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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Purchase a Chimney Scanning & Inspection Guide or the Interior Chimney Scanning Guide now through January 31st, 2025, and take advantage of our special sale price! Normally $200 each, you can purchase either book for $87.00 plus $15.50 shipping for a total of $102.50. That's almost half! Act now!
Do you want to know more about our books? They are the only books published in the industry about chimney inspections and chimney scanning. They prepare you for what to expect. Each book includes over 400 images! The images are categorized by cause (The Four Pathways of Chimney Defects) We include 5 modules tailored for installation type:
These books help you systemize your inspections through transition points. Each book covers the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 Levels of Inspection, Access Points, and Inspection items. You will learn how to verify a chimney. A guide to operating chimney scanning equipment and much more! For more information, click here.
![]() 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!
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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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