what is a chimney course

What is a chimney and how does it work?

Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: follow the Standards of Practice for performing an inspection of fireplaces, stoves and chimneys; understand how each system and component functions; and. inspect for …

What is a Class 1 chimney?

The CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep® credential. is nationally recognized and acknowledged by industry organizations, insurance underwriters, and local, state, and federal agencies as THE measure of a chimney and venting tech’s knowledge of the evaluation and maintenance of chimney and venting systems. The CSIA-Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET)® credential.

What is a chimney chase?

Mar 14, 2021 · A chimney chase is a chimney by any other name, but usually one built of framed wood or siding. It is essentially a prefab chimney made of wood. Chases generally do not contain the classic ceramic tile flues, but instead provide an enclosure for stainless steel flues for fireplaces and fuel-fired appliances, such as furnaces.

Why become a Certified Chimney Sweep®?

Chimney Chase - The area or structure around metal flue pipes. The chase is usually built with wood or steel studs with an exterior that can include brick/stone veneer or wood siding or stucco. Chimney - One or more passageways, vertical or nearly so for conveying flue gases from the appliance to the outside atmosphere.

Do you need qualifications to be a chimney sweep?

You can learn the chimney sweep business by getting on-the-job training as an entry-level chimney sweep, getting training through an organization such as CSIA, or enrolling in a local training course. CSIA offers an intensive six-day training program through their National Chimney Sweep Training School (NCSTS).May 9, 2019

What skills do you need to be a chimney sweep?

The qualities of a great chimney sweep include:Honesty and integrity.Reliability.Punctuality.Determination.Patience.Tenacity.Eagerness to learn.Courteousness.

What is the job of chimney Boy?

The chimney sweep, or climbing boys as they were often called, was a harsh profession to be in and most likely one that would severely cut your life short. Those employed were often orphans or from impoverished backgrounds, sold into the job by their parents.Apr 7, 2021

What is a chimney sweep certificate?

What is a chimney sweep certificate? A chimney sweep certificate, better known as a Certificate of Chimney Sweeping, is issued by a chimney sweep to a homeowner or landlord after a chimney has been swept. It outlines what tests were carried out during the sweep and if any defects or dangers were observed.

How much did a child chimney sweep get paid?

3-4 poundsFrom 1773, master chimney sweeps regularly kept anywhere from 2 to 20 children, depending on how many they could use for their business. For each child, the master sweep was paid 3-4 pounds by the government when the apprenticeship agreement was signed.

How much can you earn as a chimney sweep?

The average pay for a Chimney Sweep is £22,538 a year and £11 an hour in London, United Kingdom. The average salary range for a Chimney Sweep is between £18,532 and £26,024. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in London, United Kingdom.

Why do chimney sweeps wear top hats?

Small children were employed as chimney sweep because of their size but being a dirty job, young children were given tails and top hats to feel better about their profession and status. It played an important role in giving kids the self-esteem they wanted.Apr 20, 2017

Was Oliver Twist a chimney sweep?

Oliver narrowly escapes being apprenticed to a brutish chimney sweep and is eventually apprenticed to a local undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry.

Why were children chimney sweeps?

This practice of sending small boys up and down chimneys in order to ensure that they were free of harmful creosote deposits was the norm in England for approximately 200 years. The use of child chimney sweeps became widespread after the Great Fire of London, which occurred in September of 1666.

Should a chimney sweep issue a certificate?

All qualified chimney sweeps provide a certificate on completion of their work. This is for the homeowner's peace of mind and to fulfil insurance conditions.

Can I sweep my own chimney?

In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you'll have to call in a pro.Jan 5, 2022

How much do chimney sweeps earn UK?

The national average salary for a Chimney Sweep is £22,460 in United Kingdom. Filter by location to see Chimney Sweep salaries in your area. Salary estimates are based on 3,588 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Chimney Sweep employees.Jan 27, 2022

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What is a chimney chase?

A chimney chase is a chimney by any other name, but usually one built of framed wood or siding. It is essentially a prefab chimney made of wood. Chases generally do not contain the classic ceramic tile flues, but instead provide an enclosure for stainless steel flues for fireplaces and fuel-fired appliances, such as furnaces.

What is the best material to use for a chimney?

Stainless steel is by far the most robust material that you can find to use for your chimney. It’s incredibly reliable, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of troublesome weather. However, the downside to stainless steel is that it is costly.

What are chimney chase covers made of?

Chimney chase covers come in various materials. The four main types are chimney chase tops are aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper. Each of these materials has pros and cons. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks of each before choosing one.

Why do you need a chase cover on a chimney?

The cover prevents things like precipitation, leaves, dirt, and other various debris from entering your chimney and falling into your fireplace and home. While water certainly doesn’t mix well with fire, a chase cover goes far beyond simply keeping your roaring fireplace going.

Can rust on a chimney cause damage?

Once rust begins, it only gets worse. Eventually, you can take on significant damage and leaks that will only lead to more internal chimney damage. Of course, not all of us have the time or resources to climb atop our roofs to check the chimney cover on a regular basis.

Can a chimney chase cover last forever?

Not only can this damage be extremely expensive to fix, but it can also be dangerous. Although chimney chase covers are useful preventative tools, they don’t last forever.

Does aluminum chimney chase cover rust?

One of the major benefits of an aluminum chimney chase cover is that it won’t rust , which is good for the overall longevity of the product. Of course, on the flip side, aluminum is a softer metal and might not hold up as well against harsher elements.

About Chimney Sweeping

A chimney sweep or chimney cleaning should be a regular part of your home maintainence routine. Having your chimney swept is a vital process to protect your home from the possibility of a chimney fire occurring.

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What is a chimney?

A chimney, simply put, is a vertical tube designed to draw combustion products (smoke and gasses) from an appliance like a wood stove or fireplace to the atmosphere outside the house. Here are the basic parts:

What is the top of a chimney called?

The top of a masonry chimney is called the crown . It should be gently sloped toward the edge, causing rainwater to run off. The flue liners should extend above the crown at least two inches (maybe more, depending on the local building code), so you might be able to see the tops of the liners from the ground.

How many vertical passageways are there in a chimney?

Inside a chimney you’ll find one or more vertical passageways called flues. Ideally, each appliance connected to the chimney (such as each fireplace, each furnace, each wood stove) has its own, separate flue. More than one flue might be contained in one masonry chimney. So if you have a furnace and a fireplace connected to the same chimney, there should be at least two vertical passageways up the inside of the chimney.

What are chimney liners?

In a modern masonry chimney, the inner wall of the flue is lined with some type of material for safety, ease of cleaning, and improved performance. Among the most common types of liners are: 1 Terra-cotta : Baked clay liners, also called terra-cotta or tile liners, are generally about 5/8″ thick, and look like two-foot long square, rectangular, or round tubes. They are cemented end-to-end up the inside of the flue to form a continuous, smooth lining. 2 Other modular liners : Terra cotta is not the only material used to make modular liner tubes. Some are composed of refractory cement, volcanic pumice, or a combination of fireproof materials. 3 Stainless Steel : Especially useful in re-lining existing chimneys (But used in new construction, as well), stainless steel liner systems incorporate a metal tube, rigid or flexible, with some type of insulation around it. The metal tube provides a continuous, even lining, and the insulation forms an additional layer of protection and helps keep the flue warm. 4 Aluminum : Some installations of gas-fired equipment allow for the use of lower-cost aluminum liner systems. 5 Cast-in-place : Cast-in-place chimney liners are, in essence, a thick layer of a highly durable, insulative, cement-type material applied to the walls of the flue. One method (but not the only one) for installing a cast-in-place lining involves inserting a removable rubber tube the full length of the flue and pumping the liner material in. The tube is later removed, leaving a smooth-walled, cast-in-place flue liner.

What is the vertical passageway in a chimney called?

Inside a chimney you’ll find one or more vertical passageways called flues . Ideally, each appliance connected to the chimney (such as each fireplace, each furnace, each wood stove) has its own, separate flue. More than one flue might be contained in one masonry chimney.

What is a cast in place chimney liner?

Cast-in-place : Cast-in-place chimney liners are, in essence, a thick layer of a highly durable, insulative, cement-type material applied to the walls of the flue.

Do you need a door for a fireplace?

The exception is a fireplace, which needs no door, since the soot is cleaned out right at the fireplace opening. If you find a door in the cellar centered below the fireplace, it is probably an ash pit door. We will talk about that in the section on fireplaces. Those are the basics.

What is a chimney?

CHIMNEY. A structure made of masonry or metal, that usually surrounds and supports the flue for venting hot flue gases or smoke from a fireplace, furnace, stove or insert to the outside atmosphere. Chimneys are typically vertical, to ensure that the gases flow smoothly.

What is a chase chimney?

CHASE. A chase is a wood-constructed chimney. It has a decorative surrounding that covers the multi-wall insulated metal flue inside the chimney. The box is typically covered with vinyl, aluminum or wood siding, or sometimes simulated stone.

What is a flue liner?

A flue liner in a masonry chimney is clay, ceramic, or stainless steel installed inside of a chimney, intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.

What is a chimney cleaning log?

CHIMNEY CLEANING LOG. A log impregnated with chemicals which when burned in a fireplace is said to loosen creosote and soot in the flue and allow them to fall into the firebox. It is generally believed this is not a safe substitute for a physical cleaning of the flue by a chimney professional.

What is a chimney cap made of?

Protective coverings for chimneys usually made of stainless steel, or copper. Most chimney caps have a mesh screening that serves the dual purpose of spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps prevent rain from entering the flue of the chimney, and help prevent down-drafts.

What causes a chimney to be damaged?

Chimneys can be damaged by a number of things such as settling, hurricanes and lightning, but the most common source of chimney damage is a chimney fire. In addition to chimney damage, older chimneys may be unlined or their liners may have deteriorated to the point where relining is warranted.

What causes carbon and water to condense in a chimney?

Burning wood and fossil fuels at low temperature causes incomplete combustion of the oils in the wood, which are off-gassed as volatiles in the smoke. As the smoke rises through the chimney it cools, causing water, carbon, and volatiles to condense on the interior surfaces of the chimney flue.

What is the crown of a chimney?

The chimney crown is the top level of the chimney. It is usually completed from leftover mortar or cement during chimney construction and is the basic first line of defense for protecting your chimney from its most dangerous threat: water.

What is a chimney cap?

Chimney Cap. The chimney cap acts like a rain hat to help prevent water, birds, small animal and debris from getting inside the flue. It’s mounted above the crown and is often manufactured using stainless steel to wrap the flue inside a cage-like mesh allowing smoke to vent, but prevent outside material from getting into the chimney.

Why is a chimney cap important?

The chimney cap is of particular importance. Without it, the flue and fireplace are exposed to the external elements. This can cause the masonry to decay and also rust important metal components like the damper and smoke shelf leading to more expensive repairs.

Why does my chimney have cracks?

These influences can cause cracks to develop on the crown allowing water to leak behind the bricks inside the chimney.

Can a chimney be sucked into a fire?

Also, uncapped chimneys are at a higher risk of fire. With the right weather conditions, burning embers from the fireplace can be sucked through the chimney and land on your roof and start a fire. The force of a downdraft from an exposed flue can blast open fireplace doors pushing smoke, soot and ash into the room.

What is a Class 1 chimney?

A Class 1 chimney is common in houses built up until the 1960s. They consist of a brick-built stack, situated on either an internal or external wall and containing multiple flues for multiple fires (although the fires cannot share a flue).

What materials are used for chimneys?

Chimney Materials. Both chimneys and flues are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, concrete, pumice, clay or ceramic, and plastic. Concrete, pumice and clay or ceramic are collectively known as ‘masonry chimneys’. Plastic flues can only be used with low-temperature condensing appliances, ...

How tall should a chimney be for an open fireplace?

For an open fireplace to function properly and for the chimney to draw, the ratio between the chimney and fireplace needs to be exactly right. Flues above 6m tall should generally be not less than 1/7th to 1/8th of the area of the fireplace opening, e.g. a 225 mm (9″) diameter flue will support a fireplace opening up to about 550 x 550 mm (22″ x 22″) (see Building Regulations J 2.2.)

What is the flue liner?

Flue liner: The material used to form the flue within the chimney. Flue pipe: A metal pipe used to connect an appliance to the flue. Chimney: The structure surrounding one or more flues. Chimney terminal: Another word for pot, cowl or other method of finishing off the top of the chimney.

Why do chimneys have a flue lining?

All chimneys have to be built with a flue lining to protect the masonry from combustion gases , of which the lining also improves the flow. It was not uncommon for old flues to be pargeted (lined) with lime mortar as the chimney was erected, but many were not lined at all.

How tall should a chimney flue be?

Flues above 6m tall should generally be not less than 1/7th to 1/8th of the area of the fireplace opening, e.g. a 225 mm (9″) diameter flue will support a fireplace opening up to about 550 x 550 mm (22″ x 22″) (see Building Regulations J 2.2.) For bungalows, the ratio should be reduced to 1/6th.

What is the best way to open an old chimney?

To open up an old chimney, the flue must be cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep, and possibly relined to meet regulations. FLUE LINING: An approved fire-resistant material which lines the inside of the flue, usually made of refractory concrete or impervious clay, but sometimes metal.