Sweeping- November 2013

NCSG Innovation 2014 March 19-22 • Columbus, Ohio

Whether you take away one tip or dozens, attending the National Chimney Sweep Guild Innovation 2014 Convention and Trade Show in Columbus will revolutionize the way you do business.

Join us for:

Non-stop networking opportunities

Over 30 hours of business and tech breakout sessions

Trade Show featuring more than 80 booths

Opening Night Event at COSI Science and Industry Museum

Chimney Safety Institute of America Benefit Auction

2014 NCSG Banquet and Awards Ceremony

… and much more!

Register now for early bird prices! www.NCSG.org/innovation or (317) 837-1500

NOVEMBER 13 SWEEPING 1

Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology (ISSN# 1041-6692) is published 11 times annually, by the National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Annual dues to the National Chimney Sweep Guild are $459 for Voting Member Companies and $689 for Supplier Member Companies, of which $80 goes toward a subscription to Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology. Additional annual subscriptions are available for $80 by contacting the National Chimney Sweep Guild at the office of publication (NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168).

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting TechnologyNational Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168

November 2013 Volume 37 #10

Features

Table of Contents

Departments

P.12

P.14

3 President’s Report

6 Editor’s Letter

8 Industry Watch

10 The Coach’s Corner

12 Technical Q&A

16 16 New NCSG Members

22 Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program

21 Progressive Perks

24 Dates & Events

25 Perspective

27 Darwin Awards

14 The Age of the Blog: Why It Matters

21 Save Money, Promote Your Business

2 SWEEPING NOVEMBER 13

ResourcePage

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration

and Priorfire Fireboxes (317) 203-0088 x: 2

Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54

(317) 203-0088 x: 3

John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31

(317) 203-0088 x: 4

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

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves

(317) 203-0088 x: 7

Jay Walker Dryer Vents

(317) 203-0088 x: 8

Rett RasmussenVented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls

(317) 203-0088 x: 9

Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry

(317) 203-0088 x: *

Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining

(317) 203-0088 x: 0

Committee Chairs and Task Forces for 2013-2014

BylawsJeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141

[email protected]

Convention Site SelectionDiane Pilger

(631) [email protected]

Ethics Mark Stoner


GovernanceJay Walker


Government AffairsPhil Mitchell


International RelationsJohn Pilger


Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141

[email protected]

Membership Bob Ferrari


NFPA 211 RepresentativeRandy Brooks(805) 646-8961

[email protected]

NFPA 31 RepresentativeJohn Pilger


NFPA 54 Jim Brewer


Technical Advisory CouncilMichael Segerstrom


ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or [email protected]

Design by Laura Houser Design • laurahouser.com • (317) 213-7497

President, At-LargeDiane Pilger(631) 863-2460

[email protected]

Vice President, At-Large Jeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141

[email protected]

Treasurer, Region 2 Bob Fleer


Secretary, At-Large Fred Joy


Region 1 Phil Mitchell(603) 659-7776

[email protected]

Region 3 Ron Rust


Region 4

Ken Hoelscher(937) 833-0505

[email protected]

Region 5 Jasper Drengler

(715) 304-8934 [email protected]

Region 6

Bob Ferrari(530) 941-5818

[email protected]

At-Large DirectorGregg Boss


Supplier RepresentativeEdmund Poplawski


NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014

Frances Kelly Excecutive Director

[email protected]

Candice Bradbury Director of Finance

[email protected]

Megan McMahon Office Manager

[email protected]

Debbie Cornelius Membership Development

Coordinator [email protected]

Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator

[email protected]

Claire RutledgeProgram [email protected]

STAFF

2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

(317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press release and articles to interim editor Cindy Dashnaw at [email protected]. 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.

© 2013 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

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.

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:


DIANE PILGERNCSG PRESIDENT Report

President’s

T he NCSG has gone through some major staff changes this past year. We are now fully staffed, and a big thank you goes to Frances Kelly, NCSG executive

director. She stepped in and quickly found new staff members to replace the outgoing program coordinator and director of communications and marketing.

I would like to welcome Darcy Marlett as director of communications and marketing. Darcy previously was public affairs assistant at Camp Atterbury - Muscatatuck. She has a bachelor of arts in journalism with a second major in communication and culture from Indiana University. She is involved with the Junior League of Indianapolis, is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and volunteers for the Indianapolis International Film Festival and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.

Darcy has skills working with digital photography and editing, social media strategy and database management. I feel she will be a good fit for the NCSG as we move forward into the future. Her skill set will be required and put to use, as much of today’s communication is done through social media. Darcy will take over eNewslink and Sweeping magazine in the future.

I would also like to welcome Claire Rutledge as program coordinator. She has a bachelor’s degree in history from Butler University and has worked with Clowes Memorial Hall. She also was an intern with the Indiana State Museum and studied abroad at the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.

The CSIA also has a new staff member. Tom Spaulding, the CSIA’s new marketing director, holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky. He is a leader

with 21 years of combined media experience and a passion for helping clients deliver news in all its form. He has strong skills in social media, media relations, crisis communication, speechwriting, internal communication and web publishing, to name a few. I would like to welcome Tom to our industry.

Just want to remind everyone that registration is underway for the NCSG Innovation 2014 Convention and Tradeshow at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, OH, March 19 - 22. Find registration details at NCSG.org and keep checking back for program updates. Based on your feedback, we’re offering new and innovative programs this year, trying to give you the best program possible.

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You’ll start to see things in a new waywhen you attend NCSG Innovation 2014.

Over 30 hours of business education and technical training, the nation’s largest

tradeshow focused on chimney service and non-stop networking

opportunities await you! March 19-22, 2014

at the NCSG Innovation 2014 Convention & Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio!

www.NCSG.org/innovation

Valley Forge, PAJanuary 8th & 9thRadisson & Valley Forge Casino Resort1160 First AveValley Forge, PA 19406610-768-3204$99/night

Lakewood, COJanuary 15th & 16th Hampton Inn137 Union Blvd.Lakewood, CO 80228303-969-9900$109/night

Sturbridge, MAJanuary 21st & 22Publick House277 Main StSturbridge, MA 01566508-347-3313$99/night Main Inn$79/night CML

Plainfield, INFebruary 5th & 6thSeminar Held at CSIA Technology CenterPlainfield IN, 46168

Holiday Inn6296 Cambridge WayPlainfield, IN, 46168317-839-9000$69/night ask for CSIA Rate

Hampton Inn2244 E. Perry RdPlainfield, IN, 46168317-839-9993$79/night ask for CSIA Rate

Middleton, WIFebruary 12th & 13th Madison Marriott West1313 John Q Hammons DrMiddleton, WI,53562608-831-2000$119/night

Alexandria, VAFebruary 19th & 20th Holiday Inn2460 Eisenhower AveAlexandria, VA 22314703-960-3400$109/night

Monroe, NCFebruary 26th &27thSeminar Held at Olympia Chimney Supply’s NC facility505 Cuthbert Son StMonroe, NC 28110

Hampton Inn Monroe2368 Roland DriveMonroe, NC 28110704-220-2200$104/night

(Mention 'Olympia Chimney Supply' when booking your hotel room(s) in order to receive the stated room rate!)

Creating SOP’sby Hope Stevenson - 2 hours

How to create Standard Operating Procedures.

Managing the Details to ImproveSales in Your Organizationby Rick Vlahos - 1.5 hours

Observe Your Company; Practical Tips & Areas to Evaluate.

Clearing the Smoke:Why Brochures are so Confusing

by Rick Vlahos - 1.5 hoursTechnical Information You Need to Know; EPA Regulations & Other Characteristics

of a Perfect Installation.

Review & Jeopardy Game by Rick & Hope - 1.25 hours

Test your Knowledge.

COST:$179.00/person (1st registrant of the company)

$149.00/person (if registered before 11/30/2013)

$99.00/person (For every additional registrant from the same company)

CEU’s: Approximately 8-9

Register Online Today at www.olympiachimney.comPRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. ON SITE REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!Registration is NOT open to manufacturers or distributors.

This Educational Summit isbeing brought to you by

LOCATIONS

DAY 1 9AM-5PMComplimentary lunch will be provided.

DAY 2 8AM-NOONExit Strategies

by Hope Stevenson - 3.75 hoursBeing prepared for the future to retire or sell your business.

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• Standard construction is 100% austenitic stainless steel; also available in other alloys including copper and Type 316 for marine/coal appliances.

• Our pioneering work in chimney technology and metallurgy has made us a trusted source for products and problem-solving information.

Please take time to complete a survey after each seminar. Your opinion and experience are what directs future programs.

We hope you’ll join us at this year’s offsite welcome event at COSI, the Center of Science and Industry Museum. It’s called “Ohio’s most unique and versatile attraction” for a reason! For just $15 per person, you’ll enjoy museum admission and a see-your-friends pizza party that includes transportation to and from the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Register now at NCSG.org to get the early-bird rates (and mark it off your bucket list).

I wish each of you a very safe, successful and prosperous year.

Sincerely,

Diane PilgerNCSG President

Valley Forge, PAJanuary 8th & 9thRadisson & Valley Forge Casino Resort1160 First AveValley Forge, PA 19406610-768-3204$99/night

Lakewood, COJanuary 15th & 16th Hampton Inn137 Union Blvd.Lakewood, CO 80228303-969-9900$109/night

Sturbridge, MAJanuary 21st & 22Publick House277 Main StSturbridge, MA 01566508-347-3313$99/night Main Inn$79/night CML

Plainfield, INFebruary 5th & 6thSeminar Held at CSIA Technology CenterPlainfield IN, 46168

Holiday Inn6296 Cambridge WayPlainfield, IN, 46168317-839-9000$69/night ask for CSIA Rate

Hampton Inn2244 E. Perry RdPlainfield, IN, 46168317-839-9993$79/night ask for CSIA Rate

Middleton, WIFebruary 12th & 13th Madison Marriott West1313 John Q Hammons DrMiddleton, WI,53562608-831-2000$119/night

Alexandria, VAFebruary 19th & 20th Holiday Inn2460 Eisenhower AveAlexandria, VA 22314703-960-3400$109/night

Monroe, NCFebruary 26th &27thSeminar Held at Olympia Chimney Supply’s NC facility505 Cuthbert Son StMonroe, NC 28110

Hampton Inn Monroe2368 Roland DriveMonroe, NC 28110704-220-2200$104/night

(Mention 'Olympia Chimney Supply' when booking your hotel room(s) in order to receive the stated room rate!)

Creating SOP’sby Hope Stevenson - 2 hours

How to create Standard Operating Procedures.

Managing the Details to ImproveSales in Your Organizationby Rick Vlahos - 1.5 hours

Observe Your Company; Practical Tips & Areas to Evaluate.

Clearing the Smoke:Why Brochures are so Confusing

by Rick Vlahos - 1.5 hoursTechnical Information You Need to Know; EPA Regulations & Other Characteristics

of a Perfect Installation.

Review & Jeopardy Game by Rick & Hope - 1.25 hours

Test your Knowledge.

COST:$179.00/person (1st registrant of the company)

$149.00/person (if registered before 11/30/2013)

$99.00/person (For every additional registrant from the same company)

CEU’s: Approximately 8-9

Register Online Today at www.olympiachimney.comPRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. ON SITE REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!Registration is NOT open to manufacturers or distributors.

This Educational Summit isbeing brought to you by

LOCATIONS

DAY 1 9AM-5PMComplimentary lunch will be provided.

DAY 2 8AM-NOONExit Strategies

by Hope Stevenson - 3.75 hoursBeing prepared for the future to retire or sell your business.


What factors are inhibiting your company’s ability to grow and be more profitable?

Last year, more than half of you said that lack of homeowner awareness of the need for regular chimney maintenance is the greatest factor working against your growth and profitability. (NCSG Member Survey, 2012)

The NCSG and CSIA work on your behalf to educate the public about this issue. But let me ask you:

What are you doing to educate the homeowners in your service area?

Plenty of you advertise online, so congratulations. The Internet is where your customers are going to find you – whether it’s through a Google search or a recommendation from friends on Facebook. But what does your advertising say?

Does it show your features, such as “bonded and insured,” or does it tell of the benefits to the client, such as, “You can sleep at night, knowing your family is safe”?

Don’t misunderstand me; it’s important to be bonded and insured. But advertising needs to make an emotional connection to a potential customer.

The best example of features vs. benefits I’ve ever heard has to do with batteries. A feature is that “With this toy, batteries are included.” Another feature, though many claim it to be a benefit,

is, “Batteries are included, which is convenient for you – you don’t have to worry about buying them.” Here’s the true benefit, though: “When your child opens this toy, you won’t have to face his disappointed look because you forgot to buy batteries to make it work.”

At the same time, always be on the lookout for ways to tell the story of your company’s benefits through earned media (press coverage, which is free and highly credible). Every time you see a homeowner issue, it’s a chance to write up a press release and send it to the local newspaper: “ABC Chimney recommends caps to keep out spring birds’ nests.” “XYZ Chimney warns of danger homemade fireplaces pose to children.”

Hopefully, your company has a Facebook page where you’re sharing benefits and information homeowners can use and, more importantly to your business’ growth, share with friends. And, as Kristen Chapman Gibbons of Spark Marketer writes in this issue of

Sweeping (“The Age of the Blog, page 14), blog posts allow you to share even more benefits with potential clients.

Don’t get overwhelmed. In the marketing business, we keep our sanity by repurposing materials: press releases get fleshed out and turned into blog posts; bits and pieces from blogs get posted to Facebook; etc. So it’s not as bad as it seems at first glance.

The key is to keep focused on your customer, rather than on you. The benefits this approach will bring back to you are increased word-of-mouth promotion, more clients and better profitability.

CINDY DASHNAWINTERIM EDITOR

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full_page_NCSG 7/24/13 6:02 PM Page 1


IndustryWatch

Industry Watch Policy

NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases to Cindy Dashnaw, Sweeping: The Journal

of Chimney & Venting Technology interim editor, via email at [email protected]. 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.

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Chimney and fireplace inspection makes Top 5 Home Improvement Projects list

Fireplace and chimney inspection is one the top 5 home improvement projects consumers should take on this winter, according to a list published in October by WhiteFence.com.

Billing itself as the nation’s leading site to compare, connect and save on home services, WhiteFence.com recommends hiring a certified chimney technician since consumers do not have the tools to complete a full inspection.

The other projects on the list are to install a programmable thermostat, perform a thorough check of the water heater, repaint interior walls and organize closets.

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Is ROI in Your Business Model?

BY JERRY ISENHOUR OF CHIMNEY & VENTING

CONSULTANTS IN CONCORD, NCCoach’s Corner

The

R OI, short for return on investment, is an essential aspect of any successful for-profit business. And I assume you are in business to make a profit! As you well know, however, having that intention and actually realizing

it can be two vastly different things – especially if you aren’t monitoring ROI.

So often, ROI is a forgotten part of a business financial strategy. Or, all too often, the ROI is considered nothing more than the salary of the business owner. Even a non-profit entity, if operating properly, will set a percentage of each year’s income as a reserve in its budget plan to cover any number of unexpected scenarios. For instance, the budget of the NCSG is assembled with a reserve percentage.

But you operate a business to make a profit. A business that operates in a for-profit mode will plan both its income and its expenses. From this computation at year’s end – income minus expenses – will come the anticipated and projected profit for the fiscal year.

What role does ROI play here?ROI is relevant to every single purchase, expense, tool, staff member and fixed expense. With that in mind, remember that the game is not necessarily to find the lowest cost; rather, it is to locate the tools, goods, services and employees that provide the highest ROI for the business.

The business that knows its ROI is the business that is operating with a solid, realistic operating plan. The business that does not know its numbers is usually operating from a shotgun approach. That’s not unlike flying blind, and it may well spell disaster at some point. The world of business is one that can go from smooth sailing to rocky in the blink of an eye.

The first rule of so many successful business owners is that they absolutely, positively, always must know their numbers.

In considering ROI, the first mistake is to seek the lowest cost or the newest offering without regard for what this decision will bring. Many times, a business owner won’t even contemplate a purchase or service from a breakeven or what should be viewed

as a great ROI viewpoint.

This can be referred to as the shiny tool concept. It’s when we simply have to have the greatest and latest, just to say we have it. This is great for the nice car you want or the motorcycle, boat or other toy you have dreamed of owning. But your business is not a toy. It is a living entity, and the purpose of the business is to deliver your dreams.

Many companies build their market on providing the latest and greatest. A common

example that comes to me is the rollout of a new iPhone. It was actually kind of funny to see folks waiting in line for days to be the first to grab the latest version. This is an example of the shiny tool need: the ROI was not there, unless it possessed the ability to make you more productive and profitable.

Another example I often see is the selection of video scanning equipment, likely one of the best ROI items ever to hit our industry. So often, we make our choice based on what equipment we can get at the lowest cost. But what we should look at is:

•Easeofsetup•Qualityofresults•Howwetransmitandreceivetheinformation•Durability•Serviceandturnaroundonservice

The business that knows its ROI is the business that is operating with a solid, realistic operating plan.


In our business, documenting the interior of the chimney is vitally important to our work. So the selection of the right equipment for doing the job professionally and efficiently over a long period of time should be the most important factor in your decision on what to buy. The proper chimney scanning equipment lets you provide the service your (paying) clients demand – and thus has a high ROI. A poor choice, then, can cut into ROI in ways you can’t predict.

Another example is our tendency to refuse what may be a potent form of marketing/advertising because of expense. In reality, the cheap stuff is simply a waste of money that has little or no ROI.

It breaks down to a simple matter of economics:

•Whatisthepercentageofprofityouwanttomakefromyourbusiness (profit and salary are two different things)? Look for a minimum of 6% - 10%. (If less, is your business really the investment you set it up to be?)

•Whatisthesalarythatyou(oryouandyourpartners)want to draw from the business? You should be adequately compensated for the work and effort you put in. Being aware now of a well-conceived ROI strategy can keep you from regretting lost opportunity in your golden years.

•Youmustestablishanincomebudget,apiewiththevariousexpenses set as pieces of the whole (your total income for the year).

•Thepiemustbebalancedandobtainable.

This pie will contain all set costs of doing business: operating costs, rents, payments, utilities, etc. Another piece will cover administrative costs, another marketing costs, and another the cost of goods for resale. A piece of the pie will cover the cost of field staff.

Research your past year’s expenditures. Which were in and out of line? What needs to increase? What worked and what didn’t? The goal of the pie is to set up a financial system for operating your business in a realistic and profitable way, where each and every action of the business produces revenue in a manner that delivers a true return on your investment. The budget will become your report card as well as your vehicle for proper forecasting.

You will likely face the fact that your business produces most of its revenue over a four-month “busy season.” This model forces us to use busy-season profits to pay back debts accrued during off-season. At the end of the year, we realize we made an OK salary, but not what we and our employees deserve. Then we start all over again the next year. Does this describe your life?

To break out of what I call this Groundhog Day cycle, you must conduct a more in-depth examination of your actual business numbers. The more often you look at the numbers objectively and honestly, the more likely the business model you develop will deliver your goals, achieve your mission and, of course, result in ROI!

A successful business sets its budget in anticipation of spike months and months of low revenue. Frankly, budgeting is a daunting task, one that takes hours and hours and days and days that likely will stretch into weeks. You undoubtedly simply do not have the time, and, to be honest, most accountants don’t even have this ability to take the financial realities of the past and turn them into a strategy for future growth.

To get started, you may need to enlist an expert’s help. There are some good folks in the U.S. that can make swift work of setting this up. Ah, you’re thinking, that sounds expensive! But remember what we’ve been talking about: ROI. Is it smarter devote yourself to a task you are not qualified to do, (all the while losing income due to your concentration on this), or is it better to hire an expert? Outsourcing this task can have an enormous ROI.

Of course, you can always get the training to do this yourself. It’s an even bigger time commitment, but the ROI might be worth it in the long run.

My goal is to open eyes and make the members of this industry more successful in every way. You are working right now in order to one day live a retirement without worries. You may be working to build a business you can sell one day and reap the benefits for years to come. But you won’t get the price you envision for your business without a measured growth in ROI over the years preceding the sale.

My ultimate goal is that every day for you be a holiday because running your business, meeting and exceeding your goals, and delivering your dreams is so much fun that you never “work” another day in your life.

If I can be a small part of getting you there, then I have fulfilled my mission for you!

Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant, educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry and how his team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, visit www.cvccoaching.com or contact him at [email protected] or (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain great business tips from him on Facebook, CVC Coaching.


TechnicalQ&A BY MICHAEL SEGERSTROM, NCSG

TECHNICAL ADVISORY CHAIR

A

QHow do I keep soot out of a home when

sweeping a masonry fireplace with a

powerful downdraft?

For some, this may be an established procedure with an obvious answer. Others have faced years of not knowing a practical method for working around downdrafts during a fireplace sweep.

I used to be one of these. I worked for another company for many years before starting my own, and we didn’t have a practical solution. In fact, it wasn’t until I talked to another member of the NCSG that I learned about a simple and easy way to solve this problem.

I had tried many things over time that worked only sometimes. I tried opening a door or window and leaving the damper open, waiting for the downdraft to reverse, or lighting some newspaper at the damper to establish draft.

I even tried reversing the hose on the vacuum and putting it above the damper. (This I do not recommend!) A powerful vacuum can control most of the soot, but some downdrafts on very sooty fireplaces can be almost impossible to contain. And even if the flue can be swept from the top with the damper closed, the smoke chamber, smoke shelf, throat and firebox will still require service, which can stir up a lot of soot.

Finally, a fellow NCSG member gave me the solution. Just put a fan on the top the flue! This also works great on flues that are not down drafting, but are just exceptionally sooty.

You can use various types of fans; it will come down to personal preference and/or company policies. Regardless of the type of fan, though, always secure your fan to the chimney to prevent it from falling off and being damaged – or causing damage to the home.

The simplest fan to consider is a battery-operated model. Several tool brands sold at big home-center stores offer a fan in their 18-volt battery product line. Such a fan is lightweight, powerful enough and doesn’t require extension cords.

The other option is an electric model, whether a tabletop box fan or a heavy-duty fan such as the type we sometimes install on fireplace systems. When choosing, remember that not all small box fans are suitable for outdoor use, and the motors in some aren’t protected from soot.

Heavy-duty fans can be quite expensive, but if your service areas have a lot of similarly built homes that experience downdrafts, it may be worth the investment. Our company has used the same heavy-duty fan for nine years, so it’s been well worth it!(See the Coach’s Corner for wise words about ROI.)

Whichever type of fan you choose, remember to secure it to the chimney, always. And whether you sweep from the top or the bottom, using a fan to stabilize or reverse a downdraft – even in a factory-built fireplace – can save time and prevent a costly soot cleanup.

A few final thoughts:

•Ifthefireboxisfairlyfullofashes,emptyitfirst;thefan can pull a lot of fly ash into the flue, making it look unswept.

•Afancanstirupashorsootthat’sonasmokeshelf and leave a layer in the flue. Make a final pass with the brush through the chamber and flue after servicing the firebox and/or smoke shelf.

•Checktoseewhichwaythesootwillgowhenitcomes out the top to avoid problems with an open window, outdoor furniture, swimming pools or cars in the driveway. In some cases, unfortunately, using a fan just might not be practical.

Using a fan is not the only method to use when sweeping a fireplace that downdrafts. Talking to and networking with other NCSG members is a great way to learn them, along with many other tips and tricks of our trade!

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KRISTEN CHAPMAN GIBBONS, SPARK MARKETER

ccording to Shelly Kramer, a leader in the digital marketing field, two things matter in the digital age: Search and Friends.

This closely mirrors my own experience writing blog posts for small-business clients. Here’s the thing: Your customers are looking for what you offer, and you have two questions to answer:

1. Can current and potential customers find you?2. Are you worth recommending?

One way to answer those questions with “yes” is to have a blog on your company’s website.

Blogs can boost your visibility and provide useful information to customers. Both increase goodwill and up the chances customer will “share” your business via social media.

Where We AreLet’s talk about becoming visible and how regular blog posts help in this effort. In traditional marketing, your company developed a logo, a tagline, a message and a preferred medium (radio, TV) to get out there in front of potential clients. Then, you ran your business and waited for a response.

In the new paradigm, everyone must become a medium, everything must become part of the message and “out there” has become everywhere – all the time. How can a working person manage this?

Blogs.

Being Heard in the NoiseBlogs accomplish a few essential marketing objectives. Instead of a one-time, repeated blast of your brand, you are regularly posting content (which you are then using social media to push) and leaving permanent trails all over the Internet. This means that each blog post, if optimized for SEO (search engine optimization) and leveraged properly, increases your overall visibility.

Because posts don’t run like newspaper ads, this content lives on to attract potential customers long after you’ve forgotten about it. If your content is useful, funny or interesting, other people will do your marketing for you by sharing and retweeting.

What’s Your Story?What about content? Here’s what works: instructional or educational posts about your industry or services, content that reveals more about the people behind the logo, and pictures/video/podcasts.

None of these types of blog posts have to be a “certain way.” The truth is, they should increase the confidence a potential customer has in your business and give them a peek into whether or not they will enjoy doing business with you. Customers want to feel a connection to your content.

A word of caution: You can publish amazing content all day long, but posts without optimization just launch into the void. You must create content regularly, optimize it smartly and leverage as many different social media channels as fit your brand.

The Age of the Blog: Why It Matters

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Amplify In All DirectionsSocial media is the spotlight that gets eyeballs to your content. Each social media platform reaches a different kind of audience.

You may know this from your own social media use, but Facebook creates networks of people you know and friends of friends. This is a rich network for businesses. However, Facebook posts that don’t link back to your company’s website are not as effective. Creating a blog post on your website and then exporting it to Facebook is optimal.

LinkedIn is similar, in that you aren’t often attracting complete strangers. With Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Tumblr, you are most successful by branching outside of your known circles. New reach equals new customers, all being directed back to your blog posts.

Getting the Right People TalkingYour ideal marketing situation is when a customer, impressed with some aspect of your business, recommends you to someone they know. People tend to trust the recommendations of friends.

By blogging, we can regularly remind our friends – old and new – that we’re here and ready to engage. Blogging, and the social media platforms you use to share links to blog posts, also emphasizes your website again and again. Each post that builds your credibility, increases shared information or promotes your business is a win.

Give Them a Reason to TalkThe most effective blog posts are well written, engaging and tagged in order to increase SEO. This means making your content linkable and easy for Google to recognize.

Think in terms of utilizing key words, concepts and tags/hashtags. Be bite-sized. Remember, people are more likely to engage, share and recommend if they get what you’re trying to say and aren’t overburdened by too many words. Make it simple for your customers to promote you by being consistent and relevant to their lives. And never forget that images are good. Audio/video is good. And funny – appropriate funny – is good.

Keep Them TalkingBlogging matters because it creates an everlasting presence that, when properly optimized, leads potential customers to your website. Each post creates a wave of additional content that never really stops building. Information can crest and settle and crest again.

People crave new information. They ask friends daily about who they use for such-and-such. Blog posts amplified by social media give you an opportunity to reinforce your brand and start a conversation. All you have to do is listen.

And keep blogging.

Kristen Chapman Gibbons is in charge of ongoing blog content creation for Spark Marketer’s many chimney service business clients. She also is working diligently to become the Queen of Social Media for all of Tennessee. Spark Marketer is a strategic online marketing firm in Nashville, TN, helping businesses everywhere make their web presence profitable. You can find the company blog and a list of social profiles at SparkMarketer.com.

NCSG Charter Members

Paul Bourque, Huntsville, AL

Don Leavitt, San Diego, CA

David Harris, Broken Arrow, OK

Dan Wheeler, Santa Rosa, CA

John Cline, Menlo Park, CA

Dale Meisinger, N. Augusta, SC

Alan Hisey, St. Louis, MO

Eva B. Horton, Greenwich, CT

Harry Richart, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

NewNCSGMembers

REGION 2

REGION 1

REGION 4

REGION 3

NCSG REGIONS

REGION 1

Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

REGION 2

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

REGION 3

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

REGION 4

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio

REGION 5

Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin

REGION 6

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

NEW YORKBob Breen•R.L.BreenChimneyCleaning&Relining•Savannah

PENNSYLVANIAGino C. Barbati•GinoC.BarbatiChimneySweep•Downingtown

NEW JERSEYBill Ryan•Ryan&SonChimneyContractorsLLC•Landing

ALABAMACraig Nelson•CT&CompanyChimney&Venting•Fosters

MICHIGANThomas Trefzer•SafeFlueChimneyService,LLC•GrossePointParke


What can we do for you?Bring your NCSG benefits to your fingertips with the NCSG mobile app. Download it at http://m.ncsg.org.

While you’re at it, get the CSIA mobile app for members at http://m.csia.org/.

CSIA Update www.CSIA.org

Publication for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®s

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Congratulations to Our New CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps

AlabamaBarry Adair • Clean Sweep Chimney Service • Hayden

CaliforniaJason Allen and Martin Hardison • Midtown Sweeps • Lancaster

ColoradoKade Parry • Chimney Sweeps of America • Littleton

ConnecticutJustin Hayes • Northeastern Chimney LLC • West Hartford

GeorgiaChip Carruth, Chris Cox, John Fidati, Charles Garrett, Wesley Howard and Quinton Reilly • Chimney Solutions • Alpharetta

IndianaNeil Woodward • Old Smokey’s Fireplace and Chimney, Inc. • Ashley

MarylandKenny Bowden and Neil Crandell • Chesapeake Chimney Sweeps • Prince FrederickBobby Cooksey • Magic Broom Chimney Sweeps • WaldorfElliott Horner • Old Line Chimney Sweeps • Pasadena

New HampshireKevin Ingalls • Saf Fire ‘N’ Stone • Gilford

What makes the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential the industry standard?

• Governed by a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with an all-volunteer board of directors. • Mission includes homeowner and affiliated trade safety education (CSIA regularly presents to oil service technicians and home inspectors - always recommending a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep). • Go-to resource for accurate chimney safety information for Angie’s List, NBC’s Today Show, Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics and many more.

Learn more about how to earn the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential at www.CSIA.org/CCS or check us out on Facebook to see what we’re all about!

New MexicoTheodore Trautman • Bailey’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair. • El Prado

PennsylvaniaRaymond Bogardus Jr. and Gary D. Hewitt • Chester County Hearth + Home • ElversonMason Fine • Champion Chimney + Masonry Service • SouthamptonH. Richard Garten • Above All Chimney + Masonry • FeastervilleJoseph Grim • Wells & Sons Chimney Service • GilbertsvilleBenjamin Holler • Glenn Holler Chimney

Sweep • MiddleburgPaul C. Long • Complete Chimney Care • AltoonaMark Wellener • Estates Chimney Sweep, Inc. • Chalfont

VirginiaKenny D. Morales • Winston’s of Northern Virginia • ArlingtonJosiah VanNote • Magic Sweep Corp. • Chesapeake

WashingtonAndrew Wilt • Pristine Sweeps LLC • Seattle

Throughout history, fire has been crucial to human existence. Primitive people relied on fire to cook their food, to keep them warm and to provide light. Although we no longer depend on fire in quite the same way, images of children around campfires and holiday gatherings around an open fireplace abound. Our use of fire has changed over the centuries, so too have fireplaces and heating appliances that contain the fire and make it useful. Classical Greek and Roman homes contained simple fire pits. In Medieval Europe, simple masonry fireplaces that developed. In the 1800’s a nobleman, Count Rumford improved masonry fireplace design.

As in the past, masonry fireplace and chimneys are constructed on site as the house is built. The performance of the fireplace was often dependent upon proper construction. Today, there are factory-built fireplaces which are manufactured according to an engineered design. Proper installation, however, is still a critical factor in the safe operation of these units.

Q. What is a factory-built fireplace?Unlike traditional site-built masonry fireplaces, most factory-built fireplaces are made of metal and may use a combination of insulated walls, glass doors, air-cooled pipe and blowers to circulate the heat produced by the fire. The factory-built fireplace and chimney are a complete system engineered to work safely andefficiently together. Both units (fireplace and chimney) undergo testing together and are then are listed specifically for use with one another. In other words, a factory-built fireplace has a specific chimney that is appropriate for use with that specific fireplace.

Although models vary, factory-built fireplaces generally generate heat for the house in one of two ways. With the standard radiant heat method, the heat produced by the fire radiates from the fireplace into the room.

This system is limited as to the amount of heat it will return to the house. The circulating air method uses louvers and at least one blower to force air along the hot walls, picking up heat and forcing it back into theliving space.

Q. How is a factory-built fireplace different from a traditional fireplace?

Because factory-built units are so much lighter than masonry fireplaces, these fireplaces do not require the concrete foundation necessary for masonry. The insulation and/or cooling spaces built into these systems allow the back of the fireplace to be placed closer to combustible materials than their masonry counterparts. Although most units are metal, pre-manufactured, modular, masonry fireplaces are also available. These masonry models incorporate special engineering techniques that are not used in most field-constructed fireplaces, including a listed venting system.Like metal factory-built fireplaces, pre-manufacturedmasonry fireplaces reduce the clearance to combustibles and increase the amount of heat produced by the fireplace.These advantages, coupled with the lasting nature of masonry, make pre-cast refractory fireplaces and other modular masonry fireplace systems an attractive, but somewhat more expensive, alternative to the relatively inexpensive materials and construction of the mass-produced factory-built fireplace.

Q. What’s the safest way to use a factory-built fireplace?Proper use is critical to safe and efficient operation of factory-built fireplaces. When you light a fire, keep in mind the following considerations:

• The damper must be fully open before starting a fire and leftopen until the fire is out. If a source for outside combustion air exists, be sure that it is open before you light the fire.• Don’t overload the fireplace. If you do, burning logs couldroll out. Never use wet or green wood.• Be sure to close the screen to prevent sparks from flyingout into your living room. Close the glass doors to reduce heat loss from the room into the chimney only when your fire is almost out.• Glass doors on a factory- built fireplace must be testedand listed for that particular fireplace. It can be dangerous to use the wrong set of glass doors on • Never start a fire with liquid fire starters, i.e. gasoline,kerosene, etc.

•Do not burn Christmas trees or a lot of paper in yourfireplace. This type of fire, which gets very hot very quickly, can cause the joints of the chimney toseparate or the metal to warp.

Do not install a wood stove - whether freestanding or insert style - into a factory-built fireplace and chimney system, unless the insert you are using has been tested and listed for use with the fireplace and approved by the manufacturer of the chimney system (not the stove manufacturer alone). Installing an insert into a fireplace system that is not designed for either the weight of the unit or the intense heat the insert or stove produces could result in a house fire and will also void any warranty issued by the fireplace manufacturer.

• Annual inspection (and sweeping when necessary) of yourfireplace and chimney is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Q. How long will a factory-built fireplace last?Factory-built fireplaces are decorative heating appliances. They are engineered with specific components that, when properly installed, will give you years of enjoyable use. Regular service and maintenance will help owners keep a step ahead of potential problems.

A factory-built unit will reach the end of its useful life when repair of the unit is no longer possible, particularly if the components that are necessary to maintain the listing are no longer available.

Q. How can I be sure the factory-built fireplace is installed correctly?

As always, reputable chimney professionals should be used when these units are purchased and installed. Local codes and the manufacturer’s installation instructions should be followed to the letter.

Visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America’ s website (www.csia.org) to find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in your area.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is anon-profit educational institute that has established themost widely-recognized national certification programfor chimney sweeps in the United States. The programwas developed in keeping with the CSIA’s commitmentto the safety and efficiency of chimney and ventingsystems and to the elimination of residential chimney

Public Safety

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Call (317) 837-5362to get a free sample of each of CSIA’s 13 public safetybrochures for homeowners!

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Instead, send your employee to the most popular, cost-effective chimney sweep training in North America: CSIA’s National Chimney Sweep Training School. In less than a week, we’ll create an employee that you’ll be proud

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How to inspect and service chimney systems serving any fuel burning appliance.

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During this six-day hands-on course, attendees will learn:

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ProgressivePerksBY DEBBIE CORNELIUS

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Save Money, Promote Your Business with Sweeps Advantage

Coupon ProgramYou’re losing money on products you use in your daily business if you don’t take advantage of the Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program available through the National Chimney Sweep Guild!

By participating in the Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program, supplier members of the NCSG give you the chance to try out a new supplier and save money, too.

Simply go to the “Members Only” section of ncsg.org to download coupon offers and find out how to redeem them.

Check this section often – new suppliers and new offers come on board throughout the year. Sweeping magazine also contains a current list and featured coupons each month.

If you’re an NCSG supplier member not yet participating in the Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program, now’s the time to join. In its 9th year, the program is a great way to get your company in front of NCSG chimney sweeps and prospective members.


The 2013 – 2014 offers are available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org.

These coupons will be good until June 30, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Remember, these are just a few of the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit NCSG.org to learn more and to start saving!

Is your company name missing? As a supplier member of the NCSG we encourage you to participate in the Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program. Call or email Debbie Cornelius at (317) 837-1500 or [email protected].

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You can refer customers who own or are considering the purchase of a wood-burning appliance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for best burn practices. This includes how to choose the best appliance, possible federal tax credits and information about the use of wax and sawdust logs, driftwood, particleboard, boxes and other potentially harmful items.

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Dates & EventsFor more information on any item listed, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit CSIA.org

Weekly (M-F) CSIA (online) •ChimneyPhysics•CSIACertifiedChimneySweepReview•CSIACertifiedDryerExhaustTechnicianReview•CSIAeLearning•Health&SafetyMulti-UserCourses•LiningMasonryChimneyswithStainlessSteel

November 15, 2013CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®Review&ExamsCSIA Technology Center

December 7-12, 2013AHIT Home Inspection Training CourseCSIA Technology Center

Please send notice of your events for NCSG Dates & Events listings at [email protected] for inclusion here, in weekly posts to the discussion list and

online at www.NCSG.org/dates. The event must be considered educational or informative for the industry (sales events and open houses will not be listed).

Plan now to attend!NCSG Innovation 2014March 19-22, 2014NCSG.org/innovation


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reetings from Plainfield, IN! It has finally started to turn chilly here and really feels like fall. I’m fast approaching having two months under my belt as your executive director. The time has gone

immensely fast.

What I have observed is that you are an association of talented and dedicated men and women who are passionate about your trade. You are an industry with a rich and proud history. You have a volunteer leadership that is committed to establishing a Guild focused on providing the best possible advantages of membership. And you have a professional team fanatical about making that mission a reality. I am committed to working with the leadership and staff to make your affiliation with NCSG one of your most valued assets.

Speaking of professional team, I’m pleased to announce three new members.

Darcy Marlett is the new director of marketing for NCSG. Tom Spalding joins us in a new capacity as director of marketing for

CSIA and is dedicated to the mission of promoting education and technical training and fostering public awareness of chimney and venting safety. Claire Rutledge has replaced Sharon Anderson as program coordinator and will handle event planning and conference registrations. All three started with us on October 7 and hit the ground running. We all look forward to meeting you at convention in March!

Save the date for convention in Columbus, OH, March 19-22. Registration and hotel information are available now at NCSG.org. Hotel space will fill up fast, so plan ahead and make your reservations now. This year promises new technical programs and a good dose of fun, too! Personally, I’m a native Buckeye and looking forward to returning to the area. For those not familiar with Columbus, look for the wonderful German Village and Brewery District. A stop at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for the sausage buffet and a cream puff is a must, and the Brewery District offers … well, you guessed it, a lot of different brews and great live music, too.

See you in Columbus!

BY FRANCES KELLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Perspective

Meet Our New Staff in Columbus

G


Wohler VIS 400Visual Inspection System with Viper Kit

• Modularsystemgivesyoutheflexibilitytochooseindividualcomponentstomeetyourspecificneeds

• Compact,lightweight,andeasytouse• Perfectforinspectionswhileontheroof• Pan-and-tiltcamerahead• Bright,LEDlightingandvibrantdisplayscreen• Includescarrystrapandprotectivepouchwithanti-glareprotection• Video,photo,andvoicerecordingoptions

Wohler USA Inc. • 978-750-9876www.wohlerusa.com

The Measure of Technology

Your state and local chimney sweep guilds and associations can be additional resources for your business and your employees. The NCSG maintains a list of these organizations at NCSG.org (under the Chimney Sweeps tab) for your convenience.

Please note that the organizations listed are not formally affiliated with the NCSG and are listed for resource purposes only. As with all research, check your sources carefully before making important decisions.

Does your state’s listing need to be updated? Let Debbie Cornelius know at [email protected].

Connect Locally


Display Ad IndexPage # Advertiser Phone Email or Website Address

3 Smoktite (866) 439-0069 smoktitle.com

4 ICP (Improved Consumer Products) (508) 695-7000 chimneycaps.com

5 Olympia Chimney (800) 569-1425 olympiachimney.com

6 Enervex (800) 255-2923 intellidraft.com

7 National Chimney (800) 897-8481 nationalchimney.com

8 Lindemann Chimney Co. (800) 722-7230 lindemannchimney.com

9 Trans Continental Equipment Ltd. (800) 825-9145 tce.ca

13 Ventech Industries Inc. (866) 439-0069 ventechindustries.com

15 Sand Hill Wholesale (888) SAND-HILL sandhillwholesale.com

17-20 Chimney Safety Institute of America (317) 837-5362 csia.org

21 ChimneySaver (800) 860-6327 chimneysaver.com

23 Chim-Pro (800) 582-1392 chim-proliner.com

23 Copperfield (800) 247-3305 copperfield.com

24 Meyer Machine (800) 728-3828 meyermachine.com

26 Wohler (978) 750-9876 wohlerusa.com

28 Firesafe Industries (800) 545-6607 firesafeinc.com

You’re seeing a homemade suspended fireplace that’s welded into a well drilling sleeve. What’s worse, the sleeve is serving not only as the flue and chimney, but also as the standpipe for a spiral staircase. Yikes!-Terry’s Chimney Service, Taos, NM

The photo was taken in Red River, New Mexico.

Darwin Awards

Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?

Send it to interim editor Cindy Dashnaw at [email protected] for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. Include a few words about the scene and location.


ClassifiedsGotta 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.

CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERSMembers can run one 35-word classified free each year! Regular classified ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Megan McMahon at [email protected] or (317) 837-1500.

“My company uses most products available to chimney contractors, but Firesafe’s products and systems are hands-down the very best, and the most profitable. Great technical support and their constant improvements make the products even better, which makes my company stand out over my competition.” Kevin Knight, Chadds Ford Chimney Sweeps, PA

TO order call: 800 TO order call: 800--545545--66076607

[email protected] [email protected] www.firesafeinc.comwww.firesafeinc.com

FireFireGuardGuard Ceramic mortar jointCeramic mortar jointCeramic mortar joint & resurfacing system& resurfacing system& resurfacing system

PatentedPatented The most advanced chimney liner in the world

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CrownGuardCrownGuard Severe weather crown repair & protectionSevere weather crown repair & protection

Centering system for metal chimney liners.

Companies with multiple service technicians are granted a royalty-free limited license to use the Certified Chimney Sweep Chimney Safety Institute

of America logo, provided that at least one individual who is

currently a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and who has signed the CSIA Code of Ethics is on the job site performing and/or supervising the sweeping and/or inspection.

If a work order or equivalent document is provided to the customer, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep must sign the document and clearly print his or her certification number next to the signature.

Protect your certification and trademark’s integrity

National Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168

1310

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Sweeping- November 2013

Documents

Transcript of Sweeping- November 2013