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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSIA?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non-profit educational foundation that has established the only nationally recognized certification program for chimney sweeps in the United States. The program was developed in keeping with CSIA's commitment to chimney and venting system safety and to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion, and other chimney-related safety hazards. CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public, chimney service professionals and other fire prevention specialists, and the insurance industry about the prevention and correction of chimney venting system hazards.

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Chimney Terms

Stainless Steel Chimney Liner

Stainless steel pipe, either rigid or flexible, made for relining flues of masonry chimneys when the original clay liner has cracked or broken. May also be used to create a lining in a masonry chimney that was made without a clay liner.

Chimney Caps

Protective coverings for chimneys usually made of aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel, or copper. Most chimney caps have a mesh screening that serves the dual purpose of spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps also prevent rain from entering the flue of the chimney.

Top-Sealing Dampers

A device installed at the top of a chimney for the purpose of sealing the flue shut when the fireplace is not in use. They are often used as replacements for throat dampers that are installed just above the firebox when a masonry chimney is built. Lyemance and Lock-Top top-sealing dampers are as much as 90% more efficient than throat dampers because they provide a silicone rubber gasket seal rather than metal to metal.