Chim-scan®
About Us
About Chim-Scan®
Chim-Scan (operated by Estoban Corporation) is a small, family-owned company based in Fairfield, Iowa, that designs and builds advanced chimney and duct inspection cameras. Since 1984, we have been passionate innovators in chimney and HVAC inspection technology. Our founders, Tom and Esther Urban, started this journey as a local chimney sweep business in the late 1970s. Frustrated by the limitations of a simple flashlight inspection, they set out to create a better way to see inside chimneys and other tight spaces.
By 1984, Tom and Esther had crafted the first Chim-Scan camera system—a rugged, remote-controlled video camera packed into a sturdy case. We unveiled this invention at a national industry convention, and CNN famously called it a “show-stopper.” Over the years, that prototype evolved into the versatile inspection systems we make today. We remain proud to be the chimney camera of choice for professionals, building each Chim-Scan unit by hand in our Iowa workshop with top-quality, commercial-grade parts. Even our earliest models are still in service, thanks to our ongoing support and repairs.
Chimscan People
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Thomas Urban
Founder, Educator & Industry Innovator
Tom Urban is a nationally recognized chimney and home inspector, speaker, and trainer. Since 1985, he has been a featured presenter at national conventions and tradeshows, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for chimney safety and inspection.
Tom developed the original Chim-Scan® interior chimney inspection camera system to use in his own sweeping company in Northeast Pennsylvania. After selling that service business, he dedicated himself full-time to designing and refining specialty tools for the chimney and hearth industry.
His contributions have earned him the Don Leavitt Education Award from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the President’s Award from the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Tom and his equipment have also been featured on PBS’s This Old House—appearing in four episodes.
Esther Urban
Office Manager & Customer Support Lead
After serving together in the Peace Corps, Tom and Esther Urban founded Estoban Corporation with a shared vision and commitment to service. Esther is the heart of the office and the friendly voice most customers hear when they call. She handles everything from order processing to troubleshooting with care and expertise.
Married for 49 years, Esther and Tom have built and run this family business side by side—bringing dedication, warmth, and decades of experience to every customer interaction
Shelley Urban
Operations & Technical Lead
Daughter of founders Tom and Esther Urban, Shelley has been part of the Chim-Scan® story since infancy—attending her first tradeshow as a baby. Over the years, she’s grown with the business, starting in the office before moving into hands-on production, where she wired controllers and cameras.
Today, Shelley plays a vital role in operations. She oversees purchasing, programs the company’s 3D printers, and continues to contribute to production. Her unique blend of institutional knowledge and technical skill makes her an indispensable part of the team.
Our Products and Technology
A Chim-Scan is essentially a video inspection camera that can be raised or lowered inside a chimney, duct, or other confined space. It brings light and remote focus into the flue, revealing areas that are invisible to the naked eye. While Chim-Scan started with chimneys in mind, our cameras also work in HVAC ducts, crawl spaces, and any inaccessible area where a regular visual check isn’t possible.
Our camera systems come in several configurations to fit different needs. They can be color or black-and-white, use remote-focus or auto-focus lenses, and operate on standard 12-volt power. Each system includes integrated recording equipment—modern units use digital recorders or computer interfaces so inspectors can capture images and video on the spot. We also produce accessories like Kwik-Lock rods for raising cameras and motorized carts for large commercial flues, making inspections smoother and faster.
Key Features of Chim-Scan® Systems
HD Video
High-definition video inspection of chimney and duct interiors, capturing fine details in real time.
Rugged
Rugged, handcrafted construction from solid aluminum and steel, built to survive heavy professional use.
Modular
Modular design that lets you upgrade cameras, lights, or recording devices as new technology emerges.
Future-proof
On-board recording capabilities for saving photos and videos directly to digital media or a connected device.
Our Story in Numbers
30K
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15M
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890
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Our Story
Our Story
From Chimney Sweeps to Industry Innovators
Estoban Corporation, home of the Chim-Scan® system, began with a simple question: “Is it safe?” As chimney sweeps in the late 1970s, Tom and Esther Urban realized they couldn’t fully answer that question without seeing inside the chimney. That curiosity sparked a journey of innovation that would change the industry.
After serving in the Peace Corps, Tom and Esther launched Urbans’ Chimney Sweep and Supply in northeast Pennsylvania in 1979. Tom’s passion for problem-solving led him to develop the first Chim-Scan® prototype—a camera system designed to inspect the interior of chimneys. In 1984, he unveiled it at the National Chimney Sweep Guild convention, where it was dubbed the “showstopper” by CNN.
In 1985, the Urbans moved to Fairfield, Iowa, and founded Estoban Corporation—named after the family: Esther, Shelley, TOm, and BAN for Urban. What began as a mom-and-pop operation in a modest shop has grown into a respected manufacturer of rugged, professional-grade inspection systems used across the U.S. and beyond.
Built to Last—Right Here in Iowa
Every Chim-Scan® unit is hand-assembled in the heartland using commercial-grade components. From machining and wiring to testing and repairs, nearly everything is done in-house by a dedicated team—many of whom have been with the company for decades. Even today, Tom, Esther, and their daughter Shelley remain deeply involved in daily operations.
Over the years, Estoban has expanded its facility multiple times to accommodate growth. In 2016, a major addition included a chimney lab for product testing and a classroom for training and video production. The company also embraced 3D printing and CNC machining to streamline production and maintain quality.
A Family Business with a Future
Shelley Urban, who attended her first tradeshow as an infant, now plays a key role in the company—overseeing purchasing, programming 3D printers, and contributing to production and customer support. Esther continues to be the voice of Estoban, handling orders and troubleshooting, while Tom remains the visionary behind product development and training.
Estoban’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has earned industry recognition, including the Don Leavitt Education Award from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the President’s Award from the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Chim-Scan® systems have even been featured on This Old House four times.
A Workplace with Personality
Estoban is also a pet-friendly workplace, where visitors are greeted by Bella the Wheaten Terrier and Odin the Gray Labradoodle—our enthusiastic security and morale team. Binx, the cat (aka Inspector 13), keeps a watchful eye on operations, occasionally sending emails from the touchscreen computer and making rare but memorable appearances in photo shoots.
Looking Ahead
As technology evolves, Estoban continues to adapt—without compromising on durability or performance. Whether it’s developing new tools, offering training, or supporting long-time customers with repairs and upgrades, the mission remains the same: to help chimney professionals see clearly and work safely.
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