Remembering the old way we used to check for creosote buildup

Back when I started with my dad in the 90s, we'd just shine a flashlight up and guess the thickness. Now, my crew uses a Chim-Scan camera system, which lets us show homeowners a clear video of every crack and glaze. We switched about five years ago after a job in Asheville where a hidden second layer caused a near-chimney fire. Does anyone else still use the old mirror-on-a-pole trick for quick checks, or is everyone on cameras now?

3 comments

3 Comments

keithg1613d ago

That mirror trick is still in my truck for a reason.

lee7213d ago

Wait you still have that thing in your truck? @keithg16 that's wild. I tried it once and it fell off before I even left the driveway. The whole mirror was shaking so bad I couldn't see a thing behind me. Figured it was just a dumb hack that never really worked for anyone. You must have some magic touch to keep it stuck on there all this time.

victorb174h ago

That mirror hack is all about the prep work before you even touch the adhesive. You gotta clean the glass with rubbing alcohol until it squeaks, then warm both surfaces with a hairdryer. The shaking usually means the bond wasn't set right from the start. Keith probably followed those steps and let it cure overnight without touching it. Most people rush it and then blame the trick when it fails.