Choosing the right NFPA 211 inspection level on the job
When a Level 1 is enough, what triggers a Level 2, and how to explain the difference to a homeowner without overselling.
Read article →For chimney companies & techs
Training Center
Practical training for chimney companies and technicians: inspections and safety, running the business, marketing and field techniques. Training programs, coaching and onboarding for member companies are on the way. Details coming soon.
Training videos
From the A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps YouTube channel, most viewed first. Videos open on YouTube. View counts as of October 23, 2026.
4:17Chimneys Explained #11 - Smoke Chamber
5:14Chimneys Explained #16 - Chimney Dampers
8:00Chimneys Explained #03 - Creosote
5:09Chimneys Explained #01 - Masonry Chimneys
4:55Chimneys Explained #18 - Firebrick Joints
0:53Chimneys Explained #20 - Ash Dump Door
3:42Chimneys Explained #14 - Chimney Shoulders
3:59Training Video #21 - Clean Out Doors
19:43Chapter 10 part 3 of 5 for chimney draft
3:37Training Video #20 - Ash Dump Door
19:13chapter 4 chimney training Masonry chimneys 1 of 4
58:29Chimney Sweep Training Video 4 - Creosote
10:54Training Video #25 - Chase Covers
2:24:29Chimney Sweep Training Video - Number 3: Chimney Draft
49:26Chimney Sweep Training Video 5 - leaking chimneys
19:52Chapter 6 - part 3 of 4 masonry chimney
4:09Training Video #13 - Smoke Shelf Access
6:49Chimneys Explained #02 - Prefabricated Chimneys
1:17Training Video #23 - Storm Collar
2:26Training Video #65 - Chimney Fires
1:09Training Video #10 - Chimney Cricket
2:27Chimneys Explained #05 - Drip Edges
3:58Training Video #11 - Smoke Chambers
3:34Chimneys Explained #15 - Lintel Joints
4:05Training Video #12 - Creosote Build up
4:04Chimneys Explained #09 - Chimney Flashing
2:01Chimneys Explained #17 - Profile Seams
4:04Training Video #22 - Prefab Caps
3:19Chimneys Explained #06 - Chimney Crowns
7:30Training Video #32 - Woodstove Inserts
Inspections & safety
Inspection levels, code checks and documentation, based on NFPA 211 and IRC Chapter 10.
IRC Chapter 10 checks every chimney tech should know
Chimney height, crowns, liners, clearances and hearth extensions: the code points that come up on almost every masonry chimney.
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Photo documentation that protects you and the homeowner
A simple shot list for every inspection, so your report shows what you found and nothing important gets missed.
Read article →Running the business
Phones, follow-up and scheduling: the office work that turns calls into booked jobs.
Answering the phone: turning calls into booked jobs
A simple call flow for chimney companies: greet, qualify, book and confirm, without sounding scripted.
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Following up on repair estimates without being pushy
How to present an estimate the homeowner understands, and a follow-up rhythm that gets answers.
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Scheduling routes and planning for the fall rush
Group jobs by area, book early, keep a waitlist and confirm every appointment to cut drive time and no-shows.
Read article →Marketing & leads
Google Ads, reviews and local search for a chimney company.
Getting and replying to Google reviews the right way
Ask every customer, make it easy, reply to every review, and stay inside Google’s and the FTC’s rules.
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Google Ads basics for a chimney company
Target your service area, pick the right keywords, block the wrong searches and track the calls your ads produce.
Read article →Field techniques
Practical habits on the job, from setup to reading what you find in the flue.
Keeping the house clean: setting up for a sweep
Drop cloths, sealing the opening and running the HEPA vacuum: the setup that keeps soot out of the living room.
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Recognizing creosote stages and advising the homeowner
How to tell soft soot from glazed creosote, what each means for the cleaning, and the burning habits to recommend.
Read article →Membership
Training programs for member companies
Member companies will have access to training, coaching and onboarding as part of membership. Details coming soon. In the meantime, see how membership works or get in touch.
