Summary Forms We brainstormed one day and came up with the need for a new type of form. We call this form a Summary Form. These forms are available in the same installation types listed above. These forms are unique because we further break the installation into sections, as featured below. Within these sections is a color-coded area key to check whether it’s in Operational Ready Condition, Operational Deficient Condition, or Hazardous Condition. Documenting your findings this way makes sense. For instance, the flue liners “C” may be damaged. Based on this finding, condemning the whole chimney and telling the customer it is hazardous is incorrect. Maybe areas D-H are in Operational-Ready Condition. Maybe areas A & B are in Operational Deficient Condition – meaning the crown is cracked, needs some repairs, and the chimney from the roof up (B) needs tuckpointing. It’s great to get good news with the not-so-good news. ![]() There are 8 installation types of Summary Forms. These forms break down the installation by transitions. They are designed as an easy-to-understand form for the customers. Included is Conditions featuring: Operational Ready, Operational Deficient, and Hazardous Conditions. There are two pages for drawings that correspond to the notes page with letters. For more information, please click the image above. ![]() Another beautiful part of this form is the explanations included for the three conditions. If used correctly, these forms will convey to the homeowner the findings of your inspection in an easy-to-understand format. In addition to explaining the conditions, they include a cover page where your information and receipt can be placed. Start when business is good, so you are ready when the slow times start! Suppose you put the principles of inspection unity into practice now. When the slow times come, your business will thrive with forward-scheduling items like tuckpointing (Operational Deficient) that can wait for repairs. Your team will perform their inspections using the NFPA 211 Inspection Items, and they will all be on the same page. Your technicians will evaluate the entire chimney per the forms (and Industry Standard of Care), finding defects and verifying conditions. They can communicate the areas of their chimney that are in Operational-Ready Condition. Some may need fixing but not immediately (Operational-Deficient), and some may need repair before further use (Hazardous Condition). You stop trying to sell the job when the job can sell itself without using scare tactics of condemning an entire chimney. If you can continue to do what you’re doing, you will quickly put yourselves and the industry out of business. Standardizing inspection requirements across the board puts everyone on a level playing field. Everyone should already be checking everything outlined in NFPA 211. Some companies do and are very diligent about it. Unity and standardization are the keys to moving your business and this industry forward. Thanks for listening. Tom #chimney inspection, #fireplace inspection, Prefabricated fireplace, #chimney damage, #flue damage, #flue inspection, #inspection form, #inspection report, #NFPA 211, #National Fire Protection Association, #Chimney Sweeps, #Chimney Industry, #Chimney Standard of Care, #Inspection items, #operational ready, #operational deficient, #hazardous, #chimney transitions, #solid fuel chimney, #liquid fuel chimney
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![]() Happy Holidays from your Friends at Estoban Thanksgiving is coming right up, and Christmas and a New Year are approaching. Tasty meals, cookies, homemade candies, and crackling logs will be in the fireplace as the flames dance and the dog soaks up the heat. Many people may enter and exit your home during this festive time. Here are some pointers for your fireplace. • Get your fireplace and chimney(s) inspected and cleaned before the holidays. Often, an appointment must be made in September to have it cleaned in time. • Have your chimney cleaned and scanned with a chimney camera. • Always open the fireplace damper before starting any fire (wood, gas wood lighter, or gas logs). • Let everyone know that only the adults are to stoke the fire. • If a gas log lighter is used to ignite the wood, ensure only an adult lights it and uses it. Be sure to shut it down as the wood takes off. • No paper plates, pizza boxes, gift wraps, or other materials should be thrown in the fire, which could cause damage to the flue. • Never throw anything into the fireplace. It can damage it. Watch it in the movies and know they must clean the glass up and pay for repairs. • The ashes should never be disposed of in a paper bag or box. There should be a double-bottom ash bucket for this purpose. • Ensure that the fireplace grate is in good condition. A poor grate could break and cause logs to roll out of the firebox. • Pets must be watched when the fireplace is burning. Dogs can push things into a fireplace (like an air mattress or a toy). • Children can quickly get hurt around a fireplace. It is no place for an inquisitive child. They can get burnt, fall against the opening, or hurt in other ways. • If you have a gas log set, ensure the logs are in the correct place after a gathering. Someone may have moved some of the logs, which can cause problems with the set when burning. • Ensure no combustible materials, such as wood, baskets, papers, etc., are within 3 feet of the fireplace opening. Sparks can travel, and the heat from the fireplace could cause something to ignite. Enjoy the time spent with family and friends, making memories. The key to enjoying your fireplace is to respect the fire. Essentially, you are having a fire in your home, and it needs to stay confined. That goes for the smoke and products of combustion. So grab a cup of cocoa and your favorite blanket, and make room for that dog. Snuggle up and soak up the heat. |
AuthorTom Urban has worked in the Chimney and Hearth industry for 45 years. He's been an inventor and manufacturer for 40+ of those years. Archives
February 2025
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