July 2012

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JULY 12 SWEEPING 1

Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology (ISSN# 1041-6692) is published 11 times annually, by the National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Annual dues to the National Chimney Sweep Guild are $459 for Voting Member Companies and $689 for Supplier Member Companies, of which $80 goes toward a subscription to Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology. Additional annual subscriptions are available for $80 by contacting the National Chimney Sweep Guild at the office of publication (NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168).

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting TechnologyNational Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168

July 2012 Volume 36 #6

Features

Table of Contents

Departments

P.31

P.29

P.16

3 Moving Forward

6 Editor’s Letter

8 Technical Q&A

10 Industry Watch

12 The Coach’s Corner

20 Progressive Perks

26 New NCSG Members

29 Perspective

31 Darwin Awards

31 Ad Index

32 Dates & Events

32 Classifieds

14 Selecting the Right Stainless Steel Chimney Liner

16 PA Chimney Sweep Guild Donates Time and Talent to Local Scout Camps

18 MIX Group Members Can Thrive in a Down Economy

27 2012 Chimney Service Industry Survey Findings Now Available

28 The Best Technology

2 SWEEPING JULY 12

ResourcePage

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire

Fireboxes 317-203-0088 x: 2

Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54

317-203-0088 x: 3

John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31

317-203-0088 x: 4

Randy Brooks IRC, NFPA 211 or Customer Communications

317-203-0088 x: 5

Bart Ogden Stainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning and Narrative

Report Writing 317-203-0088 x: 6

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves

317-203-0088 x: 7

Jay Walker Dryer Vents

317-203-0088 x: 8

Rett RasmussenVented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls

317-203-0088 x: 9

Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry

317-203-0088 x: *

Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining

317-203-0088 x: 0

Committee Chairs and Task Forces for 2012-2013Bylaws

Diane Pilger(631) 863-2460

[email protected]

Convention Site SelectionDiane Pilger

(631) [email protected]

Discussion ListBo Tasso


EthicsMark Stoner


FinanceMark Maynard(920) 830-1920

[email protected]

GovernanceRandy Brooks(805) 646-8961

[email protected]

Government AffairsPhil Mitchell


International RelationsSteve Pietila


Long Range PlanningDiane Pilger


MembershipBob Ferrari


NFPA 211 RepresentativeRandy Brooks(805) 646-8961

[email protected]

NFPA 31 RepresentativeJohn Pilger


NFPA 54 RepresentativeJim Brewer


Public Awareness Task ForceTBD

Technical Advisory CouncilDennis Dobbs(256) 845-9814

[email protected]

ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or [email protected]

Design by Laura Houser Design • laurahouser.com • (317) 213-7497

President, Region 3Jay Walker

(850) 562-4692 • [email protected]

Vice PresidentAt-Large

Diane Pilger(631) 863-2460 • [email protected]

Treasurer, Region 5Mark Maynard


SecretaryJeremy Biswell


Region 1Phil Mitchell


Region 2Bob Fleer


Region 4Ken Hoelscher


Region 6Bob Ferrari


At-Large DirectorsDennis Dobbs


Fred Joy(785) 986-6432 • [email protected]

Supplier RepresentativeEdmund Poplawski


NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011-2012

Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications &

Marketing [email protected]

Ashley Eldridge, COI, CPP Director of Education

[email protected]

Candice Bradbury Director of Finance

[email protected]

Megan McMahon Office Manager

[email protected]

Debbie Cornelius Membership Development

Coordinator [email protected]

Donna Lee Kasmer Program Coordinator [email protected]

STAFF

2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

(317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

Mark McSweeney, CAE Executive Director

[email protected]

NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press release and articles to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format.

In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.

NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publications’ standards. Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers.

© 2012 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney. Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with first-hand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.

To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question:

Dennis Dobbs Technical Advisory Council Chair

Installation or Service of Direct Vent Gas Appliances 317-203-0088 x: 1

JAY WALKERNCSG PRESIDENT Forward

Moving

ello from the Sunshine State of Florida! On my travels, when a new acquaintance comes into my life, they often first ask what business I’m in. I boast out “Chimney Sweep!” Then, with a smile,

the next question is: “How do YOU fit down a chimney?” My next reply would be, “I don’t, – but we can send a digital camera up your chimney to take a close look. When would you like to schedule?” What’s really funny is if this new acquaintance is from a Northern climate, when they find out I’m from Florida, I can see the gears turning in their minds. Yes, there are enough chimneys in Florida to make a business. I’m sure every one of you has some sort of similar familiar question and answer dialog with new people you meet. Luckily, it’s not such a surprise to many about being a chimney sweep as it was just ten years ago. It seems that the majority of people would have thought you were joking when you told them you were a “chimney Sweep”. I believe that says something about NCSG’s mission. – Public Awareness comes in many fashions. It comes from the new media (good and bad), consumer articles, word of mouth and now the media that seems to have the most impact is social media. Just today, John Maxwell reports how social media has snowballed into keeping your name out there and getting people talking about you and using you or your business as a reference. If you’re like me, I have a Facebook page, but I don’t utilize it to its potential, not even a smidgen. Some people just don’t want to spend what’s most precious to them – time. Perhaps, if you’re able, you designate someone to do it for you. Having people on your team to increase your presence and your value is a very real marketing avenue in today’s society. Can you get people to follow your Twitter stream? ☺

Recently, there was discussion on the NCSG internet list about the use one

of NCSG’s communication avenues to its members. That being, automated phone call recordings. Please realize, these are done only a couple times a year from NCSG. Usually, one from me as Guild President a couple months before the annual convention, and another after our long range planning meeting from your regional director. I have heard nothing but good feedback from members on this communication device. Yes, I am sure there are some that do not like it, but I wanted everyone to be rest assured that we are aware of the possibility of doing it too much. If you’re like me, your gander gets up when you pick up the phone and it’s a recording. Most of the time for me it’s a campaign from a politician or something to the sorts. Once I hear it’s from someone I know and from the industry I love,

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I smile and listen to the message and, most of the time, I listen to it again. We have sent these messages around 6:00pm, to hopefully not interrupt work schedules and to hopefully get to a voice mail or recorder, so that you can listen to our communication at your leisure. This message also can be listened to on the NCSG web site, just by clicking on the hyperlink message. In the day and time we live, everyone wants conveniences and ease of use. Hopefully, you understand, our reaching out to you is to keep your informed and aware that that NCSG is always working for its members.

Very soon, you will be hearing about a new online NCSG Scrapbook. We are creating a designated site on the NCSG web site for people to post old pictures, notes, articles, etc. Our hopes will be to hopefully preserve some of the history of the pioneers and events in the past history. Keep your eyes open for some direction to send in your old photos and commentary.

Last month, I wrote this President’s message just before our Governance board development combo meeting with CSIA and our outside facilitator. I had the pleasure to see this facilitator once before years ago during Steve Pietilia’s term as President. This education was very enlightening and instrumental in helping the board at that time make changes and improve its systems. It’s always very beneficial to seek to improve your

systems and the way you do things. Even though the tide may be calm and steady, you still need to be better-prepared and continue to tweak your systems. The easiest way to do this is from an outside person that looking in, as it’s hard to see the big picture at times when you are in the mix of the equation. Ask yourself, “Do you have an emergency plan if you don’t come to work?” Are there systems in place, so that others can step in and run things efficiently if you’re gone? Are there checks and balances and duplicity in your daily work? There are a list of changes and implementations that will take place again and my hope is that the NCSG board will continue to seek outside education on annual basis, to not only steer the ship in the right direction, but to increase the value of becoming a board member.

My father just retired due to health reasons. He was an optometrist for 57 years and just turned 84 last January. Whenever someone asked him about his work ethic, he always responded that if you love what you do it is never “work”, it’s like being on vacation all the time. Ask yourself, “Do you love what you do? Do you know your 30 second elevator speech when someone asks you about your life or business? “

As always, sweeps luck to you and your family, and God Bless.

Jay K. WalkerPresident

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n Smooth interior for less turbulence and better draft.

n Ability to downsize the diameter of the liner in certainapplications or instances.

n Can be ovalized and coiled for easy handling.

Introducing HYBRID, the new Chimney Liner from Olympia.

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6 SWEEPING JULY 12

MELISSA HEEKE, CAENCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Editor’sLetter

very once in awhile, a huge project comes your way. One of the huge projects that has come our way since last summer is an industry-wide survey. From selecting a research firm, introducing the firm to the

industry and the industry’s terminology and determining what we needed to know versus what we wanted to know, delving into the results from the perspective of one organization and then a second, understanding the results of the survey and then distributing those results systematically, the project was a big one. What did we learn?

We learned that the average gross revenue per full-time employee (FTE) is higher among active NCSG members at $102,500, considerably higher than the gross revenue per FTE for former members ($89,900) and never members ($76,300).

We learned that the industry is younger than we thought. The average respondent reports a mean age of 48.4 years, having

first become a professional a mean of 18.1 years ago and joining their current company 17.2 years ago.

This is where you come in. This project isn’t complete. We’ll take those results in mind when we develop programs for the industry. We’ll also share those results with you as a comparison point for your own businesses. How does your company stack up?

The results will likely be shared with media, affiliated organizations and entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry for the next several years. Check out the brief on page 27 to learn more about the survey’s findings and how to get the complete survey results.

All the best for a safe and successful summer!

E

8 SWEEPING JULY 12

TechnicalQ&A DENNIS DOBBS, NCSG

TECHNICAL ADVISORY CHAIR

A

QCan we as sweeps contribute

to the green movement?

Recently I have had a couple of lengthy conversations with an EPA representative; initially his view of our industry was that we only cleaned out chimneys. I explained that we do so much more, such as educating the homeowner on improved

burning techniques that increase combustion efficiency which in turn reduces emissions.

Our contributions to the green movement add up very quickly when you give some helpful tips like the following to your homeowners. Just these few things can greatly reduce the

emissions produced by a wood burning appliance.

• Splitfirewoodintosmallerpieces• Burnonlyseasonedwood• Properwoodstorage(keepsfirewoodofftheground

and covered, preferably in a wood shed)• Properfluesizefortheappliance• Properchimneyheight• Routinemaintenance• Instructthehomeownerhowtouseamoisturemeter

Also, today’s wood stove manufacturers recommend that your wood fuel should have a moisture content of 20% or less. This is the recommended moisture content for the latest generation of high-efficiency stoves.

10 SWEEPING JULY 12

Lindemann Chimney Co. Welcomes New National Sales Manager

Lindemann Chimney Co. is proud to announce the addition of Matt Samples as the companies’ National Sales Manager. Samples will be responsible for sales team leadership, networking with customers, helping customers grow their business and will contribute to product and vendor selection.

Samples comes to Lindemann with a long history of sales leadership in financial sales, medical devices as well as other businesses. He brings to the Lindemann Team excitement, energy and a positive attitude. “We are very excited to have Matt on board” says CEO Rob Lindemann. “He radiates enthusiasm for his job and aligns with our companies’ core values.”

When asked why Samples chose Lindemann he said “I was drawn to the leadership at the top of the company. It infiltrates the company and is laid out and defined in the company’s core values. I see Lindemann as a leader in the industry on the cutting edge and am enthused about helping grow the company.”

Jeff Wiles, President of Lindemann is also excited about Matt joining the team. “He is exactly who we have been looking for to complete our line-up for our team. Matt brings to the team

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IndustryWatch

Industry Watch PolicyNCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology editor, via email at [email protected]. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format. In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.

enthusiasm and drive. I am excited to have him on board!”

Samples enjoys spending time with his wife, Dawn and their three daughters; Desiree, Brooke and Autumn. They love traveling, camping and doing things together as a family. He also enjoys Crossfit, bicycling and being labeled “Old Faithful” as he supports his daughter “Whispering Waters” in their Indian Princess club. Samples also coaches soccer for six-year olds.

Samples can be reached at [email protected] or on his cell phone at 630-800-5673.

JULY 12 SWEEPING 11

12 SWEEPING JULY 12

ey it is mid-point of the year as you read this month’s issue, and the thought comes to mind today, what have you done over the first part of the year as far as the analysis of your business model? What have you implemented within your business to take your business to the level you

envisioned it to be when you started it? What time have you investedtoworkonyourbusiness?Taketimetoreflectafewmoments on these important facets of management.

I will credit Al Levi, the keynote speaker at this year’s NCSG convention with the thought he expressed of the need for each and every company to step up their training efforts. The thought process went even deeper than many had ever considered and this invoked the concept that a part of each company’s operation should be an in-house training center. This so instead of training our staff members on our client’s homes, rather we train them in our own training centers. A radical thought perhaps, but one that holds merit from so many angles for improvement of the business model. From the aspect of marketing the services and products, his thought process of “we train our people at our training center, not in your home” is a thought process that has tremendous potential to each person who listens and each business that implements the advice.

As you view your own frustrations in running your business, how often does the frustration boil down quite simply to an employee who either does not understand or perhaps simply does not get it? How much is the waste to the company and the cost of a call back? What is the loss from a sale where the need cannot be envisioned or the knowledge to do the repair or installation simply does not exist? This, my friends, is a major issue with too many businesses that operate each and every day. And one of the leading roadblocks to the dreams we established when we started the business.

I have watched as successful sweeps, sweeps that see their businesses growing, and growing dramatically, are taking this plunge to the “next level” as a part of overall business plan. They are stepping up the investment in training, not only with the in-house center, but also in dedicating the time necessary to do the training, as training does take time. But as with any proper investment the payoff can well be huge. The added payoff may well be that the staff member(s) actually start to “buy into” the strategies and the goals of the business owner and the business, dreams can start to become realities!

But for the training to have true value, it falls upon the business owner to either become the trainer or have a qualified person who is in-house and can present the training. Perhaps one alternative is to go outside the company and bring in a qualified instructor. Likely the qualified instructor, even though it is an expense, may have a profound effect on the business by introducing new and more efficient principles. It is also likely that an outside instructor may identify incorrect practices that have crept into the everyday operation of the business, practices that may be time consuming, hazardous and ultimately have an adverse effect on the bottom line. However if an outside instructor is utilized, this must be followed up by the development of the systems to insure compliance with the skills that have been shared. Bringing in a trainer and then management straying from the concepts and principals will have a negative effect on the potential benefits! The failure of management to stay the course is a very damaging force and can wreak havoc!

There are also alternative ways this can be done. With the online methods that are so simple today, such as Skype and Go-To-Meeting, video training is a very simple proposition. This can involve an instructor doing the instruction live, but from a remote location. This simply will involve the downloading of

BY JERRY ISENHOUR OF CHIMNEY & VENTING

CONSULTANTS IN CONCORD, NCCoach’s Corner

The

We Train Our People At Our Training Center, Not at Your Home

H

JULY 12 SWEEPING 13

software (usually free), compatible hardware, a cam on each end, and either a large television or projector and screen. With proper planning these can be offered as classes with CEUs to validate the recertification process!

There are also various on line presentations available, these available from many sources. Likely most notable, NFI with its on-line library, and CSIA with their scheduled on line offerings are two excellent sources. NFI also offers one free on line training each month when it is recorded for their library. The key thing is education will be like fertilizer for your work force. It will stop the work force from withering as a plant does in a drought, or when cold weather descends upon us. Education will be the food that will build the brain power for your work force. Education will lower their fears of tasks, and will open your business up to new services, new products, and the ability to tackle these and to come out in a profitable mode, all the while increasing your business value and equity.

So hopefully this is a thought process that can assist you, and your company, as you make the move to the next level. However, in order to derive the benefit, you have to take aim, and you have to fire the guns. But is the implementation of this concept the one that may take you to the level you want to go and help you reach the goals that you started your business to achieve?

It is all about you my friend, all about you!

About the Author: Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry and how he can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and you ascent to the next level, take a look at his web site www.chimneyandventingconsultants.com He can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page Chimney & Venting Consultants.

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The chimney relining industry has evolved drastically over the last ten years. Years ago there were only a handful of chimney liner manufacturers. Although there was competition among these manufacturers, there was enough business available to sustain all of these companies. The competition was fairly friendlysopricingwasforthemostpartsteadyandfluctuatedmainly with the price of stainless steel.

Today, all of this has changed. This change was both good and bad for the chimney relining industry. The catalyst for this change was a tidal wave of new chimney liner manufacturers. These new manufacturers range from a garage business that sells strictly to locals to a full-bore manufacturer that sells via the internet nationwide. The internet helped spark this boom which made way for anyone with enough capital to purchase a liner machine to sell nationwide without extensive overhead and expensive marketing. The good brought about from this boom is competitive pricing for the chimney liner buyer. The cost of liners has dropped drastically over the last few years and this is a direct result of new suppliers and fierce competition.

With good usually comes bad and the bad this time is unfortunately very bad. This fierce competition has led many manufacturers to cut costs. Liner machines typically cannot run any faster so the only option is cheaper material. Cheaper material, when used incorrectly, can lead to premature failures which will eventually give your service company a bad name.

Today the go-to for chimney liner material is 316Ti. This is now changing as suppliers now offer 304, 316, 316L, 316Ti, AL 29-4C and Asian conglomerates that do not meet the criteria for any of these stainless steels. Now more than ever it is important to learn how to select the right liner for the right job. Often times this can be difficult because you never know what the homeowner is burning. When in doubt stick with the gold standard. 316Ti is more expensive than any of the above mentioned stainless steels but it will last longer especially in high heat and corrosive conditions.

Why will it last longer? To answer this we need to have a basic understanding of stainless steel and metallurgy.

“Stainless steel” is the generic name for a number of different iron-based alloys used primarily for their resistance to corrosion. The one key element that they all share is a certain minimum percentage (by mass) of chromium: 10.5%. Although other elements, particularly nickel and molybdenum are added to improve corrosion resistance, chromium is always the deciding factor. When an ordinary piece of steel is exposed to air and water it corrodes forming a brown iron oxide, commonly called rust. This iron oxide layer is not protective and eventually the entire piece of steel will corrode and be converted to rust. But when enough chromium is added to ordinary steel it will mix with oxygen at a molecular level and form a very thin corrosive resistant film. This film is called chromium oxide and is only about 130 Angstroms thick (1 Angstrom= one millionth of a centimeter).

The chromium oxide layer that forms on stainless steel is described as:•Passive:Doesnotreactwithothermaterials•Tenacious:Clingstothelayerofsteelandwillnottransfer

elsewhere•Self-renewing:Ifdamagedorremovedbyforcemore

chromium from the steel will be exposed to the air and form additional chromium oxide.

The above characteristics allow stainless steel to be machined, formed, sharpened, or worn away without loosing its anti-corrosive properties.

“Prime Metal” is certified to ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) standards and is delivered with a certification sheet verifying its properties. This certificate of conformance has important information that includes the name of manufacturer, name of the buyer, date, type of metal, what ASTM standards it was tested to, heat treatment number, coil number, physical properties and a list of elements by mass. This ensures that the metal has been tested and meets all of the specifications necessary to be called a certain class of stainless steel. This is our number one defense to purchasing “fake” overseas metals that are typically much cheaper than their American counterpart. Not all overseas mills are bad. There are many reputable European and Asian steel mills. If you are skeptical

Selecting the Right Stainless Steel Chimney Liner

BY STEVEN PENATZEROLYMPIA CHIMNEY SUPPLY

JULY 12 SWEEPING 15

about a certain brand of liner and want to be sure that you are getting what you pay for, then ask the manufacturer for a copy of their latest metal certification. Any reputable manufacturer will gladly offer up a copy of their metal certifications. In fact any liner manufacturer that has a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing is required to keep copies of their metal certification for UL inspection. UL inspectors make quarterly inspections to ensure that a listed product is still being manufactured according to the listing.

There are over 100 stainless steel alloys. We will only discuss a few of them that are related to the chimney industry. Alloys containing chromium and nickel are classified as 300 series. The most common of which is type 304 stainless steel. It is often called 18-8 stainless because it contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. In the annealed condition they are essentially nonmagnetic, although some may become slightly magnetic by cold working (forming on a liner machine). The magnet will not stick but you will feel a slight pull if it has been cold worked.

300 series stainless have excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. Type 316 differs from 304 by having slightly less chromium and the addition of molybdenum. The molybdenum increases its corrosion resistance and provides increased strength at elevated temperatures. Type 316 stainless has particularly good resistance to sulfuric (coal), hydrochloric, and tartaric acids. Type 304 and 316 stainless can be susceptible to sensitization which is the formation of grain boundary chromium carbides at temperatures between 900 and 1500º F. Sensitization can result in rapid corrosion. The addition of titanium stabilizes the structure against chromium carbide precipitation (the cause of sensitization). This allows the alloy to be used at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time. Over firing can certainly subject a liner to temperatures above 900ºF and this will shorten the useful life of a standard 304 or 316 liner.

Keep in mind that 316 offers higher strength and better creep resistance at higher temperatures than 304. 316 also possesses excellent mechanical and corrosion properties at sub-zero temperatures. When there is a danger of corrosion in the heat-affected zones when welding, the low-carbon variety 316L should be used.

Stainless steel 316L is a Chromium-Nickel stainless steel with added molybdenum to increase corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and cannot be hardened by heat treatment.

316Ti Stainless Steel is a stainless steel alloy with a small amount of Titanium (minimum 5x % (Carbon + Nitrogen) added. Its composition allows it to resist acids and the stresses of hot and cold cycles. It can be used with solid fuels (wood, coal and pellet), gas and oil. It can withstand temperatures up to 2100°F. It is used for its resistance to sensitization during prolonged exposure in the 1000F-1500ºF temperature range.

As a general rule, stainless steel does not like chlorides. Chlorides cause pitting which leads to rapid corrosion. Chlorides are found in a variety of substances such as salt, detergents, cleaners, many types of soot and creosote removers, fertilizer and moisture removing substances. For this reason it is important to educate homeowners not to burn trash and other substances that may contain chlorides.

Superferritic stainless steel (AL294C) was developed in the 1980s by Allegheny Ludlum (thus the AL prefix) for power plant tubing. Sea water is used to cool power plants and the sodium chloride in the salt water attacks most varieties of stainless steel.

AL294C and other similar superferritic alloys have a greater percentage of chromium and molybdenum which greatly improves its corrosion resistance to chloride pitting. The increased levels of chromium and molybdenum also make this stainless steel very expensive. AL294C is not recommended for solid fuels due to undesirable changes to the alloys structure at elevated temperatures. AL294C is often specified for high efficiency appliances. These types of appliances are cooler and create exceptionally high amounts of moisture which in turn promotes the formation of corrosive acids.

Below is a summary of which liner materials are better suited for certain types of fuel.

Material Best Suited for:

AL294C High Efficiency Gas or Corn

304 or 304L Woodburning Appliances

316, 316L or 316Ti Coal, Oil, Gas and Woodburning applications

In the end it will pay off to learn about these steels and to educate the homeowner so they can make the right choice, even though the correct choice often costs more money. Please keep in mind that the stainless steel strip used to make chimney liners is typically only .005” or .006” thick. It would matter much less if the liners were .024” thick, but since they are not; using the best material is obviously the best choice. Homeowners will often say “Why purchase the more expensive liner when both of them have a lifetime warranty?” It is important to remind yourself and to educate the homeowner that theses warranties only cover the cost of the replacement liner. Either the homeowner or you will have to cover the labor and none of this will repair the damage to your reputation for installing what they think is a bad liner. Homeowners can review liner pricing at the touch of their finger tips on the internet. But in the end, your knowledge and service level can ultimately prevail over cost.

About the Author: Steve Penatzer is the Operations Manager for Olympia Chimney Supply where he has worked for the past four years. Before joining Olympia’s staff, Steve worked as a plant manager for a metals/glass manufacturer.

16 SWEEPING JULY 12

he chimney sweep community has always been very charitable and always looking to help out. The Pennsylvania Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps is a perfect example of this. The PA Guild hosted their 15th annual charity workshop

in May. The Guild’s workshops benefit Boy and Girl Scout camps with chimneys in need of repair and/or restoration. These camps are often neglected (and under-financed) and the chimneys are usually in pretty bad shape.

This year the charity event took place May 10-12 at Camp Anderson, a Boy Scout camp in Tyrone, PA. As in the past, there was no cost to the Boy Scouts or to Camp Anderson as the labor, tools and travel expenses were all donated by the sweeps of the PA Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps and the individual sweep companies. The members of the guild donate their time and talent, while some chimney supply companies (Olympia Chimney Supply, Saver Systems, National Chimney, etc.) donate tools and parts to upgrade the chimneys. The cost of repairs with supplies and labor are estimated at $25,000-30,000. There were several chimney sweeps from all over the state of Pennsylvania as well as some from out of state. The guild encourages family members to attend and this year several wives and children were in attendance. Camp Anderson had three chimneys in need of repair. The repairs donated included two wood stove inserts (including the installation of stainless steel liners), a free- standing wood stove with Class ‘A’ chimney installed, several firebox rebuilds, one fluerepairedwithaceramiccoatingapplication,assortedexterior masonry repairs and outdoor fire-pits built.

This year’s event also included a pig roast, band, cake and top down bonfire to celebrate the 15year anniversary of the charity events.

The PA Guild feels this is the perfect way to give back to the community we serve in. The event gives sweeps the opportunity to work with other companies and learn and discuss new strategies, ideas and tools. There are also suppliers at the events and it allows the sweeps the rare opportunity to try out new tools and products before purchasing them. The charity events are a great way to help out a worthy cause while learning and having fun!

PA Chimney Sweep Guild Donates Time and Talent to local Scout Camps

T

BY RANDY SABO OF CHIMNEY DOCTOR IN EVERETT, PA

JULY 12 SWEEPING 17

Again thank you to all the suppliers, sweeps and friends who have attended over the years as without you the Guild could not provide the much needed services we provide to the community.

Whether it’s your first year in the business or your 21st, this is a great opportunity to help the community, see and use new products and tools, as well as meet other in the chimney sweep field.

If you would like more information on the charity events or would like to attend next year’s event please feel free to visit the website www.paguild.org or call Bill Thornton, Guild President at (215)540-9787.

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18 SWEEPING JULY 12

n recent years, our economy has changed drastically. Many are struggling to keep their doors open and others are struggling to just maintain, let alone increase, sales and profit numbers. It’s scary. At the same time, the economy presents a great opportunity for those with the right

attitude and willingness to step up to the challenge. If you can keep your attitude positive and be intentional about the changes you make in your business you will not only survive this economy but also actually be stronger and thrive once things turn around. MIX (management information exchange) groups are designed specifically to help you with this.

As a member of a MIX group, you can obtain a fair, honest, top-to-bottom critique of your business by peers. Other benefits include financial comparisons, training segments, the exchange of ideas on management, employee issues and marketing and most importantly, fellowship with other business owners.

MIX is a group of (up to) twenty non-competing companies that meet twice a year with the specific goal of improving each member’s individual operation. Kirby Ragland of Chimney Saver Solutions in Richmond, VA, states, “The MIX group has initiated an extra kick in the continuing evolution of my company. My goals are set higher and I have much more support and confidence in implementing new ideas…I look forward to the challenges of growing my business and the MIX group will play an important role in that process.”

There are four active MIX groups within the chimney sweeping and hearth industries. Each group is its own entity; therefore, they each have their own membership criteria and set of bylaws. However all MIX groups require participating companies to be involved in the hearth or sweep industry in either a service or retail aspect.

MIX groups meet twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. Meetings are usually held in January/February

and July/August and are designed for company critiques; therefore they take place wherever the company being critiqued is located. They are referred to as the “host” company and are determined by a pre-set rotation.

Typical meetings will last three days. The first afternoon of each meeting is usually set aside for training or financial reviews. Bill Murphy from Hudson Valley Chimney Services, Inc.in Poughkeepsie, NY observed, “Since joining the MIX group, my gross sales have grown moderately and [yet] my net income has more than doubled. Need I say more?”

The second day the host company presents a short overview of their operation. MIX members then take a tour of the host’s physical space and conduct confidential interviews with the host company’s employees. After completing the employee interviews, MIX members will take time to interview and have frank conversations with the host. MIX members will then share their observations, concerns and suggestions with the host company.

MIX members will then brainstorm together and present the host company with suggestions of how to improve upon the already existing procedures and processes. Ragland experienced this first hand, “I changed the job descriptions of several technicians after my MIX group interviewed them and dug up some problems that were embedded in my approach. The change paid off almost immediately.”

Mark Stoner, from Ashbusters Chimney Service Inc. in Smyrna, TN compared it to a doctor’s visit, “When the MIX group visited my business, and it was like “open heart surgery”...it’s tough. It’s like going to see a team of doctors...you lay out all your illnesses and they come up with a plan to make you better. The main thing is YOU NEED TO DO WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS! It’s been the single best thing I have ever done for my business.”

MIX Group Members Can Thrive in a Down Economy

“Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.” – Walter Scott

BY HOPE STEVENSONDAVE POMEROY SIGNATURE TRAINING

I

JULY 12 SWEEPING 19

Another segment of the meeting is set aside for the exchange of new ideas in all areas of operations including marketing, customer service, management, etc. Jim Brewer of The Magic Sweep Corporation in Chesapeake, VA says, “My MIX group keeps me motivated to improve my business. Meeting several times a year with other business owners allows me to compare best practices in management and marketing. The meetings always give me a fresh view of some current issue that I’m dealing with…”

Marc Gagne from AAA Timberline, Inc. in Clarence Center, NY looks at it this way, “Instead of relying on just the information that I gather about a subject, I can tap into a library of time tested, reliable information that my MIX group members have already gathered through the school of hard knocks.”

The rest of the meeting is used for goal setting and goal accountability and if time allows, members will often invite in a guest speaker or participate in a training session. Past topics include websites, exit plans, financial planning and business building ideas.

Charles Hall of Winston’s Chimney Service in Arlington, VA, believes, “Being in a MIX group has been great. When I visit a company for a critique I learn things; sometimes it’s things we are doing well at our company, but more often than not, it’s things that other companies are doing better than us. I’ve had the opportunity to ‘peek behind the curtain’ of a couple very successful companies to see what makes them tick. I always come away with a few nuggets that help my business, and the friendships are a bonus on top of that…you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You need to mimic strategies and techniques others are using successfully and tweak them to work for your company and your market. You don’t have to do it alone.”

Besides the business aspect of MIX, many members, including Brewer, enjoy the camaraderie it builds. “In addition to the business angle of MIX, I’ve gotten to know a lot of great people and built lifetime friendships. My wife and I have taken many vacations with other members of our MIX and really enjoy the personal aspect as well as the business side.”

The investment for each meeting is your own travel costs to and from the meeting, lodging, meals and your share of the facilitator’s fee and expenses. When asked about the investment required, Gagne stated, “It is worth 10 times the money I invest in attending the meetings we have every six months.”

If you would like to learn more about how to become a member of a MIX group or have questions for current members please feel free to contact the facilitator, Hope Stevenson, at (480)353-9041 or [email protected].

MIX Group Members Sound Off

“As a business owner if I had to give up all conventions,

workshops, seminars, etc. to stay in my MIX group I would.

Nothing has allowed me to grow my business and make

more money than being in MIX.” states Bill Murphy.

“Since its inception, MIX has not only allowed me to develop

friendships from around the country, but to take a hard look

at how I do business and what steps I can take through

the MIX input to improve our operational approach. This

includes employee, financial/revenue, marketing and benefit

decisions.” – Mark Rizzo, London Chimney Service, Inc. and

Fireplace Safety Service Company in Mill Valley, CA.

“Not joining this MIX group for me would be like trying to

catch a shooting star with a butterfly net. Each and every

one of our members has a common goal, along with a

compassionate commitment to help each other with ideas

to develop and improve all of our businesses beyond our

wildest dreams.” - David Lamb, Northeastern Chimney LLC in

West Hartford, CT.

“Being part of a MIX group give me the opportunity to see

things from another prospective and get the cobwebs out.

We tend to do things the same way because that’s the way

we always did it. There are always great ideas to take away

from a meeting.” – Jeanne Smith, Lindemann Chimney Co. in

Lake Bluff, IL.

“Joining a MIX group was one of the best decisions I have

made as a small business owner. Being able to collaborate

with other small business owners who share your same

challenges, frustrations, and opportunities is a priceless

advantage when it comes to running a small business! Sure,

there are plenty of “consultants” who may be able to give

you advice on how to do things, but I have met plenty of

consultants whose advice must be taken with a BIG grain of

salt. Being affiliated with other small business owners who

are actually implementing the ideas they are espousing is, in

my mind, given more weight when it comes to implementing

ideas that are new to me. In a nutshell, being a member of

a strong MIX group has not only been extremely helpful, but

personally motivating and fulfilling as well. The friendships

and good times are cherished moments that are greatly

appreciated when I attend each and every MIX meeting....

because after all… it can be lonely at the top!” – Aaron

Zambrana, A to Z Chimney Sweeps in Lincoln, CA.

20 SWEEPING JULY 12

ProgressivePerks BY DEBBIE CORNELIUS

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Every time you recruit a new member you benefit. More members mean more networking opportunities, more resources and better ways to advance the profession.

The Member-Get-A-Member program is a way to get new members and give you, the referring sweep, a reward too and it is easy to do. Reaching out to potential new members when you interact at meetings and events is a great time to tell them why you joined the NCSG, why you continue to be a member of the NCSG and how the contacts you’ve made through NCSG haveinfluencedyoupersonallyandprofessionally.GiveNCSGyour endorsement and invite them to join!

All you need to do is make sure they place your name on Item #2 Who referred you to the NCSG? line of the NCSG

membership application form so you will receive credit for:

• $50.00 off membership dues for each 2 – 4* new members

•FREEmembershipdues(equalto1year) 5+* newmembers

Prefer to refer? Just send contact information to Debbie Cornelius at [email protected] and she will take the next step and make sure you receive credit when they join.

*New Member – has not been a member of the NCSG for at least four (4) years.

Reach Out, Connect and Recruit!

A very special thanks goes out to the NCSG Supplier members who participated

in the 2011 – 2012 Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program!

AHRENSChimneyTechnique•AirJet,DivisionofContinentalIndustries•AlphaAmericanCompanyBACSales,Inc.•CondarCompany•CopperfieldChimneySupply•DuctCleaners’Supply•DynacoteLLC•EarthcoreIndustries,LLC•Enervex,Inc.(formerlyExhausto)•FiresafeIndustries•FiresideDistributors,Inc.•HearthClassics•HighStepper,LLC•HY-CCompany,Inc.•LifetimeChimneySupply•LindemannChimneySupply•LongleafLighterCompany•MattersoftheHearth•MeyerMachine&Equipment•NationalChimneySupply•NeuexHearthProducts•NewEnglandChimneySupply•OlympiaChimneySupply•SaverSystems•SmoktiteLLC•SNEWS-TheChimneySweepNews•VentechIndustries,Inc.•WakefieldBrush•Whitecaps•WohlerUSA,Inc.•Z-Flex.

Look for the 2012 – 2013 offers in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org. These coupons will be good until June 30, 2013.

2011 – 2012 SWEEPS ADVANTAGE COUPON PROGRAM

Featured Coupons of the Month

CSIA Represented at OESPBy John Pilger, CSIA President

The 59th Annual Oil & Energy Service

Providers (formerly known as NAOHSM)

Trade Show and Convention was held

on May 20 -24, 2012 in Providence, RI.

John Pilger of Chief Chimney Services,

Inc. in Smithtown, NY and Rich Rua of A

Traditional Sweep in Portsmouth, RI were

there representing the Chimney Safety

Institute of America and CSIA Certified

Chimney Sweeps as a program of the

CSIA Affiliated Trades Committee. Their

message was twofold; first to educate

the oil service technician on what a

chimney sweep does and second to hire a

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to perform

their annual inspections and sweeping.

This year CSIA was one of the sponsors

of the iPad giveaway contest. To enter

the contest, attendees had to have a card

stamped at 30 booths each day. When the

attendee stopped by the CSIA booth, they

were asked a question on chimneys before

their cards were stamped. John and Rich

would then engage them in conversation

about the importance the venting system

has on how their oil-fired appliances

perform. While they were at the booth,

attendees were given CSIA Public Safety

Brochures and their badges were scanned

to collect contact information for follow-up

with occasional educational information

about CSIA and chimneys.

Rich Rua also a presented a CSIA seminar

called Darwin Award Candidates and

Code References. Rich showed a series

of bad installations and the explained

the proper IRC Codes to follow. Rich did

a great job and had the whole class’s

attention.

This year’s show was smaller than

previous shows and floor traffic was

slower, but with our new approach, the

quality time we spent with attendees will

pay off.

The 60th Anniversary OESP Trade Show

and Convention will be held in Hershey,

PA, May 19-23, 2013 and CSIA’s Affiliated

Trades Committee will be there to proudly

represent our CSIA Certified Chimney

Sweeps.

Staff ChangesCongrats Donna and Welcome Sharon!

We are excited to welcome Donna

Kasmer to her new role as CSIA

Certification Coordinator. As CSIA’s

former Education Coordinator, she offers

a great deal of knowledge and experience

with all of the processes associated

with administration of our certifications

which will minimize the learning curve

and service transition for CSIA’s premier

programs. As Certification Coordinator,

Donna is responsible for the CSIA

credentialing process, proctored exam

requests and CEU renewals. She can be

reached at (317) 837-5362 or dkasmer@

csia.org.

And we are also excited to welcome

Sharon Anderson as CSIA’s new

Program Coordinator. She brings with

her over 15 years of administrative and

customer service experience including

non-profit work with the State of

Indiana’s Department of Environmental

Management. Sharon is responsible for

CSIA event registration and sponsored

events and NCSG convention speaker

questions. She can be reached at

(317) 837-5362 or [email protected].

Even More Education Options(New Format for In-Person Classes and

Chimney Physics Online)

CSIA knows that, for many sweeps,

time away from the office is time that

you’re not making money out in the field.

With this in mind, CSIA has reduced

your opportunity cost (and actual cost)

by shortening the Chimney Physics and

Inspections and Report Writing classes

from three-day to two-day sessions. You

will spend less time out of the office and

you will spend less on registration for the

same great education from CSIA.

CSIA is proud to offer two new online

courses. The Relining Masonry Chimneys

with Stainless Steel ONLINE course has

received great acclaim. And the CSIA is

taking it a step farther with the launch

CSIA Update www.CSIA.org

Publication for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®s

ADVERTISEMENT

CSIA Calendar of EventsSchedule subject to change. Please contact CSIA prior to making travel arrangements.

Register today at www.CSIA.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review and ExamFebruary 14, 2012 | Orlando, FLMarch 2, 2012 | Atlanta, GAMarch 9, 2012 | CSIA Technology CenterMarch 21, 2012 | Lake Bluff, IL Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney SupplyApril 13, 2012 | Manchester, New HampshireMay 11, 2012 | Scranton, PAJune 1, 2011 | CSIA Technology CenterJune 15, 2012 | Richmond, VAJuly 9, 2012 | Reno, NVAugust 2, 2012 | CSIA Technology CenterAugust 17, 2012 | Madison, WISeptember 7, 2012 | Atlantic City, NJOctober 19, 2012 | Latham, NYNovember 2, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25-CS, 1.25-HS, 1.25 CL

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review and ExamFebruary 14, 2012 | Orlando, FL

August 3, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® exam. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25 CS, 1-HS, 1-CL

National Chimney Sweep Training School April 2–7, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

June 4–9, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

August 6–11, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

September 24–29, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.

CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 6 T

Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth AppliancesMay 14–18, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Service and installation, including appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing and installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing and fuel conversion.

CEUs: 4-T 4-CS 4-HS 4-CL

Installing & Troubleshooting Woodburning Hearth AppliancesJuly 9–13, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Energy efficiency, appliance selection and sizing, installation of woodburning fireplaces and stoves, system operation, maintenance and troubleshooting. Subject to availability.

CSIA CEUs: 4-T 4-CS 4-HS 4-CLL

Chimney Physics—2 Day March 22–23, 2012 | Lake Bluff, IL Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney SupplyMarch 23–24, 2012 | Albany, NY Sponsored by NYSCSG

Diagnosis and resolution of chimney performance problems, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances in a two-day in-person format.CSIA CEUs: 3-T 3-CS 3-HS 3-CL

Inspection and Report WritingJuly 19–20, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Chimney inspections and evaluations, report writing including regional and environmental influences, effective

photo documentation, digital organization and administrative procedures.CSIA CEUs: 6-T, 6-CL

June 25-29, 2012 CSIA Technology Center

May 18,2012

June 11-16, 2012

August 6-7 Arlington, VA Sponsored by VACHP

ADVERTISEMENT

Congratulations to Our New CSIA Certified Chimney SweepsIndianaNicholas DeLucenay • Old Smokey’s Fireplace and Chimney, Inc • Clark Lake

IllinoisJohn Ladd • Lindemann Chimney • Lake Bluff

KansasBruce LeMaire • Home Safe Hearth & Chimney • Wichita

MarylandGeorge Sebek • Mark & Buttons Chimney Sweeps Inc. • Owings MillsCalvin Pugh, III • Complete Chimneys Inc.• Severna Park

MassachusettsEdward Gallagher • Rocksolid Chimney, LLC • Natick

MontanaPeter Richardson • Big Sky Chimney • Gallatin Gateway

New HampshireJonathan Metcalf • Fireside Sweeps LLC • Fremont

New YorkSean Rice • Ithaca Stove Works• Ithaca

PennsylvaniaAaron J. Dice • Chimney Sweep Systems, Inc. • NewvilleStuart Kurzendoerfer • Chimney Sweep Systems, Inc.• NewvilleJason Raines • Antrim’s Complete Chimney Service • PottstownTodd Lee Miller • Olympia Chimney Supply, Inc. • ScrantonJason Bullaro • Olympia Chimney Supply, Inc. • Scranton

VirginiaGarret McKivigan • Chimney Saver Solutions • Richmond

WisconsinRyan Friederick • Center Stove & Fireplace • Richland CenterColin Fanning • Environmental Contracting Services, Inc. • Pleasant PrairieDavid Murray • Environmental Contracting Services, Inc. • Pleasant Prairie

of a new monthly course Chimney Physics ONLINE. This five-day self-paced online

course includes problems and solutions related to fireplaces, furnaces and hearth

products of all fuel types.

Payment Plans Now Available for EducationCSIA has repeatedly heard that finances stand in the way of many sweeps when

it comes to education. At CSIA, we believe that the more you learn, the more you

earn and we want to make it easier for you to learn more! CSIA will now work with

you to develop a customized payment plan to make attending CSIA education more

affordable. Contact Candice Bradbury at (317) 837-5362 or [email protected] for

more information on setting up direct debit payments.

Military Vet? CSIA Classes Approved for VA Education BenefitsThe following courses held at the CSIA Technology Center near Indianapolis have

been approved for U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits:

• Chimney Physics

• Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth

Appliances

• Installing & Troubleshooting

Woodburning Hearth Appliances

• Inspection & Report Writing

• National Chimney Sweep Training School

This means that course registration and

housing costs may be covered under the

Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill

(Active or Selected Reserve), the Reserve

Educational Assistance Program or the

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational

Assistance Program, depending on

personal eligibility.

Since individual benefits are based on a

complex formula including the dates and

length of service, veterans must contact

the Department of Veterans Affairs directly

for personal eligibility information. Vets

can call the National Call Center directly at

(888) 442-4551 or visit the GI Bill website

at www.gibill.va.gov.

Custom Education Available for SponsorshipCompanies, associations and state guilds

are encouraged to bring CSIA education to

your meeting. Available events range from

single-day CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep

review and exam sessions to three-day

Diagnosis and Documentation sessions.

CSIA has made sponsoring events

even easier with a new low minimum

attendance requirement and rebates on all

registrations over the minimum.

We do ask that you allow at least 90

days lead-time when scheduling your

sponsored event.

Please contact Sharon Anderson at

(317) 837-5362 for more information and

to bring CSIA education to your next

meeting.

CSIA Calendar of EventsSchedule subject to change. Please contact CSIA prior to making travel arrangements.

Register today at www.CSIA.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review and ExamFebruary 14, 2012 | Orlando, FLMarch 2, 2012 | Atlanta, GAMarch 9, 2012 | CSIA Technology CenterMarch 21, 2012 | Lake Bluff, IL Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney SupplyApril 13, 2012 | Manchester, New HampshireMay 11, 2012 | Scranton, PAJune 1, 2011 | CSIA Technology CenterJune 15, 2012 | Richmond, VAJuly 9, 2012 | Reno, NVAugust 2, 2012 | CSIA Technology CenterAugust 17, 2012 | Madison, WISeptember 7, 2012 | Atlantic City, NJOctober 19, 2012 | Latham, NYNovember 2, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25-CS, 1.25-HS, 1.25 CL

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review and ExamFebruary 14, 2012 | Orlando, FL

August 3, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® exam. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25 CS, 1-HS, 1-CL

National Chimney Sweep Training School April 2–7, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

June 4–9, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

August 6–11, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

September 24–29, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.

CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 6 T

Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth AppliancesMay 14–18, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Service and installation, including appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing and installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing and fuel conversion.

CEUs: 4-T 4-CS 4-HS 4-CL

Installing & Troubleshooting Woodburning Hearth AppliancesJuly 9–13, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Energy efficiency, appliance selection and sizing, installation of woodburning fireplaces and stoves, system operation, maintenance and troubleshooting. Subject to availability.

CSIA CEUs: 4-T 4-CS 4-HS 4-CLL

Chimney Physics—2 Day March 22–23, 2012 | Lake Bluff, IL Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney SupplyMarch 23–24, 2012 | Albany, NY Sponsored by NYSCSG

Diagnosis and resolution of chimney performance problems, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances in a two-day in-person format.CSIA CEUs: 3-T 3-CS 3-HS 3-CL

Inspection and Report WritingJuly 19–20, 2012 | CSIA Technology Center

Chimney inspections and evaluations, report writing including regional and environmental influences, effective

photo documentation, digital organization and administrative procedures.CSIA CEUs: 6-T, 6-CL

June 25-29, 2012 CSIA Technology Center

May 18,2012

June 11-16, 2012

August 6-7 Arlington, VA Sponsored by VACHP

ADVERTISEMENT

You can spend weeks trying to get a new employee up to speed. In the process, you’ll have used up your valuable time, your patience, and more money than you would like to admit.

Instead, send your employee to the most popular, cost-effective chimney sweep training in North America: CSIA’s National Chimney Sweep Training School. In less than a week, we’ll create an employee that you’ll be proud to send on a call – and happy to count toward your bottom line.

Register today at www.csia.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.

At the 6-day hands-on Training School, your employee will learn:

How to inspect and service chimney systems serving any fuel burning appliance.

How to be safe, with the latest health and safety equipment and methods.

How to work with residential heating appliances, including wood stoves, pellet stoves, inserts, factory-built fireplaces, central heaters and furnaces.

How to diagnose chimney performance problems: understanding draft and flow, diagnosing down drafts, flow reversals, inadequate flow, stack effects, updrafts, pressure effects and gauges.

How to navigate the International Residential Codes. How to follow the NFPA 211 standards.

Class size is limited to ensure a ratio of no more than eight students per instructor. This small class size means that students have the opportunity for individual attention from the school’s experienced instructors, and ample opportunities for hands-on training. Because class size is limited, it is important to apply early to reserve your place.

The online CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep review provides exam candidates with a convenient and affordable guided learning experience.

The online Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) review provides exam candidates with a convenient and affordable guided learning experience designed to help you pass the CDET exam.

Take advantage of these other CSIA educational offerings that can build your business:

Send us your greenhorn.

and we’ll send you back a pro.

in 6 days, Classes fill quickly, so register now!

2012 DATeS: April 2–7June 4–9August 6–11September 24–29

April 2-7June 11-16August 6-11September 24-29

Sweeping MagazineMay 2012 issue - POSITION ON RIGHT PAGE PLEASEFull page, 4 color

Dura-Ventkaren josephson, contact

[email protected]



[email protected]

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You can spend weeks trying to get a new employee up to speed. In the process, you’ll have used up your valuable time, your patience, and more money than you would like to admit.

Instead, send your employee to the most popular, cost-effective chimney sweep training in North America: CSIA’s National Chimney Sweep Training School. In less than a week, we’ll create an employee that you’ll be proud to send on a call – and happy to count toward your bottom line.

Register today at www.csia.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.

At the 6-day hands-on Training School, your employee will learn:

How to inspect and service chimney systems serving any fuel burning appliance.

How to be safe, with the latest health and safety equipment and methods.

How to work with residential heating appliances, including wood stoves, pellet stoves, inserts, factory-built fireplaces, central heaters and furnaces.

How to diagnose chimney performance problems: understanding draft and flow, diagnosing down drafts, flow reversals, inadequate flow, stack effects, updrafts, pressure effects and gauges.

How to navigate the International Residential Codes. How to follow the NFPA 211 standards.

Class size is limited to ensure a ratio of no more than eight students per instructor. This small class size means that students have the opportunity for individual attention from the school’s experienced instructors, and ample opportunities for hands-on training. Because class size is limited, it is important to apply early to reserve your place.

The online CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep review provides exam candidates with a convenient and affordable guided learning experience.

The online Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) review provides exam candidates with a convenient and affordable guided learning experience designed to help you pass the CDET exam.

Take advantage of these other CSIA educational offerings that can build your business:

Send us your greenhorn.

and we’ll send you back a pro.

in 6 days, Classes fill quickly, so register now!

2012 DATeS: April 2–7June 4–9August 6–11September 24–29

April 2-7June 11-16August 6-11September 24-29



[email protected]



[email protected]

Engineered Excellence® M&G DuraVent is a member of the M&G Group. © Copyright 2012 Made in the USA 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com

The only continuous welded, precision engineered spiral corrugated � ex on the market. Ventinox is a one-piece seamless � ue impervious to � ue gases and dangerous condensates. Lightweight, yet tough and � exible. Ventinox can be ovalized to � t most any chimney chase. Ventinox system components feature an integrated mechanical locking band that zips onto the liner with only a nut driver. No need to drill holes into the liner. Backed by a lifetime warranty. Find out more at www. duravent.com

Ventinox ®

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26 SWEEPING JULY 12

REGION 1

NCSG Charter Members

Paul Bourque Huntsville, AL

Don Leavitt San Diego, CA

David Harris Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Dan Wheeler Santa Rosa, CA

John Cline, Menlo Park, CA

Dale Meisinger, N. Augusta, SC

Alan Hisey, St. Louis, MO

Eva B. Horton, Greenwich, CT

Harry Richart, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

NewNCSGMembers

REGION 3

REGION 5

REGION 6

REGION 4

NCSG REGIONS

REGION 1

Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

REGION 2

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

REGION 3

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

REGION 4

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio

REGION 5

Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin

REGION 6

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

CONNECTICUT

MichaelOverstreet•Michael’sChimneyServiceandRestoration•Vernon

SOUTH CAROLINA

PhilipJantz•Jantz,Philip•Cheraw

OHIO

BennMcNeill•Bromwell’s•Cincinnati

KANSAS

SteveNeeley•A-1Enterprises•Dighton

TEXAS

MatthewMilner•Milner,Matthew•Whitesboro

WISCONSIN

KevinLaughlin•LaughlinChimneyService•SturgeonBay

CALIFORNIA

JeffHahn•MacsChimneySweeping•Greenville

DavidTempleton•CompleteSweep•Irvine

JasonAaronPalodino•PaladinoChimneySweepsInc.•CenterRidge

IDAHO

JoelKing•KingsRoofing•MountainHome

JULY 12 SWEEPING 27

In late 2011, the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America co-sponsored an industry-wide survey conducted by a Whorton Marketing & Research, a professional market research firm.

We thank those responding to the survey. With close to 5,000 surveys successfully delivered between email and mail, the overall response rate to the survey was just shy of 13% making it the largest sample size and response pool either organization has ever received.

The two organizations learned about how those in the industry most commonly entered the trade, the most common business approaches, financial performance, company size and makeup including market share and productivity.

The survey also identified customers by source, factors inhibiting growth/profitability, changes made in the last five years and important concerns over the next five years. Additionally, the organizations gained insight on the industry’s opinion of NCSG’s membership programs and CSIA’s certification and education programs.

A sampling of the findings:

•Themeanaveragegrossrevenueofallrespondentsis$437,000. With an estimated 5,000 companies in the industry, the industry’s yearly revenues are approximately $2,185,000,000.

•Respondentsreportameanaverageof5full-timeequivalent(FTE) staff and 2.7 trucks running at peak. A total of 31% of respondents report one FTE employee (generally themselves), while 28% report a rounded total of two FTE (1.5 to 2.4), 35% report between 2.5 and 10 FTE, and 8% report more than ten FTE.

•TheaveragegrossrevenueperFTEemployeeishigheramong active NCSG members at $102,500, considerably higher than the gross revenue per FTE for former members ($89,900) and never members ($76,300).

A summary of survey findings are available online at www.NCSG.org and www.CSIA.org and by request by contacting Melissa Heeke, NCSG and CSIA Director of Marketing & Communications at [email protected] or (317) 837-5362.

2012 Chimney Service Industry Survey Findings Now Available

I’m not the savviest person that ever worked in this industry, not even close. But I know one thing: the single best technology this industry has ever produced was that of relining chimneys. Why? Well you can fill in the blanks as well as I, but just to offer a few for instances:

1. Relining makes chimneys safer to use. It dramatically reduces the potential for fire as well as the dangers attendant to carbon monoxide.

2. It makes chimneys work better. That means appliances they are venting heat with much greater efficiency.

3. Some relining systems may also strengthen older chimneys, accomplishing each of the above and saving homeowners either the loss of that chimney altogether, or at the very least some expensive repairs.

Remember, it’s not that people were not using unsafe chimneys all those years before this industry developed the ability to reline. No. Those chimneys were being used day in and day out during the cold season. One can only hazard a guess as to how many lost homes and lost lives can be attributed to faulty chimneys before relining was available and widely in use. But whatever your guess, it’s pretty obvious, relining technology in one stroke has saved homeowners possibly billions of dollars in energy costs as well as innumerable lives.

But what’s really most amazing about relining is that the technique for the most popular form of relining, that done with stainless steel liners, is relatively simple. Perhaps not so simple that even a caveman could do it, but certainly simple enough that one can do it with even a small amount of additional training. That’s right, it isn’t rocket science or even airplane science, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn the basics.

Also, the need for the application of this technology continues to be as strong as ever and undoubtedly, along with chimney

cleaning, remains the core that is driving this industry and will continue to drive it long into the future.

Let’s look at just a few of the reasons there are still a growing number of relining opportunities.

• Thereremaintensofthousandsofchimneysbuiltpriorto1940 and still in use that have no tile liner at all.

• Evenmasonrychimneysthatwereconstructedwithtileliners need to be relined when those tiles become damaged from chimney fires, earthquakes, settling of the chimney foundation,lightning,waterdamage,oracidicfluegasses–all common occurrences throughout North America.

• Virtuallyanytimeanewheatingapplianceisventedintoanexisting masonry chimney a liner is required to maximize heating efficiency and guard against the buildup creosote.

Furthermore, each of these opportunities is supported by code. I.e. under the conditions listed above, relining is required if the chimney is to remain in use.

However, you can be certain awareness of and the blatant need for relining, while it is well known to all of us in the industry, is not even a small blip on the radar for the vast majority of homeowners. That’s right, believe it or not what goes on in their chimney beyond the smoke that it vents, is a matter about as well understood as the fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics.

So, here’s the question for you: Are you using the best technology the chimney industry has ever developed? Are you offering this simple but necessary technology to the homeowners in your neck of the woods? And if so, are you educating your public widely about how, why, when, and where it is needed?

If not, there’s no time like right now to begin.

The Best Technology

BY GREG POLAKOW COPPERFIELD CHIMNEY SUPPLY

28 SWEEPING JULY 12

JULY 12 SWEEPING 29

any of you have heard me talk about or seen mewriteabouttheinfluenceofWaltDisneyover the years. You can imagine what a thrill it was for me to part of the Guild’s experience of finally bringing our annual convention to

Orlando this past February. I’m an admitted geek when it comes to the Mouse and all that he and his creator’s legacy represent, from the thrill and wonder they instill in children to the dreams and passion they inspire in adults and business people.

Last month I had a rare opportunity to participate in a Disney Institute program hosted here in Indiana called Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence. At the onset of the program, one of the facilitators, a twenty year veteran of the company remarked, “It’s not magic that makes Disney work, it’s the hard work of the cast and leadership that makes Disney magic.”

That got me thinking. I’ve always been a sucker for the “magic of Disney,” and while I’ve studied plenty about what’s behind the magic, I don’t know that I had truly contemplated what really continues to deliver the magic 46 years after Walt’s death, 57 years after he opened his first park and 84 years after he created Mickey Mouse. It’s the legacy of leadership that he created and encouraged in everyone around him and has been passed down for literally generations since.

Granted, we may not all be a Walt Disney, but the real legacy he left is the realization that we all can be leaders. After all, a leaderisanyonewhoisaninfluencerofchange.Considerthejanitorwhopicksuptrashoffthebathroomfloorinawaythatsuggests he’s not just doing so because it’s his job, rather he’s doing so because he knows it’s the right thing to do and he takes legitimate pride in making things look better. Now consider the person that just witnessed that janitor pick up the trash, walks out the door and sees a piece of trash in the hallway or on the sidewalk, and throws the trash away subconsciously following the janitor’s lead. Doesn’t that make the janitor a leader?

Emphasizing the impact one average person can have on a leadership movement, there’s a great short video on You Tube called “The First Follower.” The video and the dialogue behind it were featured as a TED Conference talk in 2010, but the key to the story wasn’t as much about the average guy who had the guts to stand alone and start the “movement” as it is about the firstguytojoinhimanddaretofollow;theinfluencethefirstfollower had on what would become a large movement. That first followerwas,infact,aleaderhimselfwhoinfluencedchangeinthe others around him. I won’t tell you any more about it, as it’s worth the three minute investment of your time to check it out for yourself.

BY MARK MCSWEENEY, CAEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Perspective

Legacy of Leadership“Strive for Perfection…Settle for Excellence.”-The Disney Institute

M

30 SWEEPING JULY 12

Soit’sallaboutinfluencingchange.It’ssurelynosurprisetoanyone reading this article that in today’s business climate, change is guaranteed and constant. To truly succeed and thrive, we can’t simply react to change; we have to anticipate change andbeproactive.ReflectingbackonwhathasbecomeknowninDisney history as “The Transition Years” following the deaths of Walt and, five years later, Roy Disney, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner said this about change: “It may seem easier for our life to remain constant. However, change, really, is the only constant. We cannot stop it and we cannot escape it. We can let it destroy us or we can embrace it. We must embrace it.”

In the program I attended, the Institute suggests there are four key functions that any leader must perform. And keep in mind, leadership is not automatically instilled by one’s title. Leadership is instilled by one’s actions; so anyone has the capacity to be a leader.

First, a leader has a vision for the future. It may be grand or it may be relatively small, but it’s a vision none-the-less. He or she knows the change that needs to occur and communicates that vision with passion. Think of a change needed in your own business. Are you able to effectively communicate your vision to everyone who needs to know it?

Second, a leader can identify and articulate what needs to get done to bring about the change that is sought, and is able mold

their operations accordingly and identify the right people to carry it out. Great leaders organize their operations so that information is effectively shared, allowing for good decisions to be made, and quality results to be produced. Who do you need around you to help you make your vision a reality?

Third, a leader is able to engage those around them, actively involving their team in the work and letting them take ownership of their contributions to the change. If you have employees, this is when they are given and accept responsibility for the performance of your business. When decision-making power goes to the team, they have a greater sense of ownership, show initiative in their work, and take pride in the products and services they produce. Are you encouraging autonomy and ownership in those around you?

Fourth, a leader has a commitment to results. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Patience is a necessity, but along the way great leaders stay focused on the goal, encouraging check points along the way to maintain everyone’s motivation and to actively support progress toward the goal.

And ultimately, the cumulative effect of a leader’s day-to-day behaviors add up to leave a legacy for their organization and everyone they touch. True leaders recognize that the values and behaviors they demonstrate each and every day will be remembered longer than their accomplishments. They create

the positive and respectful example for others to follow. They create meaningful and effective relationships for life. They ignite excitement and enthusiasm in those around them. They remain true to their values through consistent behavior. Are you merely building a business, or are you creating a legacy?

I was once told that we judge our own integrity based on our intentions…when asked, most of us would say that we have integrity. However, others judge our integrity based on our observable behaviors and actions. How would others judge you?

I hope you are each finding the magic in your own business. More importantly, I hope you are discovering how your business can continue to deliver the magic for years to come.

Until next time, I continue to wish you every success!

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Display Ad Index

Darwin Awards

Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?

Send it to Melissa Heeke at [email protected] for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Page # Advertiser Phone Email or Website Address

30 Ahrens Chimney Technique 800-582-1392 [email protected]

4 Cobra Chimney Caps 888-463-0636 [email protected]

12 Firesafe Industries, Inc. 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com

9 Golden Flue, Inc. 800-468-1052 www.goldenflue.com

11 Hose Master 800-221-2319 [email protected]

10 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com

BC Lifetime Chimney Supply LLC 877-234-7473 www.lifetimechimneysupply.com

7 Lindemann Chimney Company 800-722-7230 www.lindemannchimney.com

25 M & G Duravent 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com

6 National Chimney Supply 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimneysupply.com

32 New England Chimney Supply 888-900-8106 www.newenglandchimneysupply.com

5 Olympia Chimney Supply 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com

17 Sand Hill Wholesale 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com

8 SaverSystems, Inc 800-860-6327 www.chimneysaver.com

3 Whitecaps 800-335-2534 www.whitecaps.com

IFC Z-Flex 800-654-5600 www.z-flex.com

Single wall pipe vented out window to with in 10 inches of wooded soffit with gutters full of leaves.

- Submitted by Woody Padgett of Future Energy Co. in Shelby, NC

July 16-20, 2012CSIA (online) Health and Safety Week For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/safetyweek

July 19-20, 2012CSIA Technology CenterInspection and Report Writing For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

July 23-27, 2012Online CSIA eLearning For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

July 23-27, 2012CSIA (online) Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 23-27, 2012CSIA (online) Chimney Physics For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

July 27, 2012Indianapolis, INCSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review and ExamSponsored by the Duct Cleaners’ Network For more information, please call 800.467.3878 or visit www.ductcleanersnetwork.org

Dates & Events

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ClassifiedsGotta chimney question? Sizing? Codes? Call Royal Edwards! Make Royal your tech department. CALL NOW 813-982-0219 for on-call tech support. Continuing Education special bonus – ask how you can get the Friday morning E-Blast for FREE. CALL NOW 813-982-0219

GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195. Call 1-800-648-9523 for more info and visit www.elitesoft.com to download a free trial version.

Chimney Sweep business for sell in the Northern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. Services a large area, with three ski resorts in the service area. Business is well established. Serious inquires email me at [email protected]

CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERSMembers can run one 35 word classified free each year! Regularly classified ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Megan McMahon at [email protected] or (317) 837-1500.

NCSG Innovation 2013 Convention and Trade Show Hotel reservations are now being accepted for NCSG Innovation 2013 at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO, April 4-7, 2013. Just call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) and mention that you’re with the National Chimney Sweep Guild to lock in rates starting at $129 for a mountain view and $134 for a lake view.

Get ready for some R&R. You’re earned it!

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• Z-Max Rain Cap with protective ember screen shields chimney from snow, driving rain and animal intrusions. Quick removal for easy cleaning

• Z-Max Lock ‘N Go Base Tee installs in half the time of standard tees, with no special installation tools required

• All products cULus tested and listed by UL to UL1777 and ULC S635

TRIPLE LOCK®

SMOOTHCORE™ & Z-MAX

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Sweeping News (Snews)_Smoothcore_Z-Max_7.5"x10" June 5, 2012_HR.pdf 1 12-06-05 11:16 AM

National Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168

1206

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Documents

July 2012