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C-DET Certified Dryer Vent Technicians

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:07:56 GMT

Black Magic Chimney Sweeps has C-DET Certified Dryer Vent Technicians

Black Magic Chimney Sweeps has 3 certified Dryer Vent technicians through the rigorous training and testing protocol developed by the Chimney Safety Institute (www.CSIA.org). $35,000,000 in property damage was caused by dryer appliance fires during the 2008-2010 period. Failure to clean was the cause in 34% of the losses. (U.S. Fire Administration)

Don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dryer vents. Black Magic is always happy to help!

NBC Today Show Segment Investigating Chimney Sweeping

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:07:56 GMT

Exposing Bad Recommendations from Chimney Sweeps

From Mark McSweeney, CAE (an excerpt of the letter to CSIA)

Executive Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Chimney Sweep Guild

Earlier this morning, NBC’s Today Show aired a segment featuring an undercover investigation on chimney sweeps. The Today Show “sting” operation took place at a home in the Northeast, where chimney sweeps were called in for a routine sweeping. When sweeps did not provide a thorough inspection of the home’s chimney when recommending repairs or service, Today Show reporters and producers confronted them about their tactics.

Ashley Eldridge, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)’s Director of Education, served as the lead technical expert for the segment. In his role as Director of Education, Ashley is responsible for the administration of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credentialing program and is a regular spokesperson for CSIA.

When presented with the opportunity to participate, we knew that it was our responsibility to help educate the public about what to expect when hiring a chimney sweep for regular maintenance. It is CSIA’s mission is to encourage public awareness of issues relating to chimney and venting performance and safety. This segment serves as a great reminder that homeowners need to do their homework before inviting contractors into their home.

Cost of a Chimney Sweep

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:07:56 GMT

What is the cost of a chimney sweep?

One of the questions new customers ask us is, “What is the cost of a chimney sweep?” In our business it seems to be a question of cost. Well, I guess we’re not alone in that- most businesses have to deal with cost (unless you’re in banking- ironic, huh?!) So, when we are dealing with cost, we want to be accurate and ask a few follow-up questions. Some of the questions deal with the actual sweeping environment like how tall is your chimney (we often ask about the number of stories of your house and do the deductive reasoning ourselves), or how many flues, chimneys, wood stoves, fireplaces or other appliances we need to work on, then we’ll get to the nitty gritty with a question about the last time the flue has been serviced. With accurate information, we can be more confident in our pricing, but as you can see in this brief blog, there are many factors to consider (and I didn’t even burden you with the multitude of choices) when we get asked, “What is the cost of a chimney sweep?”

The funny thing is we haven’t dealt with the most important questions. I have to assume the new customer is looking around for a new chimney sweep to service his or her home. But, there are many other concerns to the new relationship. This is going to be a life saving or life threatening decision. Who you hire is more important than how much they might charge you. I am NOT trying to scare you nor am I trying to support extremely high rates. It is my only concern here that we get to the root of the real question being asked, ” why is it that I should trust you (Mr. Chimney Guy) to take care of my chimney and my family?” And, I will answer in the only way that makes sense to me… because I will and I do put my two young sons’ lives in the hands of these diligent, respectful and passionate chimney sweepers at Black Magic Chimney Sweeps. My family has used the Black Magic Chimney services for many years. We’ve used both of the prior two owners and one other chimney sweep from a local contractor. We found both of the two prior owners of Black Magic Chimney to be affable, hard working and reasonably priced. I admit that I didn’t have any other basis to go on when evaluating them, but there was no way I was hiring the other guy from the other company. He was fine as a sweep. But, he just didn’t suit me.

Once I got involved with Black Magic Chimney, Lacy and Chris took great care of our home and the wood stove. They have stories to tell about the crappy wood we burn (and we’re still surprised when we have to have it swept twice a year, hmmm?). One year, Lacy came out in the middle of winter because I had a blockage in the flue. Now, my first indication was the puffs of smoke billowing out of my flue connector pipe as it entered the thimble. I pride myself on being a bit smarter than the average bear, but, boy, did I feel a bit foolish when Lacy came out, set up his ladder and put the rod down about 4 feet before it was stopped dead in its tracks. It was clear…. I wasn’t the brightest brick in the shed if I was burning that crappy wood. But, Lacy was a gentleman and professional. He did NOT rub my nose in the creosote.

Now, the worst part was I bought good seasoned wood. It’s just that I let it sit uncovered and it got soaked for a good part of the fall with no time to dry out. Needless to say, If I were moving into town and needed a new sweep, I would look to the team that will show up whenever you need them, do the honest job, price the job fairly and gives back to the community in all kinds of ways. I guess I’m just a bit odd though.