​Whether performing chimney inspections or reading a chimney inspection report, one thing is clear: It is hard to argue with a high-resolution picture taken during a chimney inspection with a camera showing defects deep inside the flue. A chimney inspection done with the naked eye is no comparison to an internal chimney scanning. I used a 5’ chimney prop with hidden defects in the chimney inspections and classes I taught for 21 years. Almost 99.9% of the time, the inspectors missed an opening defect within the flue by inspecting only with a flashlight and the naked eye. These defects were only 17” from their face. 

Images and videos from scanning chimneys are one part of the equation. If you read a report with multiple pictures, can you understand what the defects are and what caused them? Here are some other questions to consider:

1. Can you identify and define “What is a defect?” within the chimney interior?"
2. Can you determine how the defect was created or the most probable way it was created?
3. Did you rule out other causes and conditions, leaving probable causes as to why the defect is there?

In my forty years in the chimney industry, I have accumulated a lot of images, videos, and knowledge regarding chimney construction and defects. I have also spoken at national and state organizations and taught at a national trade organization school for over twenty years (Chimney Safety Institute of America). 

This wealth of experience led me to envision a way to share this information with the chimney industry and anyone interested in internal chimney inspections, culminating in the following book. The Chimney Scanning & Inspection Guide.
Within this book is a brief outline:

• Where to start – Use IRC, NFPA 211, local codes, or the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Where to put drop cloths and prepare the area for the inspection
• How does scanning chimneys fit within the Levels of Inspection (NFPA 211)? Where do the Levels of Accessibility fit into all this?
• How do structure integrity and flue condition compare to what is the ideal chimney in the code books?
• What is happening within the flue and the chimney?
• What is the probable cause of the defect or symptom, along with an explanation?

Operating a chimney camera using the proper techniques and observation skills should produce more answers regarding the flue’s condition rather than presenting more questions. Since there are many types of installation, we segmented this book into modules to provide a step-by-step approach to chimney scanning by chimney type. The modules include:
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• Scanning a Masonry Chimney and Fireplace
• Scanning a  Masonry Chimney and Fireplace with an Appliance (Hearth Stove & Insert)
• Scanning a Masonry Thimble Chimney Serving an Appliance(s) (Solid Fuel or Liquid Fuel(s)
• Scanning a Prefab Chimney and Fireplace
• Scanning a Prefab Chimney Serving an Appliance (Solid Fuel or Liquid Fuel(s)

Each installation type offers its unique challenges. We detail the differences between types of installations, including conditions to be alert for and the typical defects for each. The training modules listed above tell you the best access points and offer a step-by-step assessment process for home protection, defect diagnosis, and cleanup. If you would like more information about our books, click here. Otherwise, continue reading our blogs to learn about your interests.

Becoming a Chim-Scan® Factory-Trained Technician is a unique factory training program. It starts with our Chimney Scanning and inspection Guide. You can take the test once you feel confident that you know the information. You will receive a patch, certificate, and the Chim-Scan® Factory-Trained designation upon passing. 
 There are many benefits of becoming a Chim-Scan® Factory Trained Technician: 
• You may be able to get lower insurance coverage rates. Ask your agent about this.
• You receive a certificate, a patch, and the number upon passing. 
• You receive a copy of our Chim-Scan® Technician Logo for advertising. 
• This book is packed with great information: 

•  There are over 400 pictures in the book.
• The book explains Levels of Inspection and Access Points
• When to refer to IRC and NFPA 211
• Angles of imagery
• Probable cause
• The Four Pathways
• Five modules featuring multiple installation types

1. Masonry fireplace
2. Masonry fireplace with an appliance - insert or hearth stove
3. Masonry thimble chimney with a solid or liquid fuel appliance(s)
4. Prefab fireplace & chimney
5. Prefab chimney with a solid fuel or liquid fuel appliance(s)

The open-book multiple-choice test is based on this guide, the Chim-Scan® Manual, and knowledge of the Chim-Scan® System. Each question is worth one point. Since this is an open-book test, 85% of correct answers are passing scores. 
You can take the test online. Once you finish the test (100 questions) and press the Submit Button, you will receive your pass/fail at that time. Your Certificate of Completion is ready to print directly off the site. You can take it up to two times before you incur an additional charge. 
Here is the breakdown of the test and manual cost: 
The training Manual is $200 in print form, including the test for one person (there is a retest fee if the test needs retaking more than twice). If you order your book(s) before 1/31/2025, you will only pay ($87 + $15.50 shipping.) 
For each test, it is only $50 for each individual from the same company. For information on taking the 
test, scan the QR code below, visit our website at www.chimscanfactorytraining.com, or give us a call to order at 641-472-7643. 

​With Tips from See-More Chimneys
The turkey smells amazing. Your mouth is watering over the delectable cookies, candies, and pies neatly arranged on the counter. The presents are under the tree, festively wrapped with bright bows and colorful wrappings. The fireplace is burning brightly, sending a soft glow into the room. It occasionally snaps and pops as it sends heat into the room.  With this beautiful scene, keeping the fireplace burning brightly is essential.
Create a Kid and Pet Buffer Zone (and for some adults)
Create an area around the fireplace where children or pets aren’t able to fall against or get near the fireplace opening. A child focused on a stocking is quick as lightning and can outmaneuver most adults; Burns or falls against the outer hearth can lead to tears and fears. Also, keep in mind there is always one relative who wants to play with the fireplace. Set your boundaries gently. Fireplace screens or “fireplace gate and fence systems” are great. 
Open the Damper
Always ensure the fireplace damper is fully open before starting a fireplace fire. A closed damper can cause smoke to back up into your home, sending everyone right out the front door into the 
Protection From Flying Sparks
The snap and pop are part of the fireplace charm. When this happens, sparks can fly. A sturdy screen covering the fireplace front is necessary to keep sparks from flying as far as three feet or more into the room. 
cold. 
Kindling or Firestarters?
Start your logs easier by using kindling, a few pieces of wadded-up newspaper, a commercial firestarter, or a gas-fired ignitor for starting wood logs. Never use any gasoline or chemicals not designed for use in a fireplace! Aim for cozy, not crispy!
Hanging the Stockings With Care
Keep all stockings, baskets, firewood, or other decorations a minimum of 36” away from the fireplace opening, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Yes, any combustible item can ignite if it is too close to the opening.
Ash Disposal
Only dispose of cool ashes and use a metal ash bucket with a tight-fitting lid. Unfortunately, people often underestimate the ability of hot ashes dumped into a container to cause a fire. Combustibles such as leaves, debris, and landscaping can ignite a blow around when an ember ignites. Garages, homes, landscaping, or other structures can catch fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that cool ashes should be placed a minimum of 10’ away from the home. Cold ashes around the base of rose bushes are good for them.
Firewood
When starting a fire, you may be tempted to ball up some wrapping paper in the firebox and woosh ‘fire,’ but as cool as this is, you’re damaging the chimney.
Burning paper and cardboard can cause massive temperature changes inside the chimney. These rapid temperature changes can cause terra cotta liners to break and metal liners to warp. So, spare yourself; use approved kindling, firestarters, and seasoned firewood.
Now, finding seasoned wood is hard unless you have a stack of wood outside your home. You can burn unseasoned wood, but you’ll want to ensure your chimney is checked the following spring. Softwoods cut in the spring can dry during the spring and summer and are usually seasoned in six months. Hardwoods cut during the same time may take a year to season. 
Fireplaces are a “must” for celebrating holidays. The warmth of the fireplace, the bright golden light, and the sounds of snapping and popping have created a perfect background for making beautiful memories. From the manufacturer of Chim-Scan® Inspection Systems, we wish you the best holidays ever!

When to use IRC and NFPA 211 for Chimney Inspections
Both the International Residential Code (IRC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 books provide information on building chimneys, fireplaces, and appliance installations. Which book should I use for chimney inspections? The IRC and NFPA 211 both cover new construction of chimneys, fireplaces, and appliance installations. However, NFPA 211 goes one step further, offering a process for inspecting chimneys, fireplaces, and appliance installations since we see the world of chimneys and fireplaces after operating. The question above is commonly debated within the chimney industry.
Are you wondering which to follow for new construction? Most states require the use of IRC, and a few require NFPA 211. Some states have their own building codes and some areas within a state have their own codes. Then there are exceptions such as historical areas. Always check locally because there may be additional local codes required above and beyond IRC or NFPA and even state codes.
When it comes to prefabricated chimney and fireplaces, the installation instructions must be used. These instructions can usually be obtained online if you know the model number. The same goes for appliances. If you need to call the manufacturer’s help desk for technical assistance, be sure to also have the serial number. The manufacturer (and their installation instructions) must be followed for installation and supersede IRC and NFPA 211.
We suggest obtaining an IRC or NFPA 211 book if you don't already own one. If your area abides by IRC for new construction, you will still need NFPA 211 for access and inspections. Additionally, you may need copies of local codes and historical district codes. As a chimney technician or inspector, it's up to you to determine if the chimney, fireplace, and appliance installations are operational-ready based on inspection criteria. Your customers count on it.

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