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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![]() A power-packed camera at a great price! Our new Mini-Enviro™ Camera for chimney inspections provides high-resolution images and videos for an economical price. Use it to inspect chimneys, smoke chambers, ash pits, and other areas. This camera is small and lightweight, measuring 1.7"x1.7"x5.5" overall height. Within this tiny structure, nine bright LED lights surround the high-resolution camera. It includes orange and white whisker stabilizers that are adjustable, interchangeable, and replaceable. Keep in mind that this camera is a manual turn camera, and there is no top camera for seeing straight-up or tilt options. If you want those features, click on these cameras: Lighthouse Tilt™ or the J3D™. We also make rod adaptors to fit on the most popular chimney cleaning rods. No special rod is needed, saving you money by allowing you to use what you have! This is a power-packed camera at a reasonable price ($450) for a look-and-go or backup camera. It can be used with either Series 100 or 211 Monitor/Controller. If you want an economical package, pair it with the Series 100 Monitor/Controller and the Screen-Shooter. Partnered together, the package (Mini-Enviro™ + Series 100 Controller/Monitor) price range is from $2095-$2595, depending on the package you choose. Remember, we upgrade and repair our equipment right here in Iowa! #chimney camera, #inspection camera, #Mini-Enviro camera, #Economical camera, #High-resolution camera, #interior flue scan, #chimney images, #chimney videos, #chimney pictures #Chim-Scan, #chimney camera, #chimney inspection, #economical chimney camera, #J3D, #Lighthouse Tilt, #Mini-enviro, #Series 100, #Series 211
Copyright 2025 Estoban Corporation ![]() Since Santa loves clean flues, having your chimney(s), fireplaces, and appliances inspected and cleaned at least annually is crucial. Santa might skip your house next year if he tears the seat of his suit on protruding mortar, or perhaps he gets stuck on a blockage. This happened once, and it took all the reindeer to pull him out! Santa knows the best way to inspect a chimney is with our Chim-Scan® Camera Systems – he bought one over 40 years ago because an elf used a flashlight and missed a raccoon living in the flue. Mrs. Clause had to sew him a new suit, and Santa was a little worse for wear. In all seriousness, it’s essential to have your chimneys, fireplace, and heating appliance inspected annually and cleaned if needed (Santa says clean it!). |
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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