Certifications & Training
Certifications & Training
Insurance means somebody will pay if we damage your house. Certification means somebody independent has tested what we know. Here is exactly what we hold, who issues it, and what it took to get.
The Credentials
Who Certifies Us
CSIA
Chimney Safety Institute of America
The certification most homeowners have heard of, and the one most insurers and real estate agents look for. Earned by examination and renewed on a cycle — it is not a one-time badge.
NCSG CCP
Certified Chimney Professional
The National Chimney Sweep Guild’s core professional credential, covering inspection, sweeping, venting and the codes and standards behind them.
NCSG CCR
Certified Chimney Reliner
The Guild’s relining credential specifically. Liner sizing, listings, insulation and installation — the part of this trade where getting it wrong is most dangerous and least visible.
Virginia SWaM
Small & Women-owned business
Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a small and women-owned business, which matters on public and institutional work.
Class A Contractor
Licensed
in both states
we inspect to
Factory Approved
Systems We Are Trained and Approved to Install
Two of the repair systems we use are not sold to anyone who wants to buy them. The manufacturers restrict them to trained, approved contractors, because the result depends entirely on the application. We are approved for both.
FireGuard
Ceramic resurfacing & joint repair
FireGuard is a certified ceramic resurfacing and mortar joint repair system. What makes it work is a vibration unit that drives the ceramic material into tight mortar joints and fractures and lays a consistent coating over the flue surface. Without that pinpoint vibration the ceramic will not penetrate the tight openings and will not form a solid coat.
It seals the flue throughout, and its chemical and physical properties give you heat-, acid- and water-resistant surfaces that reduce dangerous heat transfer and virtually eliminate gas seepage through the flue liners.
- 3,205°F temperature rating — the highest in the industry
- Costs less than relining in most cases
- Does not appreciably reduce the flue area, so the draw does not change
- Usually done in under a day, with the flue liners left in place
- Lifetime transferable warranty against material failure on mortar joint repair
- Approved contractors only — Firesafe Industries restricts it
HeatShield
Masonry chimney restoration
HeatShield coats the inside of the chimney, sealing gaps and replacing sections of liner that have deteriorated or been damaged. It is built for extreme temperatures and for bringing older, badly damaged masonry chimneys back into service.
It works on pre-existing masonry and clay tile flues, inside the house and outside it, which makes it a genuine option on chimneys where a stainless liner would be difficult or would cost more than the chimney is worth.
- Joint repair or full resurfacing depending on what the camera finds
- Masonry and clay tile flues, interior and exterior
- Keeps the existing flue rather than tearing it out
Materials
What Goes Down the Chimney
We are a New England Chimney Supply house. Their BestFlex stainless liner systems are what we install as standard — Elite is our standard, not the cheapest thing that will pass. The full range and the specifications are on the chimney restoration page.
Ongoing
Training Is Not a One-Off
We send people, and we pay for it
Continuing education
Certifications expire, codes change and appliances change faster than either. Our technicians go to the CSIA training centre and to manufacturer training, and the company pays for the course and the travel.
It is expensive and it is the reason we can tell you why something is wrong rather than just that it is. If you are looking for a trade where you get trained properly, we are hiring.
Next Step
Ask to See the Card
Any technician who turns up at your house can show you their certification. Ask — of us and of anybody else you are considering.