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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![]() The leftovers are on the table, the microwave is buzzing, and the turkey is slowly diminishing. Yep, the end of the year is about a month away, and if your fiscal year ends December 31st, it’s time to start thinking about any books or equipment that needs replacing for an end-of-the-year write-off. Our Chim-Scan® Chimney Scanning & Inspection Guides are on sale now through December 14th, 2024, for only $75 (normally $200), including free shipping. This is a great gift idea for your staff! You can place your order online by clicking here. Or give us a call at 641-472-7643. If you need a new Chim-Scan® Chimney Inspection Unit, we need to have your order by December 2nd for your order to ship by the end of the year. Happy Holidays! Sale on our Chimney Scanning & Inspection Guides! Just $75 through 12/14/24! This makes a great gift for your staff!
Our Chim-Scan® books are packed with over 400 pictures related to defects found while inspecting chimneys. We designed our books for chimney sweeps, masons, home inspectors, and insurance adjusters. Skilled persons not in these trades or homeowners can also find answers about chimney inspections within these books. Our Interior Chimney Scanning Guide includes subjects such as The Process of Scanning, Chimney Verification, The Four Pathways to Chimney Deterioration, and Probable Causes, all while moving through five modules: Masonry Fireplace & Chimney, Masonry Fireplace With an Insert or Hearth Stove, Masonry Thimble Chimney With a Solid or Liquid Fuel(s) Appliance(s), Prefab Fireplace & Chimney and Prefab Chimney Venting a Solid or Liquid Fuel(s) Appliance(s). Our Chimney Scanning & Inspection Guide includes the above information PLUS inspection check-off items, and information on scanning with Chim-Scan® Equipment. Purchase either book for $75 (including shipping) now through December 14th. For more information, click here.
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![]() National Fire Prevention Week is just around the corner. Are you ready to promote your business? After all, as a chimney inspection business, you are already part of a fire prevention team, which is the chimney and hearth industries. According to the U.S. EPA, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily in chimneys (NFPA). How can you advertise your business while educating your customers and the public? Here are some ideas: Bring it “online”! – what to do during a chimney fire! Most customers have no idea what a chimney fire is. They don’t know how to watch for an increase in the draft, the clinking sound of breaking clay tiles, the creosote falling into the firebox or oozing into the appliance, and the loud whirring sound as the draft increases. They need to understand that while their chimney may be constructed of masonry or a prefab system, these are designed to vent combustion products and not necessarily the high temperatures and effects of a chimney fire. Post this information on your website and use social media to spread the message. Show your Chim-Scan® Camera in use and the pictures it produces. They may have heard about it on TV or at another venue, but not everyone understands the needs and steps they should take to protect their home and family. Show it off! - Your van parked in strategic spots, employee uniforms, etc. During fire protection week, there will be news with fire statistics, firemen (and women), fire stations, and more. Park your vehicle in a public place. At lunch, it might be a fast-food business. Park it where people driving by can see it. Consider putting a QR Code on your van so they can quickly scan your site while waiting for the traffic light or before heading back to work. Leave it out to advertise in other secure locations when you or a team member is off work. Teach it! - Kids, civic groups, etc. Civic groups and kids’ groups are always looking for speakers to put on a presentation. Does public speaking make you feel uncomfortable? You must remember that you are providing a service that has helped reduce the number of chimney fires and likely saved lives. Pass out coloring books or flyers to the attendees. The National Fire Protection Association has a wealth of informational brochures, games, and coloring pages on its website. Go to www.nfpa.org, then to Events, and click National Fire Prevention Week. Own it! - Newspapers, radio talk shows, TV Stations, etc. Offer to demonstrate your Chim-Scan® chimney imaging camera. TV shows and newspapers love to have local news during this event and filming a chimney inspection adds interest. Radio talk shows are another great venue for spreading the word this week. Most homeowners don’t know the difference between types of creosote. They likely don’t understand that an all-night burn isn’t always a good idea. You own the information; share it! Give it your all! - Drawings for smoke extinguishers, smoke alarms, CO Alarms, etc. During Fire Prevention Week, run daily drawings on your social media accounts. If they “like” your posts, put them in the hat for a drawing for a free fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, and/or CO alarm package. National Fire Prevention Week is one of our industry's busiest times. This year’s theme from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is “Smoke alarms: make them work for you!™” During this time, fire prevention is on people’s minds, and some fire departments may talk about chimney or heater fires. It is a great chance to tell your story and share some of the knowledge you’ve gleaned as part of the chimney fire prevention team. |
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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