Sweeping Magazine- May 2015

Sweeping May 2015 VOLUME 39 #4

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

What Training And Marketing Have In Common Technical Q&A: Replacing Factory-Built Fireplaces What Are You Selling?

American Chimney Sweeps

By Benita Cullingford

SAVE THE DATE Mark your calendars to join us at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL February 24-27.

Chimney Sweeps Anywhere , Planet Earth

Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 11 Coach’s Corner 16 Technical Q&A 22 Progressive Perks 24 History Project Sweeps Advantage 26 27 New Members 28 Date and Events 34 Around The Tech Center 35 Where Has Your Sweeping Been?

Classifieds 35 36 Darwin Award

Table of Contents Sweeping May 2015 Volume 39 Issue 4

Features What Training And Marketing Have In Common

What Are You Selling?

American Chimney Sweeps

6 11 24 S W E E P I N G May 2015

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (317) 203-0088 x: 7

Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54 (317) 203-0088 x: 3

Jay Walker Dryer Vents (317) 203-0088 x: 8

John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31 (317) 203-0088 x: 4

Rett Rasmussen Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls (317) 203-0088 x: 9

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

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 2015-2016

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

May 2015

Darcy Marlett Director of Communications and Marketing dmarlett@ncsg.org Tom Spalding CSIA Director of Communications and Marketing tspalding@csia.org Ashley Edridge Director of Education ashley@csia.org Sara Sichting Office Manager ssichting@ncsg.org

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2015 – 2016

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 Fred Joy (785) 986-6432 joyfredm@live.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 Kevon Binder Jr. (517) 423-2832 kevon@drflue.com

Supplier Representative Chris Datillo-Wiles (678) 290-8200 chris@usfireplaceproducts. 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 randy@rooftopchimneysweeps. com

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

Governance Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 sweepingJ@aol.com Government Affairs Mike Elliot (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com NFPA 54 Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net Scholarship Committee Fred Joy (784) 986-6432 joyfredm@live.com

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. © 2014 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

A

few months ago I got a call from former NCSG president Jay Walker.

He was calling to invite me to a presentation and leadership conference in Florida. The speaker was John Maxwell.

I knew Jay was a big fan of John Maxwell, so I was excited to attend with him. Jay had bought the tickets and offered for me to stay at his house, so I used some of my airline miles from my business’ rewards card and booked the trip.

Upon arrival, I found my bag at the baggage claim and proceeded to my rental car. Jay texted to let me know dinner was ready upon arrival at his house. Jay’s directions were easy from the airport to his house. Just follow one road until you come to a mailbox in the form of a brick chimney with a chimney cap on top of it.

I got the full tour of Jay and Candy Walker’s home. I call it a home because this was not a house. It was definitely a home.

You see, a home is a wonderful place that pictures are hung on the walls, decorations have stories of how they were obtained, and there’s a feeling of pride and happiness when you walk through the door.

Sunday morning, Jay and I attended church and ate lunch at the local pizzeria. After that, we loaded Jay’s golden retrievers, Damper and Ember, into the truck and traveled to his hunting land to feed deer and check wildlife cameras. Jay has worked hard for what he has and it was exciting seeing a fellow NCSG member thrive in life.

Monday, bright and early, we loaded into Jay’s car to make

the three hour trip to Pensacola for the seminar. As we left, I entered our destination into my GPS. I found it strange that it said we would be at our destination in two hours. I expressed this to Jay. Jay’s eyes got big and informed me that we change time zones in Pensacola.

We both laughed realizing that we could have slept in a while longer. Good times.

President’s

Letter Jeremy Biswell

President

Several things I learned from John Maxwell’s seminar: • Connect with people. Find a way to connect when meeting someone. Find out their likes.

John Maxwell told a story about a journalist that tried a long time to get an interview with Warren Buffett. When she finally got the interview, she was told that she would be allowed 10 minutes for the interview. She knew this would not be enough time.

She knew he enjoyed cherry coke. Before the interview, she stopped and bought a can of cherry coke and a glass of ice.

When warren buffet arrived and sat down, she poured him a glass of cherry coke. She told Warren Buffett that she had read that he enjoys cherry coke and he may get thirsty during the interview, so she brought him one. Warren Buffett smiled, said no interviewer has ever did that for him and told her that he would be happy to give her as much time for her interview as she needed. The interview lasted 11/2 hours.

3 S W E E P I N G

• 87 percent of business is connection.

13 percent is product.

Worry about treating people right. Good product is important, but people buy from people they like.

May 2015

Energy-Saving Dampers Setting The Standard For

Quality & Durability!

• The only difference between you and me is that I have made more mistakes than you. That’s how I have learned. And that’s why I know so much.

Superior Design

4 S W E E P I N G

• Permanent Cast-Aluminum Construction • Easily Mounts Atop a Flue Tile • Silicone Rubber Prevents Energy Loss • Easy Opening with Power-level Assist • Less Fraying Due to Larger Diameter Cables • Low Profile to Maintain the Authentic Look of the Chimney

Call your favorite Lyemance distributor today!

Lyemance Damper Cap fits over any Lyemance Damper

May 2015

I tell my staff to make new mistakes every day, learn from them, and don’t make the same mistake twice.

• Everyone has greatness in them.

This is a good one. People must be told this.

• Experience is not the best teacher.

Think about this one.

It’s a good statement.

• Your only destiny you need to fulfill is your own.

Basically, stop worrying about everyone else and focus on you.

• Failure=education Don’t give up. Learn from what didn’t work or what didn’t get you that desired outcome or response and approach it differently next time.

Good lessons from a leader in the motivational speaking industry.

Thanks Jay :) Jeremy Biswell, President NCSG

S

ummer is almost here and with it many busy (and happy) days at the Tech Center. May kicks us off with our annual planning meetings with the board of directors before we head into a busy schedule of classes, meetings and of course Sweeps Week!

series about eighteenthcentury chimney sweeps.

This month’s Tech Q and A features a how-to on how for those considering adding factory built fireplace replacement to their roster of services. Also you’ll want to check out the new members on page 27.

Last month we added new members from all 6 regions!

This month we are excited to welcome two new guest contributors to a couple of I hope to see many of you the monthly features. Greg next month for projects, Polakow with CVC Coaching learning, fun and of course has taken over this month’s food during Sweeps Week!

Coach’s Corner to offer advice Cheers, on selling. Over at the history project we are thrilled to have Benita Cullingford as a guest writer. Benita Cullingford is a British historian and author. She has written several books on chimney sweep Sweeping News and (Snews)_Smoothcore_Z-Max_7"x4.875"_AREESHOW Dec 30, 2014.pdf culture and history is even working on a television

1

Editor’s

Letter Darcy Marlett

Editor

2014-12-30

1:51 PM

Triple Lock® Smoothcore™ All Fuels Chimney Liner • Eliminates the turbulence that’s inherent with corrugated liners, improving draft • Resists corrosive attack by not impeding the flow of condensate down the liner and less opportunity for soot to accumulate

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Z-Max Rain Cap & Lock ‘N Go Base Tee • Z-Max Rain Cap with protective ember screen shields chimney from snow, driving rain and animal intrusions. Quick removal for easy cleaning

Suitable For All Fuels

• Z-Max Lock ‘N Go Base Tee installs in half the time of standard tees, with no special installation tools required • All products cULus tested and listed by UL to UL1777 and ULC S635

CHIMNEY & VENTING SOLUTIONS

See us at HPBA, Hearth & Patio BBQ Assoc. Nashville, TN March 4-7, 2015 Booth #2001 www.hpbexpo.com

Pellet

Wood

Gas

Oil

TRIPLE LOCK® SMOOTHCORE™ & Z-MAX U.S.A.

T 1.800.654.5600 F 1.888.889.3539 sales@z-flex.com

CANADA

T 416.679.0045 F 416.679.0051 www.z-flex.com

SPECIALIZED VENTS, HOSES DUCTS & CONNECTORS FOR ANY USE, ANY INDUSTRY.

May 2015

5 S W E E P I N G

What Training And Marketing Have In Common

Taylor Hill

6 S W E E P I N G

Spark Marketer Growing up in a family that was all about sports created an atmosphere of competition. It was an excellent way to grow up because it taught me that I had to constantly work, learn and train in order to hold my own with my older brother. Being 3.5 years younger, I hardly ever won — but when I did, boy, did it feel good! It also taught me how important a good work ethic is.

But even with a good work ethic, nothing much gets accomplished when the work is unfocused or random. If you told me to sweep a chimney and handed me the tools of the trade without any training, I wouldn’t do the best job possible — and I have a great work ethic! If I asked you to design and write a website, you wouldn’t do the best job either.

So, we have established that no matter what you do, focused, purposeful training is a must.

When it comes to your business, the same focus and purpose in your marketing is a must. Only

May 2015

through intentional marketing do you deliver opportunities to your door.

Training and Marketing are Both Ongoing Processes Every time I am at a seminar where chimney service business owners gather, there is always a group that does CrossFit, and they are almost always the ones in the best shape. Why? Because they take the time out of their day to train, and not just when they are at the seminars. These guys train when they are at home and are dedicated enough to train on the road as well. No matter what, they do what they need to do to stay in the best shape possible.

Marketing should be looked at the same way.

Keeping marketing going so that leads are constantly coming in 24/7 is what will keep your business in the best shape possible. It takes commitment to the process and should never stop.

May 31, 2015

This means that when things get tough, you don’t pull your marketing. In fact, to stay in the best shape possible you should never pull the things that bring you prospects.

Training and Marketing Must be Planned

7

This same group of CrossFit guys gather the day or evening before to plan. They synchronize their watches to a specific time and decide where they will meet the next morning. Afterwards, they gather and talk about the workout and how great they feel!

S W E E P I N G

That same type of commitment to planning out your marketing is what keeps everything on track from start to finish.

May 2015

Knowing exactly what you want to accomplish gives your marketing company the information they need to build the perfect “workout” and get the results you are looking for. It’s so closely related to training, it’s a bit scary.

«

You Must Budget for Training and Marketing Whether you bike, run, walk or do CrossFit or yoga, you have to budget both dollars and time.

There must be money allocated for equipment, services and support, as well as adequate time for you to do the training.

If you don’t have the money or time, at some point you will fail and your marketing will do the same thing.

While most people think that it is money that eventually runs out and kills their marketing,

many times it’s actually not giving the marketing efforts enough time to propagate through the system and work.

Every marketing campaign or strategy will have a specific way to measure, and we always recommend you measure by asking how the customer found you as a second way or backup.

»

It’s true that you do have to pay for marketing services and they can be costly at times, but it is also true that if you pull your marketing before the cycle is complete and can be measured and tested, you have just wasted every dollar and second that

went into the campaign in the first place. This is why you have to be ready to finish what you start and budget right for every marketing strategy that you launch.

Training and Marketing Must be Measured Whether you train to maintain a weight, build muscle, run faster or swim further, you should measure to see if you are getting closer to reaching your goals on a consistent basis. If you don’t, you will never know if your training is working and will eventually lose sight and quit. Just think about working to lose weight and never stepping on a scale — unless your pants eventually fall off, you will never know if you are actually losing the weight and/or how much.

CrownGuard

Severe weather crown repair & protection Centering system for metal chimney liners.

FireGuard

®

The most advanced chimney liner in the world

S W E E P I N G

Ceramic mortar joint & resurfacing system

Patented

“Thanks again for both you and Dan following up with me about the training I received at your facility. Dan and Steve were great teachers and they were both very knowledgeable about the products that you sell. We looked at many different resurfacing products that are out in the market, and I did not find anything that I was excited about until I heard about your product FireGuard. It hands down blows the competition away. The ease of use, corporate technical support and the unbelievable quality of the product itself truly sets it apart form the rest! It is a game changer for our business. Please keep up the good work and I look forward to working with you and your staff for a long time.”

Tommy Nelms Sweeps & Ladders

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION call: 800-545-6607 info@firesafeinc.com

May 2015

www.firesafeinc.com

The same thing applies to marketing. Some strategies require a measure of ROI, while others might be better measured using metrics around opportunity per phone call or web form.

It’s like weighing your arm to see how much muscle you have built — wrong tool for the job!

Every marketing campaign or strategy will have a specific way to measure, and we always recommend you measure by asking how the customer found you as a second way or backup. It might not be 100% correct, but it’s a great way to double check a third party system.

that primarily works with small to medium sized businesses in the sweeping and hearth industries. Taylor has a real passion for helping companies grow to levels they didn’t think possible, and is known for his candor and mind for what works and doesn’t work in business. He and his wife live in the heart of East Nashville with their four-legged children. When Taylor isn’t working, he’s working.

Keep up with Taylor and the Spark Marketer crew on Twitter at @taylorkhill or @sparkmarketer. Reach Taylor directly at taylor@sparkmarketer.com.

Ongoing Process, Planned, Budgeted, Measured Just remember that training and marketing have much in common: Ongoing Process, Must be Planned, Budgeted and Measured. Using these simple 4 steps as a guide will take you further than most books I have read — plus, they’re much easier to remember!

Taylor Hill is one half of the brains behind Spark Marketer, a digital marketing and local presence building company

Call For Your FREE Catalog TODAY!

RETROFIT Fireplace Headquarters!!

9 S W E E P I N G

LARGEST SELECTION

• Gas • Wood • Vent Free • MORE! •

→ We Have Your Solution! ← Serving Sweeps for 35+ Years!

1-866-880-3473

A Division Of Fireside Distributors ~ Raleigh, NC

May 2015

10 S W E E P I N G May 2015

W

hen a homeowner approaches you for the first time, what is it they are looking for? If you know the real answer to this question, then you and your employees will know how to respond.

However, the vast majority of owners of service businesses make a fundamentally wrong assumption about this. Most assume it as about telling them what you do and how much you charge for it. When that happens, without even knowing it you have gotten off on the wrong foot because you have failed to answer the most important question. Here it is. The homeowner, your prospective customer, really wants to know who you are.

They want to know if they can trust you to take care of their particular service issues. They want to know if you are honest.

They want to know if you are forthright. They want to know if you will have their best interests at heart, the way a friend would.

Or, are you only thinking about yourself, your business, and your profit.

So, you see, your first and most important duty is to sell the homeowner on YOU. But to do that you have to do something most people are not good at.

The problem is, in our natural tendency to be private people, private individuals, we find it uncomfortable to be truly open with people we don’t know well. The truth is, no one likes “selling” themselves. It feels unnatural; it feels too aggressive, too in your face, too bold.

It is much easier to maintain a kind of cool professional

distance and speak more formally and convey the things we are most comfortable with: here’s what we do, here’s how we do it, here’s what we charge, etc.

So, that’s how we respond.

We stay in our personal comfort zone. Our employees do the same. And when our initial response to the prospective customer is concluded, we are left with a vague feeling that we have missed the mark.

We are left feeling that something important has remained unsaid, something that would answer all the questions lingering in this person’s mind that he or she has not asked. And, we feel that instead of having made the most of this opportunity, we have made the least of it.

Coach’s

Corner Greg Polakow

What Are You Selling?

Here’s the good news, you can convey all you need to convey about who you are without ever leaving your comfort zone or invading someone else’s.

But first you have to understand that selling yourself, i.e. letting your customer know that you are the person he wants to do business with, begins when you or one of your employees pick up the phone to answer that customer’s very first call. That’s when you set the stage for all that is to follow.

11 S W E E P I N G

What can you do during that very first contact, whether it’s at a home show or answering their phone call? How can you quickly and perfectly demonstrate your interest in them, your appreciation for their contact, your willingness to help them solve their problem?

May 2015

It’s simple. You start by treating this call as if it was the very first call of the day. It is a call you welcome. It is a call you appreciate.

And everything in your tone must convey this.

You begin by eliminating from your mind any and all preconceived notions of what this person wants. You start by listening.

Remember, as someone once said, there is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to talk. Listening intently, focusing on what is being said, and asking questions for more clarity when you need to, is itself an act of humility and kindness. It is something rare in a world where everyone else seems to be working overtime to impress us with a legion of boring facts about themselves. Listening says more about who you are as a person and as a business professional than any words you could possibly utter.

The very act of listening carefully is the clearest message you can convey about you and your business. It says you care about your customers.

It says, above all other concerns you are there to serve them, to understand and attend to their needs.

12 S W E E P I N G May 2015

Listen to what? Listen carefully to what they want. Go beyond the information they are seeking about what you do and how much you charge by asking them questions about the exact nature of their issue. If it is fireplace related, ask how and when they use their fireplace. Is it just for ambiance or is it used for heat as well?

These kinds of questions will get them thinking beyond just the basics and can even appeal to their emotional side by talking about something important to them and their family. These are the kinds of questions from you that can bring down the formal barriers and allow more of a meaningful connection. And, the information they convey will be useful to you as you begin to get a picture of what they want.

This is just a brief example, but you get what I mean. Needless to say, this is not pure artifice on your part. You have to have a sincere interest in this potential customer. Your questions should not sound or be rehearsed, automatic or unimportant as you ask them. Our tone conveys as much as our words.

When you and your team learn to do this well, in all settings and all circumstances, you will have innocently and profoundly gained your customer’s trust.

You will have all but eliminated concerns about price, about competence, about integrity.

Why? Because people want to be heard. It is one of the ways they feel honored, respected, and appreciated. It is one of the ways they feel valued.

Is it easy to become a good listener? It can be if that is a sincere aspiration. But if, like most of us, you are not in the habit of listening, it will take work. And it will take practice for you and for all of your employees that deal with the public. It does not happen just because today you decide you want it to. Like all other skills it requires commitment and determination to master, and, yes, some guidance. But you will find it to be one of the most important tools you will ever gain in life. It can absolutely transform your business.

Is there more? Of course. There is all you and your team do along the way to maintain your relationship with your customer and to constantly convey your commitment to attending to his best interests. It is what you say and how you say it in every contact whether in person, on the phone, by mail, or electronic.

It is a bond of trust that is forged over and over.

There are even companies out there that recognize your number when you call back and begin by greeting you by name. U Line is one of these.

They greet you with your name when they answer and they

FIREPLACE, WOOD AND GAS HEATING PRODUCTS

It's Time For Your

Early Buy! Place Your Qualified Order* Of $800 or more And Your Total Payment Is Not Due Until

November 1, 2015 Also get

FREE FREIGHT

anywhere in the continental U.S. with an Early Buy order over $1500

*To receive this offer, mention this ad at time of order.

Subject to credit approval.

Good for qualified orders from March 1 through September 30, 2015.

Same day shipping for orders placed before 3:00PM Eastern Time.

Don't have the 2014-2015 Sand Hill Wholesale Catalog?

Call for your free copy 1-888-SAND-HILL or fax your request to

1-800-958-5497 Visit us on the web @ www.sandhillwholesale.com

May 2015

13 S W E E P I N G

HE200 with brushed nickel double retractable doors.

VENTIS for the hearthside ®

Introducing VENTIS ® zero-clearance wood burning fireplaces, the perfect complement to our award winning venting products. Our 3 models feature clean combustion, low emissions, great style and superior quality manufacturing.

NEW LOCATION COMING TO INDIANA SUMMER 2015

HE250 with large single door

14 S W E E P I N G

ME300 with arched doors

COST $129 ■

DAY ONE 9AM – 5PM Metal Chimney Liner Installations— From the Basics to Tile Breaking

■

DAY TWO 8AM – NOON Recognizing Construction Defects in Masonry Chimneys

INSTRUCTORS Michael Segerstrom and Bill Ryan

FIREPLACES

KANSAS

TENNESSEE

June 10th and 11th

June 17th and 18th

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

HAMPTON INN

1931 Prairie Crossing

2014 Hamilton Place Boulevard

Kansas City, KS 66111

Chattanooga, TN 37421

PHONE: 913-328-1024

PHONE: 423-602-7840

ROOM RATE: $109/night

ROOM RATE: $119/night

WWW.OLYMPIACHIMNEY.COM | PHONE: 1-800-569-1425 May 2015 TECHNICAL & OTHER NEEDS CALL: 1-844-814-3002

already know what you ordered the last time you called and inquire if you are calling to order more.

Believe me, this kind of response makes you feel pretty special.

The really great thing about all of this is, not only does it create customers who are loyal and who trumpet your qualities to all who will listen, but it also makes your life richer and more enjoyable along the way. There’s just something about treating people the right way that takes away so much of the everyday stress of business.

About the Author: Greg is an industry educator and coach. He served for many years as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Copperfield Chimney Supply. Greg is a member of the CVC Coaching Team. For more information about Greg and how the CVC team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take a look at www.cvccoaching.com Greg can be contacted at greg@ cvccoaching.com. You can also obtain great business tips from the Facebook page CVC Coaching and Youtube channel CVCCoaching.

Hey, it may sound simple, but don’t be fooled. It will require you to completely understand how this is done, to reinforce the principles along the way, and to make it a permanent and natural part of what your company does.

Next month we’ll discuss how the training for this big step can happen, how it will be constantly reinforced as it becomes part of the company culture. We will also look at the simple metrics you can put in place to measure the efficacy of this initiative and everyone’s progress in your company as you develop this simple strategy and perfect it day by day.

The premier chimney cap for keeping smoke out of living spaces.

• Vacu-Stack® works with single wall, double wall, triple wall, or masonry.

• Solves draft problems related to hills and mountains, tall trees, and tall buildings near the chimney.

• Sizes available from 3” to 30”+; custom and oversize available.

Air cooled and non-air cooled.

Model VSA-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

Although there have been many attempts to copy it over the last 40+ years, there is only one Vacu-Stack®.

15

Always ask for it by name and look for

S W E E P I N G

the seal of authenticity on top of the cap.

100% made in USA May 2015

Technical

Q&A

Micheal Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

Involvement Question:

I’m thinking about offering factory built fireplace replacement but I have never done one. What do I need to know and how hard or difficult is it?

S

ometimes it’s pretty straight forward and simple, sometimes it’s more involved.

Let’s look at some of the things we have to plan for, consider, and understand when planning a factory built fireplace replacement. For this discussion, we will focus on replacing an existing standard factory built fireplace with a similar size and style unit.

Permits and inspections.

16

Depending on where we are working, a permit may be required for this type of job. If one is, we should find out what the AHJ will want from us. Most important, we need to know if there will be rough inspections.

Do they want to look in the chase and see our firestopping and fireblocking? Do they need to see in the chase around the fireplace for rough inspection before we put the surround/ mantle up? Will the AHJ require

S W E E P I N G May 2015

that we put sheetrock/drywall on the inside of the chase around the fireplace cabinet?

Some jurisdictions do. These are questions we need to ask when we submit our permit.

Surround, mantle, trim.

In some cases, we can remove and then reinstall the clients’ existing non-combustible surround materials, and their mantle / trim surround if they have one. If we are attempting to save and reinstall the existing materials, we must carefully review the dimensions and requirements of the new fireplace unit we are installing.

If the client wants replacement surround materials, these are often available in standard kits.

With existing or new materials, we have to carefully check the dimensions and requirements of the new fireplace.

With some installations, there is a brick veneer or facade, or stone veneer on the wall

are able to obtain a copy of the installation instructions for the original, this can be very helpful. Certain older fireplaces are much larger in the chase than they appear and it can be beneficial if we know this in advance. It can help us to determine the extent of framing modifications.

Contracts with the client.

around the fireplace. It is often difficult to remove the fireplace without altering these materials, and the client may have to have us replace them. It may be a great opportunity to not only replace a worn out or

damaged fireplace, but give the installation a facelift too!

Selecting the right unit.

In many cases, we are able to find a new fireplace similar in size to the original. If we

It’s important that when we provide a contract for a factory built fireplace replacement, we include several important things. Until we remove the existing unit, we have no idea what we will find in the chase. Often times, factorybuilt fireplaces are improperly installed from the beginning.

Improper clearances, improperly constructed hearth extensions, missing fire stops, failing,

17 S W E E P I N G May 2015

SMOKE THE COMPETITION™ Quick, clean and easy to install, simply spray our unique ceramic formula onto the smoke chamber surface to seal holes, creating a smooth, insulative and protective coating, without removing the damper frame.

Smoktite™ is THE choice of chimney professional.

18 S W E E P I N G

™

The Choice of Chimney Professionals (207) 439-0069 | Toll Free (866) 439-0069 | www.smoktite.com

May 2015

missing or blown insulation are just a few things we may find. We should let our clients know from the beginning in our contracts, that concealed conditions may require repair, replacement, or remediation. Once we have removed the existing fireplace and chimney, and evaluated the chase interior, we can advise our client if additional repair aspects are necessary. We will also be able to take measurements and determine framing modifications that may be necessary.

If we don’t offer sheetrock drywall repair, spackling, or painting services, we should indicate this to the client ahead of time too.

That there may be a need for these services once the

replacement is completed.

It’s better that they know ahead of time that this could be a possibility.

Chimney pipe system.

One of the aspects that can determine the difficulty level of a factory built fireplace replacement, is the chimney pipe system. If the existing pipe system is straight, this can make for an easy replacement. When offsets are present, often without the proper support, installing a replacement chimney pipe system with offsets may be complicated. Especially on taller systems. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the existing system before we can confirm the pipe length and offset configurations we will need.

19 S W E E P I N G May 2015

20 S W E E P I N G

Top terminations and chase covers.

to see a square or round termination at the top.

If the existing case cover is the original, the opening may be too large for a modern chimney pipe system. We may need to replace it, even if it’s in suitable condition, to accommodate the new chimney pipe size.

If it is not in good condition, regardless of size requirements, we should replace it.

This has been a brief look at some of the basic things that we need to consider when doing factory built fireplace replacement. If we have never performed the service before, there are training opportunities available to us: at conventions, guild meanings, and even offered by manufacturers. But one of the best ways to learn is to work with a fellow sweep in our area.

Ask if we can tag along and help out on their next replacement. Working with each other helps strengthen our community, but can also get us the hands on know-how that we need.

If we are doing this replacement in a condo or townhome development, there may be chimney cap requirements. If all of the existing caps are square, we may be required to install a square termination on our new chimney system. If there are no requirements, we should still check with the client to determine if they would like

May 2015

National Chimney – a name you know and trust – has an innovative product at a price you’ll like...

Insulated Damper Cap

S

20

U

VING YO ER OVER

YRS

NEY N ATIONAL CHIM

★ Easy to Install ★ ★ Extra Protection from the Elements ★ ★ Lifetime Warranty ★ Check Out the Insulated Damper Cap Difference…

4 15% Larger than Conventional Damper Caps – provides extra protection from rain and snow 4 Quality Insulated Lid (half-inch thick) – keeps out hot air in summer, cold air in winter 4 Removable Cap – makes cleaning, inspection, and maintenance easier 4 Constructed from 304 Stainless Steel – the kind of alloy you trust for corrosion resistance 4 Available in a Variety of Coated Finishes – call for more info 4 Fits Most Flues – sizes range from 9 x 9 through 18 x 18 4 No-Worry, Lifetime Warranty – easier to sell to concerned customers 4 Manufactured in the USA 4 Special Pricing – receive a 15% discount on our already inexpensive line

800.897.8481

www.nationalchimney.com

15% OFF ENTIRE ORDER OF INSULATED DAMPER CAPS

Call 800.897.8481 Now! Don’t delay, this exclusive offer ends on 6/30/15

– Ask about our skylights and solar attic fans –

Mention code Sweep2Q when calling May

2015

21 S W E E P I N G

Progressive

Perks Debbie Cornelius

Membership Development Coordinator

Insurance Update And What To Look For

General and Professional Liability insurance has been and will continue to be an issue among members of the NCSG. At the 2015 NCSG Convention and Tradeshow, Chris Van Leeuwen, Veracity Insurance Solutions made himself available to discuss one-on-one the concerns of many of you. Chris recently sent the information below as a follow up to the convention.

We have been involved with the NCSG for over a decade and wanted to thank you for allowing us to be part of your organization. It was a pleasure visiting with many of you at the convention . We want you to know that Veracity Insurance is not just another insurance broker, we consider ourselves a partner with the NCSG. We are dedicated to your industry and committed to providing you with industry updates, educational information, risk management tools, as well as insurance coverage.

During the NCSG State Guild

Energy Savings and Safety for a

22 S W E E P I N G

Smarter Home Fireplace

SAFETY

DESIGN

EFFICIENCY

As a sweep there are various aspects of your business that would fall within the “professional services” definition and require separate coverage to respond to these types of claims. The Veracity Insurance Contractors Professional Liability Coverage protects you, and any independent contractor whom you are legally responsible, for rendering or failing to render Professional Services.

• Protects against downdrafts • Eliminates spillage and CO release due to building depressurization • Automatically shuts down fireplace operation, if conditions are unsafe.

• Freedom to integrate almost any fireplace design • Eliminates the need for glass doors • Enables chimney designs that defy traditional design rules

• Chimney is closed when the fireplace is not used • The draft is never excessive which saves fuel • Perfect operating conditions eliminate unnecessary emissions.

For more information on how to save money and make your fireplace safer, please visit www.chimneyfans.com or call 800.255.2923

May 2015

President’s meeting the subject of professional liability coverage was discussed and when this coverage would be needed. Professional services are excluded (not covered) in most general liability policies. Professional Services is typically defined as the preparing, approving or failing to prepare or approve opinions, reports, surveys, field orders, change orders or drawings and specifications. Supervisory, inspection, certification or architectural services are also included in this definition.

Another common topic is that of pollution coverage and how, and if, the general liability policy would respond to soot claims. The standard ISO general liability policy excludes any bodily injury or property damage due to any release, escape, cleanup, removal or to contain any “pollutant”. The policy defines a “pollutant” as any solid, liquid, gaseous or thermal irritant or contaminant, including smoke, vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals and waste.

The general liability policy specifically excludes (does not cover) soot under the definition of a “pollutant” and can leave a sweep exposed to a sooting/ dusting claim. The Veracity

Insurance Contractors Pollution Liability Coverage protects you, and any independent contractor whom you are legally responsible, for any bodily injury, property damage, or clean-up costs for the escape of soot, including creosote, while performing chimney sweeping, masonry, fireplace and stove installation or repair.

If you are comparing insurance policies there is much more than just the pricing:

Veracity Insurance is here to help you navigate through the insurance marketplace and we are an available resource to all NCSG members. Please contact us with any questions you may have at Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC, 866.395.1308 or marketing@veracityins.com *All insurance policies haves specific terms, conditions, limitation and exclusions.

Always refer to the policy for exact verbiage and coverage

• Are you properly classified as a Chimney Sweeping/ Cleaning operation?

• Does your policy cover Professional Services?

• Does your policy cover Contractors Pollution Liability?

23 S W E E P I N G May 2015

History

Project American Chimney Sweeps

By Benita Cullingford

Image courtesy of Steve Snyder of Big Steve’s Chimney Service, San Luis Obispo, CA

D

uring the 17th century the English chimney sweeping trade was closely linked with other countries. To the West, the founding of colonies in New England and on the East coast of North America soon created an extended family chain.

24 S W E E P I N G

On 16th September 1620, The Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Plymouth for the new land across the ocean. The Mayflower, with 101 passengers and 43 crew landed at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, after a journey lasting 65 days. They were followed 10 years later in March 1630, by John Winthrop, a successful lawyer, aristocrat and landowner from Groton Manor in Suffolk. When the fleet of four ships, with over 500 men, women and children, arrived in Massachusetts, Winthrop, having secured a Royal Charter for the Company of Massachusetts Bay, became the Founding Father of New England and the first Governor of its colony.

The colonists of New England built their houses in a simple Jacobean style. They mostly used timber but the large chimney stack, the central feature,

May 2015

was built with brick or stone. The last load of bricks and stone was imported to Massachusetts from London in 1629. It was used to construct fireplaces.

South of New England and separated by over 500 miles of primitive roads, lay the colony of Virginia. Virginia had been established at the beginning of the century and initially financed

by The London Company. Differing in every way from colonies to the North, it consisted of selfsupporting tobacco plantations. These plantations were laid out along the banks of the many rivers that ran to the sea. Production quickly spread south to the fertile land of the Carolinas.

Early settlements of hastily constructed log huts with thatched roofs huddled close together for protection against Native American raiding parties. Chimneys were lined with planks and any accidental fire spread rapidly. Consequently, the Colonial Authorities appointed Chimney Inspectors to make sure chimneys were swept and repaired regularly, and did not blaze at the top. Fines of 10 shillings were imposed

and professional sweeping encouraged. This was fine in principle, but neither job of inspector or chimney sweep was popular, and these positions were hard to fill.

In country districts, as in parts of the British Isles, geese were used. So were other methods such as poking with brooms tied on long poles or setting fire to flues.

Chimneys in the southern colonies were swept by slaves.

But Northerners generally preferred to have their chimneys swept by [EuropeanAmerican] men. The first official white chimney sweep was appointed to the town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1662. His name was John Milke. The Salem Selectmen announced that John Milke should be authorized as `the comon chimney sweeper,’ who might lawfully charge 4 pence a chimney if paid - `in money, wheate or butter, and if in any other pay, 6 pence a chimney.’

After a great conflagration in 1679, stricter regulations imposed by the General Court of Massachusetts, stipulated that all dwellings should be built of stone or brick with slate or tile roofs. In 1689, the South Carolina Assembly voted for the removal of all wooden chimneys.

New York’s first official chimney sweep was William Butler.

Appointed by Mayor Baynard in 1686, he was allowed to advertise his trade with any `noisy or cry’ in the `streets, Lanes and Passages.’ He could

also; `Demand and receive as followeth (vist) for a chimney of one storey one shilling,(5p) for a chimney of two storeys or more eighteen pence,(7.05p) and for every Kitchen chimney of two storeys or more Currant money of this Citty...’

The employment of AfricanAmerican sweeps gradually spread. Generations of European-American sweeps, who felt they were superior to slaves and free men, disdained to compete with them, claiming that sweeping was below them. Unfortunately, African-American sweeps received no training, and as there were no fixed standards their inefficiency was the cause of many fires and much bitterness.

They eventually overcame derision by promoting a humorous style and individuality in the way they dressed.

Benita Cullingford lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where she was a tutor at the City College. She taught speech and drama for many years and adjudicated at festivals. Her writing career includes several plays and many published articles. She enjoys writing television and film scripts. She is acquainted with prominent members of NACS (National Association of Chimney Sweeps) and her social history British Chimney Sweeps, Five centuries of Chimney Sweeping was published in 2000 in Britain and in 2001 in the United States, where she was invited to give a lecture to chimney sweeps in North Carolina. She is writing a television drama series about eighteenth-century chimney sweeps and has given lectures on women traders.

VENTINOX RIGID FACTORY BUILT LINING SYSTEM The Ventinox family has just gotten bigger, now offering rigid liner for use in existing or new masonry chimneys.

Stainless steel liner with superior strength.

The Ventinox® Rigid system is ideal for a variety of applications, including when the clay liner of an existing chimney is damaged, to improve the chimney’s draft, or as a substitute for the clay liner in a new masonry chimney.

PRODUCT FEATURES ∙ 304 stainless steel ∙ Twist-lock assembly ∙ Double-lock seam ∙ 5” to 8” diameters ∙ ULC S635M, ULC S640M & UL 1777

25

Follow us on social media or for more information on our products, visit www.duravent.com

Made in USA. 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com M&G DuraVent ©2015

May 2015

S W E E P I N G

Sweeps

A dvantage Program

Featured Coupons of the Month The 2014 – 2015 complete offers are available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.

NCSG.org. These coupons will be good until June 30, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

These are just a few of the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit www.NCSG.org “Members Only” to learn the complete details of each coupon and how to redeem.

26 S W E E P I N G

Z-FLEX U.S. INC. Save up to $899

Buy Four (4) Stainless Steel Liner kits and receive one (1) Free of equal or lesser value - $899 Value

Save up to $ 500

Buy Four (4) Flexible Oil Vent Connector Kits and receive one (1) FREE of equal or lesser value - $500 Value

Save up to $ 191

Purchase Six (6) Z-Flex Aluminum Liner Kits and receive one (1) FREE of equal or lesser value - $191 Value

Add your company name to the list of participating supplier members.

Contact Debbie Cornelius, Membership Development Coordinator at dcornelius@ ncsg.org.

Copperfield Chimney Supply | ENERVEX, Inc. | HY-C Company LLC | National Chimney | Olympia Chimney Supply | Royal Chimney Supply | SaverSystems | Spark Marketer | Z-Flex

May 2015

New

Members

REGION REGION

REGION REGION

REGION REGION REGION

REGION REGION REGION

REGION REGION

REGION REGION

1 2142 432 543 5365 New Hampshire

Maryland

Virginia

Illinois

Oklahoma

Montana

John Butler Admiralty Chimney Nashua

Christopher Miller Traditions Chimney Sweeps Rockville

Hugo Hernandez A Plus Enviro-Services Inc. Manassas

Tim Foster Tim’s Chimney Sweep Carbondale

Seth Hammer Hammer’s Enterprise Broken Bow

Andy Mudd Pro-Vac Chimney Sweeps LLC Bozeman

Vermont James Huckett Phoenix Chimney & Masonry Services LLC South Burlington

Pennsylvania

Michigan

Jeff Stein Crystal Clean New Hope

Washington

Luri Arreola Advanced Chimney Sweep Holland

Jonathan Laine Sound Chimney Service Vashon

REGION

Daniel Fisher U.P. Chimney Inc. Gladstone

REGION

REGION REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

4 54 5 65 6 6 Jon Madle Madle Home and Hearth Masonry Perkasie

27 S W E E P I N G May 2015

Dates and

Events

28 S W E E P I N G

May 11-17, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 15, 2015 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep速 Review & Exam Scranton, PA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org May 18-24, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 25-31, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 June 1-7, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 June 5, 2015 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep速 Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit

May 2015

www.CSIA.org June 8-14, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 June 15-21, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 June 22-27, 2015 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 22-28, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 June 29-July 5, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 July 6-12 , 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 July 13, 2015

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Golden State Conference For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 13-19, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 July 20-26, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 July 20-24, 2015 CSIA Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Appliance CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 23-26, 2015 NYSCSG Annual Summer Workshop -Engaging hands on seminars with CEU’s -Large trade show tent -Gigantic Auction -Golf outing on Thursday -Fun activities for the whole family -Plenty of onsite camping and lots of food For more information, please call (518) 882-6091 or visit nychimneysweepguild.org July 27-August 2, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 July 29-30, 2015 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Workshop & Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

June 29-July 5, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 July 31, 2015 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 3-9, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 August 10-11, 2015 CSIA Chimney Physics CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 10-16, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 August 13-14, 2015 CSIA Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 17-23, 2015 CSIA (online) - 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 2015

29 S W E E P I N G

CSIA Update MAY 2015 REPORT

www.CSIA.org

Help finish our labor of love Join us for Sweeps Week at the CSIA Technology Center in June; help us finish the bake oven!

PLAINFIELD, Indiana -- Summer 2015 may finally be the time when the Chimney Safety Institute of America can take the wraps off its combination outdoor fireplace/stone-arched bake oven, a mix of granite Chris Prior trucked in from upstate New York that is enveloped in a brick with Flemish Bond pattern plus English corners. This 8-foothigh labor of love is usually covered in blue tarp and protective plastic, since it is partially operational, but not fully weather protected.

Work on the project began during “Sweeps Week” 2012 and has continued each June, a week at a time. The fourth and possibly final touches will occur this summer. “It will be a showpiece for generations to come, I think, of what true masonry art can be,” said David Kline, a Greer, South Carolina-based chimney sweep who has had a hand in the structure each of its three years. “The idea behind this was to have an example of the perfect fireplace and the ideal bake oven, you know, kind of top-quality masonry, and we want to make sure it turns out really well and is a good example of what can be done with a fireplace, what can be done with a bake oven.” Ashley H. Eldridge, Director of Education for CSIA, said the oven/ fireplace timetable was footing and Some of the scenes from the foundation in year 2014 Sweeps Week at CSIA. one, concrete blocklaying in year two (along with a bonus of being able to use the oven to eat homemade pizza led

by Renee Brigman’s kitchen crew), and in Year 3, building arch forms, finishing the bake oven with the stone facing, cladding the veneer, and

beginning to build the chimney. You can take part in one day or one week the CSIA Technology Center doing volunteer maintenance projects and learning from one another.

You get CEUs each day you are here.

And a nifty shirt. All invited regardless of affiliation or nonaffiliation. Call (864) 682-5422 for more They are coming - will you join them? Ron Brigman (left), Chris Prior (middle) and info.

David Kline work on the brick exterior of the outdoor bake oven/fireplace on the

Veteran mason Chris back patio of the CSIA Technology Center in June 2014. The three-year labor of Prior, of Adirondack love is still unfinished, and you can pick up plenty of pointers regarding masonry Chimney Company, and venting June 8-12! Call (864) 682-5422 for more info. “ Inc in Middle Grove, suburb of Indianapolis. Indiana, home of New York, has led the effort since its inception, world-renown limestone, can boast of this leading a group of all volunteers whose roles import -- a beautiful granite with beige and and availability vary each day. “Before you green tones that have clear formation levels, start, you have to have a vision of what it’s unlike the more homogenized type seen in going to look like, and work backwards,” says far northeastern U.S. “We expect this to be Prior. “You have to think fourth-dimensionally. finished in year 4, but there is a lot we still You have to see the bridge want to do,” said Eldridge. and then you start in The goals for June 2015 are reverse. We dug a hole to: apply stonework on the and started out that way.” fireplace face side; stucco It was designed to be built inside of the wood storage incrementally, as it gives area; stucco the back side of participants an opportunity the; structure; and form and to learn different techniques pour a crown on its top, with involved in masonry and an overhanging drip edge. masonry repair.”

“Be there or be square,” The stonework, inlaid said Prior. Join us at Sweeps against the brick, is perhaps Week June 8-12, 2015, 2155 its most striking feature. Prior hauled 2-1/4 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN. Bricklaying, tons of Garnet (the New York state stone) mortar mixing, welding, and arch design are all in his truck from New York to Plainfield, a covered during this Sweeps Week project.

ADVERTISEMENT

MAY 2015 REPORT

www.CSIA.org

CSIA tops 1,550 mark in CCS New CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps Alabama Heath Burr | Heath Chimney Services | Oxford California David Daughtry and Ashley Seiter | Fire Tech Chimney Specialists | Lone Pine Georgia Jonathan Oliver and Kent Thornton | The Chimney Smith | Canton Illinois Nick Hogan | Superior Chimney Services, Corp | Lombard Danny Edmonds and Robert Evans | Superior Chimney Services, Corp | Elmhurst Artur Zuber | Coast to Coast Masonry Group, Inc. | Chicago Timothy Foster | Tim’s Chimney Sweep | Carbondale Indiana Andrew Thomas and Shawn Wright | SaverSystems | Richmond Aron Holcomb | Top Hat Chimney Sweep | Lucerne Chad Greenfield | Old Smokey’s Fireplace and Chimney | Ashley Shaun Senn | Coffman’s Chimney Sweeps | Floyds Knobs Maryland Donny Horensky | Mark & Buttons Chimney Sweeps Inc | Owings Mills Christopher Miller | Traditions Chimney Sweeps | Rockville Massachusetts Dylan Thomson | Worcester County Chimney and Masonry | Worcester

Michigan Home | Prineville Lance Mitchell | Clean Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaners of MI | Clark Lake Pennsylvania Luri Arreola | Advanced Chimney Jonathan Madle | Home and Hearth Sweep | Holland Masonry | Perkasie Erich Tjapkes | Straight Up Stove | Lowell Virginia Minnesota Trevor Weir | Rooftop Chimney Sweeps, Christopher Bently | Duct Doctor, Ltd | LLC | Alexandria New Richland Kyle Hopkins | Rusty’s Fire Place & Chimney | Hamilton Montana Christopher Monfreda | Rusty’s Fire Place & Andy Mudd | Pro-Vac Chimney Sweeps Chimney | Hamilton LLC | Bozeman Washington New York Jonathan Laine | Sound Chimney Daniel Clark | F.J.M. Chimney | Campbell Service | Vashon Hall Wisconsin Andrew Lemar and John Doan | 4 Seasons North Carolina Professional Chimney Service | Salem Jarrel Heyward | All Out Chimney Dalton Nelson | Chimney Mechanix LLC | Sweep | Charlotte Shawano Kurt Wendt | Merrill Sheet Metal | Merrill Ohio Steve Zuercher | Coalway LLC | Apple CSIA Certified Creek

Chimney Sweeps, Renewed With CEUs

California Roger Craddock | Weststar Chimney Sweeps, Inc. | Chula Vista

Students attend our 1-day CCS review/exam in Plainfield, Indiana held March 13, 2015. CSIA Education Director Ashley Eldridge served as the instructor.

Mike White | Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service, Inc. | Greenwich

Connecticut James Smith | Paul’s Chimney Cleaning & Restoration, LLC | Monroe Delaware Duane Lapp | Byler’s Stove Shoppe Inc. | Dover

Oklahoma Seth Hammer | Hammer’s Enterprise | Broken Bow

Indiana Joseph Sauter | Your Chimney Sweep | Indianapolis, IN

Oregon Richard Ridenour | Sunset Hearth and

Maryland Joshua Kelley | Magic Broom Chimney

ADVERTISEMENT

Steven Scally

MAY 2015 REPORT Sweeps | Waldorf Steve Raley | PTL Chimney & Waterproofing Services, Inc. | Salisbury Missouri Eugene Padgitt and Marge Padgitt | Hearth Masters, Inc. | Independence

www.CSIA.org Upcoming in-person education classes Chimney Physics Aug. 10-11 in Plainfield & Aug. 12-13 in Fredericksburg, MD [sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Chimney Association]. Resolution of chimney performance issues, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances. CSIA CEUs: 3-T, 3-CS, 3-HS, 3-CL NFI CEUs: 4-E

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam

North Carolina Jeremy Mitchell and Alex Nolte | Chimneys Plus, Inc. | Pittsboro Robert Priesing | Havelock’s Chimney & Venting, Inc. | Havelock

May 15 | Scranton, PA [sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply]

New Hampshire Steven Scally | Fireside Sweeps LLC | Freemont

In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study. CSIA CEUs: 1.50-T, 1.50-CS, 1.50-HS, 1.50-CL NFI CEUS: 6-T

New Jersey Richard Ridgway | Mason’s Chimney Service | Mickleton

June 22 – 27 | CSIA Technology Center

New York William Murphy | Healthy Chiimney Boisbriand | Poughkeepsie

Fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.

CCS CEUs: 4-T, 4-CS, 4-CL, 4-HS NFI CEUs: 16-T

Pennsylvania Clint Alspaugh | Kegerreis Stoves, Inc. | Bernville Leo Herrmann | Leo Herrmann Fireplace and Chimney Services, Inc. | Fairless Hills

June 5 | CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, IN June 20 | Gaithersburg, MD [sponsored by Regional Chimney] July 31 | CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, IN

National Chimney Sweep Training School August 24 – 29 | CSIA Technology Center Sept. 28 – Oct. 3 | CSIA Technology Center

Complete calendar: csia.org/education New CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians

Texas Jim Ray | J and J Chimney Sweep | Amarillo Virginia Wayne Van Houdt | Olde Town Chimney Sweeps | Gloucester

Connecticut Bill Moore | W&K Property Services, LLC | East Hartford Missouri Anthony Gross and Ronald Schmidt, Jr | Hearth Masters, Inc. | Independence North Carolina Thomas Simon and Joshua Strickland | Smoke Alert | Garner Pennsylvania Thomas Asciolla | Drysafer Corp. | Monroe Township

The patch ADVERTISEMENT

Teaching home inspectors where they live, in Louisiana Here is a great photo of Chimney Safety Institute of America Certified Chimney Sweep Kevin Russell of New Buck Chimney Services in Frierson, Louisiana.

He is pictured with home inspectors at a seminar he gave them in March 2015 on the importance of chimney safety, inspections, and the value of the experienced CSIA certified technicians.

(We gave KR some CSIA branded magnetic smashlights to help the message ‘stick’.) As Kevin, a CCS since 1997, tells us, “They know the only technician to direct any questions to is the CSIA certified technician.” Great job, Kevin!

Dateline: Nashville, TN

MAY 2015 REPORT

National Chimney Sweep Training School | March class

President’s Report

A ‘warm’ welcome to the world of chimneys

CSIA HAS NEW FIRE STATISTICS; HOW WILL YOU USE THEM? The latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report on residential structure fires shows that 21,200 unwanted blazes were attribut-Mark A. Stoner ed to fireplaces, chimneys or chimney systems in 2012, a 4.5 percent drop from the year before. Also, CPSC reports that 5,100 fires occurred in clothes dryers, a 22% drop from 2011. The decline in fires illustrates that years of dedicated public-awareness efforts by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, individual chimney sweep companies, and industries such as insurers and firefighters, is making a dent in the fire totals. However, we still saw a combined 29,000 fires, and that’s too many. CSIA is doing what it can to educate -- not scare -the public, so they understand the risks involved with not having an inspection by one of our trusted CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, and/or a C-DET Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician. We are marketing your credential, on behalf of all 1,850 of you!

Make sure you are all taking the time to make yourselves available to the media, and to the public at large via social media. And make sure CSIA is aware of your company or individual social media profile to maximize publicity. So if you have a great blog post, make sure CSIA marketing staff is aware of it, to expand that reach! You can notify our marketing/communications director, Tom Spalding, at tspalding@csia.org.

Any questions? E-mail me at president@csia.org.

ADVERTISEMENT

Around the

Tech

Center Frances Kelly

Executive Director

T

his April we were happy to welcome many visiting members to the Tech Center.

Sweeping contributor Jerry Isenhour held his CVC Success Summit in Plainfield last month and many of the attendees joined us in a tour of our of the office, historical collection, and lab. We always love

34 S W E E P I N G May 2015

when members come to visit and we have a chance to show off our unique facility.

be cleaned. You wouldn’t believe how big the classroom looks with no furniture!

We also began preparations for a busy summer of classes, board meetings, and Sweeps Week. The whole staff pitched in the help move all of the furniture out of the classroom so that the carpets can

This summer is already off to a great start so far. We hope to see many of you at Sweep’s Week next month.

?

Where Has Your Sweeping Been

Classifieds Gotta chimney question? Sizing? Codes?

Call Royal Edwards! Make Royal your tech department.

CALL NOW 813-982-0219 for on-call tech support.

Continuing Education special bonus – ask how you can get the Friday morning E-Blast for FREE. CALL NOW 813-982-0219 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.

NCSG Technical Committee Director Mike Segerstrom brought his Sweeping on vacation in Grand Turk Where will you take your Sweeping? Email photos to dmarlett@ncsg.org

35 S W E E P I N G May 2015

Darwin

Award 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.

This is a guy down by Prescott, Wisconsin, with his wood stove vented out the side of the house.

Steven Cody (CSIA Certification #8150) The Chimney Pro’s

Ad Index

36 S W E E P I N G

Ahrens Chimney Technique ENERVEX Firesafe Industries, Inc. Gelco, Lyemance, Lock-Top ICP Lindemann Chimney Company M&G DuraVent National Chimney Olympia Chimney Supply Sand Hill Wholesale SaverSystems, Inc SWEEPS America Smoktite Wohler USA Z-Flex

May 2015

800-582-1392 ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net 770-587-3238 www.chimneyfans.com 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com 800-334-2154 www.gllchimneyproducts.com 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 800-722-7230 www.lindemannchimney.com 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com 800-860-6327 www.saversystems.com 866-880-3473 info@sweepsamerica.com 207-439-0069 www.smoktite.com 978-750-9876 www.wohlerusa.com 800-654-5600 www.z-flex.com

19 22 8 4 15 10 25 21 14 13 12 9 18 7 5

, PROTECT TREES FORESTS AND OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE THREAT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

New infestations of insects and diseases can start if you take firewood with you when you travel.

Keep your trees safe by following these tips: · Don’t take firewood with you when you go camping, hiking or traveling. · Buy locally harvested firewood. · Tell your friends not to move firewood.

Facebook.com/DontMoveFirewood Twitter.com/DntMoveFirewood

.org

Youtube.com/DontMoveFirewood

National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

1408

Booth space is available for the 2016 NCSG Trade Show, February 24– 27 in Orlando, FL. Join us for the nation’s largest trade show focused on chimney service. Your company will have the chance to speak to hundreds of chimney and hearth professionals who are in homes across America each day sweeping, installing, repairing fireplaces and heating appliances.