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Expert: - 7/17/2006


Question
Dear Mr. Ogden

I am a firepalce/chimney inspector in the LA area and I have found that other "inspectors" have disagreed with my findings regarding broken chimneys (chimneys that I "find" to be broken and other inspector/s "find" not to be broken).

In my opinion, it is typically easy to determine if a chimney is broken.  Such as, the chimney moves and with a video camera I can record the point above the break moving but the point below it does not move (while I am pushing on the chimney).  Sometimes the chimney does not move but I can view the crack (inside the chimney) on three or more sides (and sometimes I can see the exterior cracking).

The LA city standard is that a broken chimney needs to be removed.  Is there a standard that yopu know of to determine whether or not a chimney is broken?

This seems to be a Willy-NIlly industry here in LA.

Do you know of a class or certification that actually discusses this in detail competently (Not F-I-R-E because I am already certified and although FIRE has its benefits it does not actually teach one how to inspect) and standardly.

John

Answer
John,

Take the Diagnosis and Documentation series of classes from the Chimney Safety Institute of America.  They cover this type of situation.

Broken (cracked) flue tiles require replacement to meet NFPA 211.

The CSIA has a good series of classes designed for chimney sweeps, who are the typical inspectors of chimneys.

The program is accredited as well.

Visit their website at www.csia.org for contact information and more specifics on this topic.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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