Forward-Thinking Contracting

   Forward-thinking Contracting (previously coined "better-practice contracting") is the practice of perpetually improving methods to provide the best possible product available. As materials improve so do construction methods for installing and repairing. It always bothered me when a guy would tell me, "I've been doing it this way for the last ## years". It tells me that this contractor hasn't taken time to continue learning or improving his methods. Nothing in construction has been perfected and chimneys are no different.

   Fireplaces have continually improved over the centuries. In early America, the firebox in the house was made of stone and mud and the chimney was made of a hollowed out log that leaned away from the structure clearing the cedar shake roof. A stick held the log chimney from falling down off the top of the mud fireplace bump out. Surprisingly, the log chimney worked well for a while. But inevitably, the chimney would catch fire. The homeowner would kick the stick supporting the flaming log chimney and it would come crashing down in the yard instead of burning down the house. Needless to say, we have certainly improved chimney materials since those days but we still have not perfected them. 

   I have continued my chimney sweep education and knowledge of new materials available to provide the best possible service with the best available materials on the market. If there is a better way of doing something, I will immediately switch my methods to the better way. Over the years, I have witnessed my own growth by returning to clients homes that I have had for years. I might see masonry repair that I no longer recommend because I have change to an improved product or method.

I believe its important to continue our growth and knowledge in the field of solid fuel. Wood is a wonderful renewable resource that we use for such comfort but can also have horrible consequences if not used with knowledge learned from past failures. A certified chimney sweep has amazing resources to help educate them so they don't make the same mistakes and failures from others before them. They can use the knowledge from a group of like minded, "Forward Thinking" chimney sweep professionals to continually improve and provide the best service possible.

Photo: Left to Right: My friend Matt Dambrosky, Mike Holmes, Myself Matthew Anstine

Forward-Thinking Contracting