higher value for your business Achieving the above should not be a problem. But there will probably need to be some changes in your approach for that to happen. And change, at times, involves pain.

Here is the hot tip,

Are You Thinking Like Your Customer?

You gotta think like your customer!

Now, you are probably running through your mind at this moment what in the world does that mean, think like my customer. What it means is, we must always make our primary consideration what his thoughts, his wants, and his needs are.

And to complicate matters even more, your customer may not even fully understand the products and services you offer.

So, when we present our products and our services, and are determined to have our customer buy what we believe he needs, we often lose track of what he really wants, or what his concerns are. And this is often why instead of making the big sale, we walk away disappointed when our customer doesn’t buy.

10 S W E E P I N G

Or, we talk to a prospect on the phone but he doesn’t ask us to come to his home. Likely after the contact with the customer ends we think, well he was a jerk, he was unreasonable, any number of things.

But all along the problem was we never connected, we never

March/April 2017

really built the relationship.

And one of the most important secrets of sales is the building of that relationship.

Here is the way it goes: we see a need, and we start our process of presentation to the customer. But our first mistake may well have been back at the start, as we entered the home, or we conversed on the phone.

The requisite relationship building was not done. So, we have not secured the very basis of our selling proposition, the building of a trusting and open relationship with our customer… that essential first step.

Regardless of that, we start to explain the product and describe the service failing to realize the conversation we are having is not the one the customer is ready to have. As an example, we are selling him the best chimney lining money can buy, or maybe presenting a new fireplace change-out, whatever it is. We are selling him on the benefits, but his concern is centered elsewhere. He is thinking: • Will they do what they say they are going to do?

• Will they tear up my home?

• Will they damage my property?

• Will they be done when they say they will?

• Will there be problems?

• Will they come back if there is a problem?

That’s why, even while you are talking, the customer is not hearing what he really wants to know. And equally important, is how we discuss the project. Did we make eye contact? Were we even convinced of the need for

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what we are proposing? Did we lay all the groundwork for what we are telling him by including him step by step in the process?

All of this is vitally important!

These are the considerations necessary to close the sale.

This is equally true whether the contact is by phone or face to face. Was the sales communication done properly?

And how do you know?

Have you tape recorded yourself? Have you practiced in front of a video camera?

Have you really graded yourself and your communication methods? Are you really sure how the people that work for you make sales presentations?

Are they truly selling so that the customer not only understands what is being proposed, but buys into it?

The cycle of sales involves the following: • Always know how to sell yourself first • Next sell the company: let them know you are the company that has the mission and the culture they are looking for • And lastly sell the product So, the message this month is, think like your customer.

Communicate in a way your customer buys into the product, and most importantly buys into you.

If you start off wrong or veer off course, bad things will happen, and, you are unlikely to get the sale. You will have stacked the deck against yourself.

The truth is, no matter what your position in the company, sales is a significant part of your responsibility. We are all involved in the process, and we all must operate in a manner that the customer comes to realize, your company is the most logical choice to meet his needs.

About the Author: Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant, educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry and how his team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take a look at his web site www.cvccoaching.com He can be contacted at jerry@cvccoaching. com or by phone at (704) 425-0217.

You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page CVC Coaching and Youtube channel CVCCoaching.

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March/April 2017

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13 S W E E P I N G March/April 2017

The Stages in Chimney Business Growth—The Rest of the Story

By Chuck Roydhouse Last month, we discussed the different stages of business growth all chimney companies go through. Now we are going to discuss Profit and Regeneration.

14 S W E E P I N G

Your business has been established; the word is out, the phone is ringing, jobs are being booked, and you have money in your business checking account. The next area to focus on is how to improve productivity, efficiency and increasing profitability.

You need to look closely at each division of your company, whether it is the installation, sweeping and inspection, repairs or office staff as a whole. As the business was growing the focus was making sure each division could operate efficiently and effectively by establishing and setting up standard operating procedures and systems for each division. This time the focus

March/April 2017

is on making sure all divisions are all working well together. The goal here is to eliminate waste and minimize non-value tasks that are not valued by your customers. The use of technology for automation processes to eliminate waste: this will decrease employee distractions which prevents their focus on each responsibility. By implementing these processes the company will enter the Profit Stage and you can typically realize a 50%-60 % gross profit margin to then reinvest a third of net profits back into the business. During this stage your lead technicians and managers are your eyes and ears keeping their finger on the pulse of the company and the flow of this communication is critical.

You must have a chain of command where all information, good or bad can efficiently travel the communication command pipeline to create a quick and concise response to all information

transmitted whether it is client feedback or field information.

You must remember that during this stage the goal of everyone is to make the company better.

Therefore this stage is in a constant state of flux or change and the staff must support and encourage this change.

Management and employee teams should complete system based reviews of each part of the business to look for ways of improvement and efficiency.

As with all stages there can be pitfalls such as, indecision brought on by the failure to identify the business end game, lack of embracing change and or not acting quickly to the necessary changes. The owner must listen to the staff and implement changes to keep the company moving forward.

companies are professional, passionate and profitable. They are the trendsetters and often set themselves apart from their peers. As you enter the Regeneration stage your focus is to further upgrade internal processes to be able to become the lowest cost producer in your industry. To accomplish this you need to constantly be reviewing and fine tuning both your operations and service delivery systems.

Chuck Roydhouse has managed a successful chimney maintenance and repair company for over 25 years. He is President of Roydhouse Effect Inc. This firm offers fractional CEO and Social Media Marketing Consulting Services that are tailored for small service businesses needing help, but not needing a full time employee to develop and execute the plan.

Chuck has served on the CSIA Board of Directors since 2014. He has held the positions of Chairman of the Educational Development Committee and Chairman CSIA Master Sweep Committee. He is currently serving as CSIA Treasurer

The most important things to remember is that communication, establishing efficient and effective systems and re-evaluating those systems are key. If correctly applied the improvements will add value and minimize risk. This proves that changes are well worth the time and investment.

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March/April 2017 2017-01-20 11:19 AM

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Thinking of Expanding?

These Are the Services Homeowners Want Lauren Pezzullo

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F

ireplaces are still among the top features desired by new homebuyers, but they’ve had some bad press lately. With buyers’ minds tuned into their home’s energy efficiency, fireplaces have taken a beating for their energy losses. Accordingly, fireplace technology has adapted, and some homeowners now favor gas inserts and outdoor fire features that present less of a problem to a home’s energy profile.

Due to the growing popularity of these products, many chimney sweep companies now opt to include masonry repair and direct vent fireplace installation services among their business’s offerings. Products like these provide an

March/April 2017

opportunity for a major branding update, and they offer new areas of high-end revenue to tap.

Outdoor Fireplaces As trends drive homeowners towards smaller interiors, many are looking for ways to extend the square footage of their new homes. One popular way is to move outdoors, which adds functionality to living spaces beyond the back door. Outdoor fireplaces offer the cheerful, magnetic warmth of the classic hearth without sacrificing heating efficiency. They also allow homeowners to enjoy exterior patios and porches in all seasons.

However, if you want to add outdoor fireplace

installation to your list of services, you’ll need to have an eye for design. Often, outdoor fireplaces are engineered with ultramodern linear construction, with more focus directed onto the hearth and masonry, and less on the chimney itself. However, homeowners also go for classic aesthetics, too: arched stone or stucco faces that recall the beauty and simplicity of old-world homes.

Gas typically beats out wood here, although some homeowners opt for more traditional fuel sources, particularly if they decide to pair the fireplace with a wood-fired grill or pizza oven, which is not uncommon. These sort of high-end remodeling projects come with soaring revenues, as well— many builders charge upwards of $8,000 for luxury fireplaces.

Gas Fireplace Insert Consumers have continued to show growing interest in energy-efficient features. Homes with greener appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and tighter building envelopes sell faster—and for more money—than conventional homes. Buyers are at once hungry for homes with a unique, authentic feel—hence the flight away from the suburbs and back into urban areas—but they also crave the convenience and savings of homes with modern features. Energy-efficient fireplace options, like direct vent and gas-fueled inserts, satisfy both urges at once.

To begin installing them, you or one of your employees will need to be trained and certified by a manufacturer. Typically, part of this process is adding a metal fireplace lining inside the chimney, a service you’re probably already offering. Installation included, fireplace inserts go for around $2,000 to $4,000 a piece on the low end, so they’re definitely a high-ticket item to add to your services.

With all of the attention on water efficiency and drought in the past few years, there’s been a rising interest in hardscaping, which may be good news for your business if you already do some masonry work. While the vast majority of Americans still prefer turf lawns, hardscaping features like pathways, retaining walls, and fire pits all come in high on consumer landscaping wish lists. Many sweeping services now roll patio and wall building into their offerings. Again, these projects require knowledge of aesthetics, but the profits in the end are well worth it.

Roofing Repair Most chimney sweeps are no strangers to climbing up on the roof, so adding minor roofing repairs to your company’s repertoire makes sense. In fact, many businesses with a solid masonry background offer slate or metal roofing repairs—or flashing and vent replacement services.

Businesses that choose to explore these areas should proceed with caution, however, since improper repairs could have implications both for customers’ warranties and with their homeowners’ insurance. Some sweeping services have also had success partnering with existing roofers. Since the vast majority of homeowners don’t get up on their roof all that often, sweeps are sometimes the first to notice damage like missing shingles and wind lifts. That gives them an ideal vantage point to access roof wear-and-tear and recommend additional improvements. As a chimney sweeper, you stand to add more value to homes than homeowners ever imagined!

Lauren Pezzullo is a writer, editor, and musicophile who's passionate about vegetarianism and sustainable eating. As an editor for Modernize, she writes about energy-efficient living in the home. She's currently writing her debut novel.

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Masonry and Landscaping Projects As homeowners struggle to strike a balance between their indoor and outdoor living areas, there’s definitely a push for landscaping improvements—particularly since many newer homes now feature open plan designs, with wider windows and oversized glass doors. There’s more focus on the outdoors than ever, and that means homeowners’ interest in maintaining these areas year-round will follow.

March/April 2017

History

Project Claire Rutledge

Prgram Coordinator

T

his month’s History Project features a new addition to our collection from long time member Bill Kline along with the letter he wrote to us about the donation.

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2016 ey November 21, st West chimn gu u A an t u p I the le breakers.

Dear NCSG, ey would spin the rotating ti th of so e p ts ty in to jo ro e p ry first sing. I uct-taped all th This is the ve s I had been u ge ter hole, and d n ed w ce fe of th e an th th cky rod fitting thru n] Atlanta. Lu ked a lot better [i or g w n ti It . ee m ey n a e chim ok one to eve Young, thing down th riations, and to ter about it. St u va L l e ra et ve P se ld h to it w a patent and exper imented e went home e to go half on H m . d it te in an w ed d st an ber intere king w ith me, t on the Cham or en w Dale was very at p as w is , h id ch A en how mu e Chamber Power inventor of th ut in it. I’ve se yone uses the p er to ev 00 y ,5 rl $1 ea n e n’t hav it, and now cks. on it, but I did and improved sh on their tr u ea ru B id is ey h n ok im h to I traditional C A id did him. ’t even carr y a on d s ew cr y Sweep. M while she black walnut a d ol h to e p ty onster sing this proto tly bought a m u n ce en re be e as sh h t h bu for that, e days! Bet w ith a mer did, and Those were th ked prett y good or am h w It er h . er an m th it. It ster h a ham rical value of alnuts, a lot fa to is w cracked it w it h k e ac th bl r le fo d at w ill han er one. rested in this nut cracker th might be inte up w ith a bett u e m yo t co gh e n ou eo th So, I ntly has som lot less effort. all. Only rece em th of y p ap is the Grandp mDinger, y Golden’s Hu m m Ji as od as go er.

This never was y as much, eith rl ea n st co ’t n but then, it did y. I’ll history displa r u yo in is th ing a place for Have fun find e that way. ext time I com n e th it r fo look Sincerely, Bill K line ecialists e Chimney Sp th , ee er h C Founder, Chim arolina Greer, South C th year Now in our 38

March/April 2017

19 S W E E P I N G March/April 2017

Technical

Q&A

Michael Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

Question:

I'm thinking about getting into dryer vent service. What are some of the problems with the vents that I can expect to run into?

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Answer: There can be quite a few! In no particular order, let's take a look at some of the common ones.

Long vent runs- Longer runs may have worked for older clothes dryers, but the new dryers are high-tech and can be very sensitive. Some of the new dryers will even specify in their manual, what the maximum length is, and the maximum number of elbows or turns. When you get the call from a homeowner that says their new dryer won't work, this is something to definitely look at. We may have to advise the homeowner that more frequent service is needed, or that it may be necessary to reroute the vent.

Inaccessible bird/animal guards- And that means inaccessible to the homeowner.

If their dryer vent terminates through a second or third floor exterior wall, or through the roof, and is equipped with a screen, that screen will likely clog with lint quickly. At ground level or through a first-floor wall, the homeowner can usually remove the lint from the screen on a regular basis. A clogged screen could result in longer trying times, moisture leakage out of the vent into the home, and even hazardous dryer operation conditions.

When a dryer vent terminates through the roof, birds typically are not attracted to it because the pipe is positioned vertical.

As long as the termination is equipped with a flap that closes when the dryer is not in use, bird entry is usually not an issue. Usually. But when the vent exits a sidewall

March/April 2017

of the home, this can be very attractive to birds, as the horizontal pipe creates a great nesting place. Even if the termination has a selfclosing flap, sometimes they will get stuck open. Or as lint builds up in the vent and the airflow diminishes, birds can move in. With problematic sidewall vents, there are a few approaches to consider.

We can install a screen with a larger mesh, we can install a screen that is larger than the vent termination, or consider a reroute to a lower floor or through the roof.

Bird's nests- It can be quite common for birds to make their nests in dryer vents near the exterior termination.

Sometimes the nests are small, but sometimes they may be found in several feet of the dryer vent. There are specialized nest removal attachments for most dryer vent servicing rod systems. These are effective, but may be timeconsuming as we want to make sure we don't damage the vent while we are removing the nest.

Also, if live birds are present, especially young ones that don't fly yet, we have to check with local and state requirements for removing and handling birds. In addition to removing the nest, we may have to call an animal control to remove live birds.

Disconnected dryer vents in concealed areas- This is something that can be common in older condo and townhome developments. The piping for these dryer vent systems is often put together with vinyl duct tape. Over the years, this tape will fail. On its own, or

during servicing of the vent. We may suspect a disconnection because of no airflow at the termination, or moisture stains in ceilings or walls.

Unfortunately, sometimes we discover a disconnection because our rods get stuck!

If we don't have an obvious water stain on the ceiling, specialized camera equipment can make it very easy to locate the disconnection. If we don't have this type of camera, there are other methods. If the vent passes through an attic, we may be able to disconnect it and look into it from there.

In some cases, we may be able to feed our dryer vent rod, without spinning it, into the vent without a brush, and determine the location of the disconnection based on how

the rod moves through. Without a camera though, there will be times that we will have to make educated guesses to make openings in ceilings or walls to locate and repair the disconnection.

Transition duct problems- The transition duct is the piping that connects the dryer exhaust outlet to the vent. The transition duct is also often completely located behind the dryer. We will see in the field that these consist of flexible foil, flexible aluminum, rigid round pipe, and sometimes close clearance boxes. When servicing dryer vents, we should always also service the transition duct.

It's not uncommon to see the corrugated transition ducts full of lint, or the transition duct crushed, torn or even

disconnected behind the dryer.

The transition duct should be as short as possible while still allowing movement of the dryer for service, and rigid or smooth pipe is the best. The transition duct should also be securely connected to the dryer exhaust outlet and the vent. A damaged, improperly installed or disconnected transition duct can result in a variety of problems including lint and moisture in the home, and dryer venting hazards.

These are just a few of the more common issues we may see.

Other problems include old vinyl ducting as transition duct or as the vent concealed in the wall, improperly sized dryer vents (3" instead of 4"), screws used to connect the piping and protruding into the vent, and sometimes we will even find that the exterior termination was completely removed when the siding or roof was replaced.

These are just a few of the things we may encounter.

The CSIA has a dryer exhaust technician training program, and also offers certification (www.dryersafety.org). The proper training and certification will help us provide a high quality service to our dryer vent customers.

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March/April 2017

New

Members

MISSOURI

COLORADO

Mike Sposato | Sposato Masonry | Watchung

Eric Stilfield | Premier Climate Control | Green Ridge

Daniel Freeman | The Chimney Doctor | Grand Junction

KENTUCKY

ARKANSAS

Paul Joseph | Indian Summer Chimney Services | Lexington

Damon Reed | Ye Olde Chimney Sweepe | Conway

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5

6

REGION

Louis Estrada | Village Sweeps | Flosmoor

REGION

REGION

4

ILLNOIS

REGION

NEW JERSEY

REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION

14 4 25 5 36 6

T

he National Chimney Sweep Guild continues to seek new member benefits that provide value to you and your company.

due to the high loss ratio in the chimney sweep trade.

Webinar offerings were added in 2016 and we are currently working on new sources and new offerings that we hope to make available soon.

HotelStorm was added in 2016 to provide you with great discounts on hotel rooms when traveling.

Frances Kelly, NCSG Executive Director found that she could get a better hotel discount through HotelStorm than other sources she had available to her.

Veracity Insurance Solutions continues to seek better insurance coverage for the NCSG Chimney Sweeps. As many of you will remember, insurance soared in cost a few years ago

Unfortunately, some benefits either run their course or are no longer available. The Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program started approximately 13 years ago and grew to offer $1,000’s in savings from many of the NCSG Supplier members. However, in the past few years, suppliers have dropped from the program due to the response to their coupon offers. Many sweeps find that loyalty to the suppliers they have used for many years is far more important than the discounts they could receive from the these offers.

Progressive

Perks

Hope to see many of you in Louisville!

Debbie Cornelius

Membership Development Coordinator

Update On Your Benefits!

Although there have been

tops them all.

many attempts to copy it over the last 40+ years, there is only one

• The industry standard for keeping out squirrels, birds, leaves, and other debris.

• Works with single wall, double wall, triple wall, or masonry chimneys.

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Air cooled and non-air cooled.

Model WSA-TDW for air cooled chimney

the authentic Available from leading distributors nationwide.

• Standard construction is 100% austenitic stainless steel; also available in other alloys including copper and Type 316 for marine/coal appliances.

Improved Consumer Products, Inc. PO Box B Attleboro Falls, MA 02763 (508) 695-7000 Fax: (508) 695-4209

www.chimneycaps.com

Always ask for it by name and look for

the seal of authenticity on top of the cap.

100% made in USA March/April 2017

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Dates and

Events March 2017

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March 6-12, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 3rd - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 13-26, 2017 CSIA (Online Education) NO ONLINE CLASSES – DUE TO NCSG CONVENTION March 10-24, 2017 CSIA (Online Exams) NO ONLINE EXAMS – DUE TO NCSG CONVENTION March 14, 2017 NCSG Board of Directors Meeting Galt House – Louisville, KY (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org March 14, 2017 CSIA Board of Directors Meeting Galt House – Louisville, KY (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org March 14, 2017 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Galt House – Louisville, KY (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 14, 2017 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exams Galt House – Louisville, KY (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 15-18, 2017 NCSG Annual Convention Galt House – Louisville, KY For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org March 27- April 2, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered

by Noon March 24th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses

March/April 2017

- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

April 2017 April 3-9, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 31st - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 10-16, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon April 7th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 17-23, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon April 14th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 24-29, 2017 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 24-30, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon April 21st - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 28, 2017 CSIA Roadshow - Basics Chimney Dynamics - Most Common Defects

- Inspections & Fire Investigation Sponsored by Oregon Chimney Sweep Association Oregon Garden Resort – Silverton, OR For more information, please call Scott Hess at (503) 8733254 or email sccs52@msn.com

May 2017 May 1-2, 2017 CSIA Inspection & Report Writing CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 2, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems Finksburg, MD – National Chimney For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com May 1-7, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon April 28th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 8-14, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon May 5th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 8-9, 2017 Ropes Safety Class Houston, TX For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 10-11, 2017 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® 2-Day Workshop & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 11, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems Charlotte, NC – Olympia Chimney Supply For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com

May 11, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems Richmond, IN – National Chimney For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com May 12, 2017 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 15-21, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon May 12th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 19, 2017 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Scranton, PA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 22-28, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon May 19th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 24, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems Portland, OR – Olympia Chimney Supply For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com May 29 – June 4, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered

by Noon May 26th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

March/April 2017

25 S W E E P I N G

CSIA UPDATE March/April 2017 Report

www.CSIA.org

CSIA Board President Featured on CNBC’s Blue Collar Millionaires

CSIA’s TellTale House (above), which provides CSIA Chimney Physics students an up-close look at how various appliances cause pressure changes in the home and how they affect chimney drafting is now back in action at the CSIA Technology Center.

On January 25th, outgoing CSIA President, Mark Stoner, was featured on the season premier of the CNBC television show, Blue Collar Millionaires. The show, now in its second season, features stories of individuals who have found financial success in traditional blue collar industries. Clips from Mark’s episode can be found at www.cnbc. com/blue-collar-millionaires.

Four CAN’T MISS events at this year’s NCSG Convention: CSIA Information Meeting

Opening Night Reception

Industry Trade-Show

Wednesday, 3/15 @ 9:45AM

Wednesday, 3/15 @ 7PM

Thursday, 3/16 - Friday, 3/17

This meeting is designed to inform you of two things:

There’s really no better event for catching up with old friends or making new ones. This year’s reception is being held at the Louisville’s 4th Street Sports & Social Club.

Meet CSIA Board Members at the CSIA booth, purchase CCS, CDET, and Master Sweep swag, and network with manufacturers and distributors from around the country.

1) What we’ve been up to since last year.. and...

2) What we’re planning for 2017.

CSIA Benefit Auction | Friday, March 17 @ 8PM A night of incredible deals to benefit both CSIA and the annual Sweeps Week event!

Bring your checkbook and don’t forget to wear your GREEN! ADVERTISEMENT

March/April 2017 Report

Newly Certified Chimney Sweeps Alabama Janicia Wilson | Batts’ Chimney Service | Albertville

Minnesota Hunter Stang | 2nd Generation Chimneys | East Bethel Jacob Severson | Black Goose Chimney & Duct | Duluth

California Tim Artyushevskiy | A to Z Chimney Sweep | Lincoln Illinois Dylan Johnson | Jamison’s Chimney Service | Carbondale Kyle Behning | Safeway Chimney Sweeps | Frankfort Krystian Drozdz | Lindemann Chimney | Lake Bluff Kansas Sarah Weis | Milestone Chimney Service | Salina

New Jersey Anthony Evans | Central Jersey Fireplace Co. | Eatontown North Carolina Drew Rowe | Smoke Alert | Garner Wisconsin Stephan Watson | Chimney Doctors | Milwaukee

Newest CSIA Master Chimney Sweep Bart Ogden | Home Safe Hearth & Chimney | Wichita, KS

Number of CSIA credential holders as of 2/28: CSIA Master Chimney Sweep: 24 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep: 1,807 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician: 387 ADVERTISEMENT

www.CSIA.org

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps Renewing with CEUs Paul Feher Jr. | Paul’s Cleaning & Restoration, LLC | Monroe, CT

Ken Hoelscher | Abbey Road Chimney Sweep | Brookville, OH

Jay Hornyak | Paul’s Cleaning & Restoration, LLC | Monroe, CT

Kevin McArdle | Mauch Chunk Chimney Sweeps | Jim Thorpe, PA

Dan Florian | Safeway Chimney Sweeps Inc. | Frankfort, IL

Warren King, IV | Rooftop Chimney Sweeps, LLC | Alexandria, VA

Sean Florian | Safeway Chimney Sweeps Inc. | Frankfort, IL

David Newton | David Newton’s Chimmey Sweep | Chesterfield, VA

Robert Hoegner | Robinson Maintenance & Repair | Wood Dale, IL

Richard Luker | Professional Chimey Service, LLC | Appleton, WI

Dewayne Taylor | All American Chimney Service | Louisville, KY

Kevin Morin | Royal Chimney Service | Milwaukee, WI

David York | First Call Chimney Service | Louisville, KY

Randy Phelps | Royal Chimney Service | Milwaukee, WI

Troy Eastwood | Blackburn’s Chimney Service | Columbus, OH

CSIA Education Roadshow Excellence in Education. Delivered.

Contact Us: Mailing Address 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 Telephone

To-your-door expertise.

Grow your business.

CSIA Education Roadshow allows you to experience the industry standard in chimney sweep education and earn valuable CEUs through in-person courses provided by one of CSIA’s expert instructors at YOUR event.

Including CSIA Roadshow as part of your event will provide you with several opportunities for promoting your company or product, both on-site during the session, as well as through CSIA’s social networks and e-newsletter.

Get started.

Literally anyone who wants to include a CSIA Roadshow session and has access to a suitable location can submit a request.

(317) 837-5362 Email: Office@CSIA.org

Questions? Contact CSIA Program Coordinator, Claire Rutledge, at (317) 837-5362.

Twitter: @Chimney_Safety Facebook: /ChimneySafety ADVERTISEMENT

March/April 2017 Report

Upcoming CSIA Education Opportunities Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals April 5-6 | SaverSystems | Richmond, IN May 9-10 | National Chimney, Finksburg, MD CSIA CEUs: 12-T An intensive class combining a short period of classroom theory followed by hands-on projects. Topics covered include: mortar mixing, brick laying, joint finishing, tools of the trade, and all aspects of chimney repair.

This class (or similar) is required for earning the CSIA Master Sweep Credential

Inspection & Report Writing May 1-2 | CSIA Technology Center | Plainfield, IN CSIA CEUs: 4-T, 4-CS, 4-CL NFI CEUs: 12-T Chimney Inspections and evaluations, report writing -- including regional and environmental influences, effective photo documentation, digital organization and administrative procedures.

This class is required for earning the CSIA Master Sweep Credential (may substitute CSIA Diagnosis & Documentation)

Roof System Specific Rope Access Training May 8-9 | Montgomery, TX CSIA CEUs: 3-T, 3-CS, 3-HS, 3-CL A physically challenging course where students will learn how to safely set up fall protection systems before leaving the ground and how to set up primary lifelines before stepping off the ladder. By the end of the class students will know how to safely access roofs of any pitch without roof ladders or lift trucks.

Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances June 5-9 | CSIA Technology Center | Plainfield, IN CSIA CEUs: 4 -T, 4-CS, 4-HS, 4- CL NFI CEUs: 16-T Students will learn how to service and install gas appliances, including: appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing and installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing, and fuel conversion.

This class is required for earning the CSIA Master Sweep Credential (no substitutes)

ADVERTISEMENT

Industry

Watch M

eyer Machine & Equipment celebrates their 25th Anniversary in 2017, on April 2. The company formed on April 2, 1992 by best friends Jim Meyer and Jan 'Merk' Mrkonich, in Antioch, IL. Currently managed by first and second generations, Jim and Jimmy Meyer, the company has grown from a single product manufacturing firm serving the Air Duct Cleaning market, to include a full product line of 7 power vacuums, equipment, supplies, and professional training for the niche industries of Air Duct Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning, and Insulation Services.

30 S W E E P I N G

"Hey, Meyer Machine… I wanted to say congrats on your 25 Years of Success! I’ve purchased many Generals and other equipment over the years, and I know countless other contractors that use your machines as well. But it’s not just the quality of the products you produce… Your customer service, innovative smarts, honesty and integrity to the industry all play to your strength over the past 25 Years.

What a cool milestone! I came into this industry way back in 1992 short on experience but tall on desire to learn and grow.

In conversations with other contractors, Meyer Machine was (and is), regarded as the “Go-To” equipment and supplies vendor.

Merk and Jim were some of the

March/April 2017

guys I hooked up with back then, and over the years I’ve dealt with pretty much everyone at Meyer Machine and continue to have super support from you. Thanks !!" - Brad Kuhlman ASCS/ VSMR, President of Midwest Duct Cleaning, Past President of NADCA (2008 & 2009) In celebration of the 25th Year Silver benchmark, Meyer Machine & Equipment will be displaying a 'Silver' General at industry events throughout the year. The 25th Anniversary Silver Edition General shows a

great deal of improvement over the years including precision cut and formed sub-assemblies, no-flat tires, digital hourmeter/ tachometer, flexible oil drain, resilient powdercoat finish, optional integral OSHA/EPA/ CARB fuel tank, commercial 3-year engine warranty, and countless other improvements made over the years. The General is regarded as the leading product in the Gas Portable HVAC Air Duct Cleaning Vacuum/Collector segment.

"The vacuums that we're producing today pack in loads of value that didn't even exist 25 years ago. The Kohler engine is, hands-down, the best power plant for this application: providing years, sometimes decades of useful life. Our fabricating processes have improved, the General looks more 'SEXY' and professional; and advances in production technology allow us to produce and sell the vacuum for almost 20% less than the original price of $5,500. Additionally, our product selection has increased by more than 250 items in the last decade. We're able to provide more value to our customers that are going into homes and business places providing cleaning and property improvement services." - Jimmy Meyer ASCS/VSMR, Vice President of Meyer Machine & Equipment

Meyer Machine & Equipment reaches its customer base through a diverse cross section of the Construction, Restoration, HVAC, IAQ and other markets.

The selection of 'shown' goods at industry events may not include the Silver Edition General, but you can count on the fact that Meyer Machine & Equipment has included all technological advancements in every item produced over the last 25 years.

Classifieds

"Thank you to all our customers, for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your success!" Meyer Machine & Equipment Staff

GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195 Call 1-800-648-9523 for more info and visit www.elitesoft.com to download a free trial version.

CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERS Members can run one 35-word classified free each year! Regular classified ads are $2/word or $1/ word for NCSG members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Sara Sichting at ssichting@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.

Top 5 Reasons to become CSIA Certified in 2017: 1. Join more than 2,000 of the most educated, qualified, and ethical chimney and dryer vent technicians in the country.

2. With more than two million pageviews on our website over the past two years, more homeowners are looking to hire CSIA Certified professionals than ever before.

3. Obtain national recognition of your accomplishment and dedication to being the best person for the job.

4. Earn quality referrals from professionals in affiliated industries, such as Realtors, home inspectors, fire fighters, etc.

5. Use CSIA’s (aggressively protected) trademarked logos on your advertisements, vehicles, and website.

C o m e s e e w h a t w e’r e a l l a b o u t :

w w w. c s i a . o r g

March/April 2017

31 S W E E P I N G

Darwin

Award

“This was under a roof vent.”

Found by Pete Pohlman of Black Velvet Chimney Service in Mansfield, TX

Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?

Send it to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ ncsg.org. for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. Include a few words about the scene and location.

Ad Index

32 S W E E P I N G

A Step In Time

757-754-1388

Ray@ChimneySweep.com

CVC Coaching

704-425-0217

www.cvccoaching.com 19

Back Cover

Duct Cleaners Supply

800-634-2822

www.ductcleanerssupply.com

4

Firesafe Industries, Inc.

800-545-6607

www.firesafeinc.com

12

ICP

508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com

23

Lindemann Chimney Company

866-629-8006

www.lindemannsupply.com

13

Meyer Machine & Equipment

800-728-3828

www.meyermachine.com

21

National Chimney

800-897-8481

www.nationalchimney.com

Inside Front Cover

New England Chimney Supply

888-900-8106

www.newenglandchimneysupply.com

11

Olympia Chimney Supply

800-569-1425

www.olympiachimney.com

7

Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc

800-258-5496

www.sandhillwholesale.com

5

SaverSystems, Inc

800-860-6327

www.saversystems.com

22

Ventech Industries

207-439-0069

info@ventechindustries.com

9

Z-Flex

800-654-5600 sales@z-flex.com

March/April 2017

15

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