The NCSG, National Chimney Sweep Guild, is a trade association that promotes the success of members, who are part of the chimney and venting industry. Established as a 501(c)(6) association, the NCSG uses public awareness to advance the industry. It also provides progressive services and encourages the ethical accountability and professionalism of its membership.
Membership in the NCSG is available to various players within the industry. Chimney service companies can become voting members for NCSG election purposes. Companies that manufacture and supply goods or services to the chimney service industry may become supplier members. A combination membership is available to a chimney service-supplier company. Individuals or organizations who are not engaged in the chimney service industry but have an interest in it may join as affiliate members.
Chimney service companies based outside of the U.S. are entitled to non-voting international memberships. Retired owners of chimney sweep companies may apply to be senior members. A separate paper and online membership application is provided for each membership category. When a company joins NCSG, membership benefits are available to all of its employees.
Annual dues for a chimney service company voting membership are currently $459. A chimney inspection company that does not sweep may become a voting member. When a company first joins NCSG, its representative must acknowledge and agree to the NCSG Code of Ethics. If membership is renewed without a lapse, the acknowledgement need not be signed again unless the Code changes.
By joining the NCSG, a chimney service company receives access to services that assist in its growth and success. These include technical support, product discounts, networking opportunities, and discounted educational offerings. Members are expected to conform to the NCSG Code of Ethics and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action. Chimney professionals can learn more about the Code and NCSG membership benefits on the NCSG website.
In many areas, there is an abundance of firewood because local forests are repopulated to help with the environment. This means that there is an abundance of local wood that can be burned without worrying about the local ecology. Some people think that it is better to buy wood that has come from other areas, but this is wrong for many reasons.
First, even dried wood that is collected for fires can have bugs and parasites that may not be native to the area. If these invasive creatures get into the local trees, they can do a great deal of damage and can actually wipe out forests. This can have a devastating effect to the local ecology that can take decades if not centuries to repair.
Next, local firewood can actually be much cheaper than purchasing firewood that has been imported from another area. Some also prefer to cut down their own wood and replant from their own land because that is the least expensive form of heat. It is always a good idea to support the local economy and if a few dollars are saved in the bargain, it just makes sense.
Finally, when you buy local wood, you will know whether there been any chemicals or paints that were used in proximity of the wood. It is not safe to burn wood in a fireplace or wood stove that has been treated with any type of chemical. These chemicals can cause poisoning of the people who are in the home when the wood is being burned.
Protecting the environment is very important to just about everyone, which is why it is important to use local wood. Burning woods that have been brought in from other areas means that you may not know where it comes from. It could contain parasites or even chemicals that are harmful to local trees or those who are around when the wood is burning.
By Ronald Caillais on January 11th, 2013 | Tagged with: Tags: environmental impact, local firewood |
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The fireplace chimney is the component of the system that pulls hot air through the firebox and out of the house. It also provides the fire with air. There are many types of chimneys and masonry and manufactured are the most common. Each type has unique advantages and homeowners should review these prior to selecting a new chimney for the house.
A masonry chimney is made from brick, stone, or a similar material and lined with clay tile to hold these materials together. A flue lining made from baked clay increases safety and makes cleaning an easy process for a qualified chimney sweep. A manufactured chimney is created in a factory and transported to the installation location. It is usually made from metal, must be used with solid fuel heat, and does not require a liner.
A mass-insulated, double-walled chimney features insulation between two metal layers. Heat is absorbed by the insulation and the metal layers contain the heat that is not absorbed by the insulating material. An air-cooled chimney contains nothing but air between the two layers of metal. Circulation of air helps to dissipate the heat. An air-insulated chimney looks similar, but it restricts air movement and insulates the heat.
Some chimneys incorporate different aspects of each type of manufactured chimney, resulting in a hybrid design. Manufactured chimneys are less expensive than masonry versions but they require use of factory-built fireplaces. Most fireplaces typically work with only one type of chimney. To learn more about this, the homeowner should consult with a professional chimney sweep.
Installing the wrong type of chimney can break the fireplace or cause a house fire. It is better to rely on expert guidance than to guess during chimney selection or installation. Whether the chimney is being replaced or a new chimney is being installed during new construction, consult with a professional prior to making any decisions.
