Andrew Tyne is certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Maine Association of Chimney Sweep Professionals . He specializes in video scanning and inspections.

In selecting a sweep it is to the customer’s advantage to ensure that the sweep is certified by CSIA and carries professional liability insurance. Because sweeps are not regulated in Maine, a sweep that is certified has shown that they are willing to invest in the education and adhere to a professional standard of ethics.
  • Sweeps:  While NFPA requires annual inspections, sweeping may not be necessary. If there is ¼ in or more of creosote in the chimney a sweep would be required.
  • Inspections:  Until recently, the scope of work performed in the inspection or evaluation of a fireplace, stove or other venting system was generally up to the discretion of the chimney service technician. Professional service technicians now have an industry standard that removes much of that "discretion." The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has addressed the minimum chimney inspection standards in its latest publication (NFPA 211) concerning home heating appliances. NFPA 211 is the standard that the State of Maine has adopted. Many installations do not conform to either the manufacturers instructions or NFPA standards. Read more about the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inspections that we offer.  Click here.
  • Video Scanning of the Interior of the Chimney: Photo documentation of the interior of the chimney eliminates the guessing game of the actual condition of the interior of the chimney.  I use a Chim-Scan camera to scan the interior, looking for vertical cracks in the tile. This indicates that a “sudden thermal event” has occurred, usually but not always, a chimney fire. Missing mortar between flue tile joints, deterioration of tiles from oil fired appliances (Sulfuric acid), misaligned tiles and obstructions are some other conditions that may be present and documented.  (click on pictures below to view examples of conditions caught by video scanning)
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  • Inspections for Insurance & Real Estate Transactions:  Why do I need to have your chimney inspected before buying or selling a home?  NFPA 211 states that a Level II inspection (link Level II inspection to info about inspections) be performed on all real estate transfers. 

Does the home inspection cover this requirement?  The details of a Level II inspection are beyond the normal scope of a home inspection.  In fact, the American Society of Home Inspectors Standard 9.3.D.1 specifically says, “The inspector is not required to observe the interior of flue.”
Getting a Level II inspection prior to closing may reveal conditions that could run into very costly repairs.  The buyer and seller could resolve this prior to closing.
Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fueled fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion - the substances given off when wood burns.

As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky ... tar-like, drippy and sticky ... or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system.

Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities - and catches fire inside the chimney flue- the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, sweeps are concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire. Click here to learn more about the conditions that increase the chance of a chimney fire.

In 2005, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires resulted in 20 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage.
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How often should I have my chimney cleaned? 
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/4" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211 states, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary."
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I heat with gas. Should this chimney be checked too?
NFPA 211 requires that all appliances shall be inspected annually. Newer higher efficiency oil burners produce more condensation as a by product, which combines with the sulfur from oil combustion and creates sulfuric acid. This acid will deteriorate a clay tile chimney which may in turn obstruct the chimney. 
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An annual chimney inspection by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® is a modest investment that can reduce the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
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