How long does a sweep and inspection usually take?
A standard sweep and inspection typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. If we are inspecting and sweeping two or more fireplace systems, then our technicians will be at your home for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours performing the service.
Is there anything that I need to do to prepare for the technician’s arrival?
Our technicians lay down tarps and runners from the entrance of your home and to the fireplace opening. Due to this, we ask that there is a clear path for them to do so. Any furniture near the fireplace opening should also be repositioned about five feet away from the firebox and anything that is fragile or a family heirloom should be taken off of the mantel or wall above the fireplace as a precaution.
Do you sweep the chimney from the outside?
While some chimney sweeps may sweep from the outside of your home, in order to better protect your home and personal items from getting damaged, we prefer to sweep and perform our camera scan inspections from the inside of the home. This way our technicians can take all the necessary precautions, i.e. lay down tarps and runners, tarp off the firebox area, set up specialized vacuum equipment, etc., to ensure your home is protected.
Do I have to be home for an inspection and/or sweep?
The answer depends on your comfort level. We do prefer to have an adult at the home (18 years or older) in order to perform an inspection and/or sweep, as we do require entry into the home to perform either service. Being home also allows us to explain all of our findings and answer any and all questions that you have concerning the service. It is also beneficial to watch the camera scan inspection as it is being performed because our technicians can educate you about your chimney system and show you any issues that they find while there. If you are comfortable, you may leave instructions for our technicians to enter your home when you are not there. We have had customers before who prefer the latter, and have not encountered any issues. Each of our technicians are respectable, responsible and ethical and will treat your home as if it were their own. If you prefer to not be home, let our office know when you are scheduling the appointment and we can ensure that arrangements are made.
How do you justify your pricing?
Hancock Chimney Service has been servicing West Michigan for thirty-six years. Each and every one of our lead technicians are Chimney Safety Institute of America certified chimney sweeps, which trains them how to recognize safety issues and solve venting problems. The Lead Technicians are constantly taking refresher courses, attending industry seminars, and updating their knowledge of local and state building codes. Our technicians and their assistants are up to date and follow OSHA guidelines and are CPR certified in case of emergency. Hancock Chimney Service is also licensed and insured. For a copy of our Liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurance coverage, please contact our office.
How often should I have my chimney swept and inspected?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that a chimney be swept if there is more than 1/8” of creosote buildup in any part of the chimney system. Otherwise, another good indication that the chimney is in need of a sweep is if you have burned through one cord of wood, which is a seasoned pile of wood about 4’ wide by 4’ tall and 8’ long.
It is recommended that a chimney be inspected once annually, even if it has not been used, to ensure that integrity of the flue system is still intact. Foundation settling, animals, weather, moisture, and more can still affect your chimney when it is not in use.
When should I have my fireplace swept and inspected?
We always recommend having your chimney swept and inspected right after the wood burning season has ended. A lot of chimney companies run specials during the spring and doing so can save you some money. Sweeping after wood burning season and right before summer starts ensures that you won’t smell the creosote when the weather becomes humid. Fall is the busiest time of the year for the chimney sweeping industry and calling before the weather turns cold will ensure that you can use your fireplace when the first frost appears.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes we do! We work with a third party financing company called AMS financial. Visit AMS Financial’s Home Improvement Loan Page to find out more information.
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Michigan State Mechanical License # 71-06504 ◊ Residential Builders License #2102216207