January 29, 20130 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
Please welcome aboard Katie Ann Santopolo, the newest member to Team Lindemann. Many of you already know Katie whose roots run deep in the Chimney Sweeping Industry. Her passion comes from the fact that her father, grandfather, and great grandfather have all owned their own successful chimney businesses for over 25 years.
Rob Lindemann, CEO of Lindemann Chimney Supply states "Katie represents a fourth generation Chimney Sweep who is very dedicated to helping fellow sweeps obtain their goals. She is greatly loved in this industry. We are honored to have her work for us".
She started her "official" career in the Chimney Sweeping Industry working as a customer service specialist for a chemical manufacturer back in 2009. This gave Katie the chance to look at the industry from the consumers' eyes and understand the issues and problems they have. After being with the company for a short 6 months, she was given the opportunity to be the first on-staff Certified Chimney Sweep through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Jeff Wiles, President of Lindemann Chimney Supply is excited to bring Katie on board. "I look forward to the experience and insight that Katie brings with her. She is very motivated and dedicated to this industry. She will be able to help sweeps with all aspects of the business."
Katie is more than qualified to provide advice. In fact, her passion in life is helping others find solutions to their problems and helping them grow their business. She grew up in the industry and seen many changes and "gets it" when it comes to having a chimney sweeping business. She has kept up with industry issues and stayed in contact with close industry friends. When the opportunity surfaced to get back into the industry, she was happy that she was able to partner with Lindemann Chimney Co, a company that she has always loved. She looks forward to the journey ahead and meeting everyone along the way! To contact Katie, she can be reached at 518-428-1212 or click here to email her.
December 28, 20120 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
What is one of the most important things your business has done during 2012? In our industry, the answer is easy. We save lives. By keeping chimneys clean and preventing fires we save people from deadly situations every day that we are out there. I’m very proud to be a part of this industry and associated with a wonderful group of people! All of us here at Lindemann Chimney Supply wish you all a safe and profitable 2013!
November 21, 20120 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
All of us at Lindemann Chimney Supply wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! This is the time to be thankful for our many blessings.
We are blessed to have awesome family that supports the endeavor we undertake to be the best supplier in the industry. There are times when we all travel or work long hours and we thank our families for their understanding.
Our friends in this industry include our many customers and our wonderful industry associates. This industry is truly a close-knit community. If one suffers a disaster we all feel it. And we work together to further the good of the industry.
So during this time of Thanksgiving take some time to give thanks to the most important people in your life.
November 16, 20120 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
Did you know that the Chinese symbol for crisis is the same as for opportunity? If something happens in your chimney sweep or hearth business try to look for opportunity in the situation.
Your lead chimney sweep quits without notice. Crisis or opportunity? At first it is a crisis but only because there is no solution. In the process of coming up with the best solution many things happen: You may be reintroduced to the field; Another chimney sweep moves into the position who proves to be even better than the lead chimney sweep; You know you have to have a contingency plan in place and perhaps you start to understand the frustration that led to the lead chimney sweeps departure. As you seek the solution these many things start to make the whole picture more visible to you.
It’s 5:00 on a Friday night and your new chimney sweep dusts a customer’s house. It just so happens this customer works for the local newspaper and writes editorial columns. Crisis or opportunity? At first it seems like a crisis: 5:00 on a Friday night – who will you get to clean it?; White carpet and a light colored brick fireplace facing; A person who has the capability to blast your company for miles around. Your new chimney sweep, who shows a lot of promise, is expecting a major chewing out and is ready to quit. To treat this as an opportunity you need to look for ways to put a positive spin on it. Get the best cleaning company out to clean his home, leaving it cleaner than before the dusting. Talk to the homeowner about why it’s so important to have a professional clean the chimney instead of trying to treat it as a “do-it-yourself” project (in which this happens a great majority of the time). In this case, if a professional messes up, your house can get TLC treatment. Explain why this is a fluke and show them the pricey chimney cleaning equipment that you use to sweep the chimney. Show this new sweep how to turn lemons into lemonade. Reinforce to the new chimney sweep that this can and does happen, rarely, but even to experienced sweeps. This is your chance to show this employee how you stand behind him and reinforces his loyalty to you.
These are just a couple of examples of how you can turn a crisis into an opportunity. It all depends on how you look at it. This may mean taking a short walk away from the office. It might mean getting in your car, driving to a remote area where no one can hear what you really want to say about the situation. Often, the best option is to “step away” from the situation and think of what you would tell your best friend if the same situation happened to them. Whatever it takes, handle it coolly and with confidence and it becomes an opportunity.
November 14, 20120 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
If you are looking for the right type of pipe to reline a masonry chimney - just check out our selection. We stock a variety of chimney liners from lightweight corrugated flexible chimney liners, to flexible liners with a smoothwall inside, to rigid stainless steel chimney liner pipe, to heavy flex interlock chimney liner pipe and we even carry aluminum chimney liner pipe for relining for specific types of gas appliance chimneys.
Lightweight Corrugated Flexible Chimney Liners
We have a variety of brands of lightweight corrugated flexible chimney liners. We stock BestFlex chimney liners in a .005” and .006” strip thickness. The seams of this pipe feature a 7-ply “Secure-Lock” ultra tight locking seam. We also stock DuraFlex Pro Chimney Liner that features a crimped seam. Ventinox Chimney Liner is a unique type of corrugated liner because instead of having a crimped or mechanical lock seam, the seam features a continuous weld which makes this liner leak proof. While all of the above liners are available in 316Ti, Ventinox features two types of stainless steel: Ventinox VFT in 316Ti stainless steel and Ventinox VG which is available in AL 29-4C. This material is great for relining gas flues. All of these corrugated chimney liners feature a lifetime warranty when installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate application.
Flexible Smoothwall Chimney Liner
A corrugated chimney liner calls for a reduction in the sizing tables for oil and gas applications. We have a hybrid liner that features a corrugated outer wall with an interlock flexible inside wall. This pipe is known as a “smoothwall” flexible chimney liner. We stock two different brands of smoothwall liner. BestFlex Smoothwall Chimney Liner is made with the latest machining technology and offers a lifetime warranty. DuraFlex SW Chimney Liner is easy to work with, utilizes Ventinox Components and features a lifetime warranty.
Heavy Flexible Chimney Liner
The best applications for a heavy flexible chimney liner is when a chimney needs to be relined for a hard-core woodburner. This type of pipe is constructed with a 4-ply interlock seam and is available in round, oval and rectangular configurations. This BestFlex Heavy Flexible Chimney Liner carries a lifetime warranty.
Oval Chimney Liners
We can ovalize a variety of lightweight corrugated chimney liner sizes right in our warehouse. We can obtain custom oval components built to your specifications. Heavy flexible chimney liners are also available in an oval configuration. These pipes also carry a lifetime warranty.
Square and Rectangle Chimney Liners
Many fireplaces are already sized so marginally that to install a chimney liner means compromising the draft. Square and rectangular chimney liners can often help to avoid the need for removing flue tiles to fit the equivalent round size. Sometimes, even after removing the tiles, the size can still be off. If you can go back in and reline the flue with the same size as the previous flue, then odds are it will draft as long as they didn't have problems previously.
Rigid Stainless Chimney Liner
Some people prefer the rigid stainless steel chimney liner. This pipe is smooth on the inside but has absolutely no flex to it. It should only be installed in a perfectly straight chimney. Sometimes this stainless steel rigid pipe is also used as a connector pipe or to pass through a code compliant thimble.
No matter what the type of liner you need for your situation, we have you covered. For more information on chimney liners please click here to contact us. Or, you can call 800-722-7230.
October 08, 20120 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
Here at Lindemann Chimney Supply we often get questions about the construction and types of stainless steel chimney liners. Here is a brief guide that provides information on the construction of the chimney liners that we carry.
Flexible Corrugated Crimped Chimney Liner
A corrugated crimped liner is manufactured as a corrugated material in strips. Then the seams are run through a machine that folds the raw edges over and crimps the material providing a crimped seam. As this is being done, the diameter is also dialed in and formed. We stock BestFlex and DuraFlex Pro corrugated crimped liners. This type of liner can be ovalized and/or formed in a rectangular shape.
Flexible Corrugated Welded Seam Chimney Liner
Welded seam corrugated liners are unique in this industry. As the corrugated strips are brought together in manufacturing, they are overlapped and continuously welded. This created a tight seal as well as building strength into the liner. As the corrugated strips are being fed into the machine and the strips welded the diameter is formed according to the dimensions dialed into the machine. Ventinox VFT 316 Ti is the only liner in the industry that we are aware of that features this constructions. And yes, we do carry this liner. This liner can be ovalized.
Flexible Interlock Stainless Steel Chimney Liner
An interlock chimney liner is typically manufactured in such a manner that strips are folded over creating an interlock seam. As a result, this type of liner typically has a thicker wall dimension since it is 4-ply when completely compressed. This heavier liner was one of the original types of chimney liners on the market. This liner can be made in oval, square and rectangular configurations. The brand we carry is the BestFlex Heavy-Flex liner.
Flexible Smooth Wall Corrugated Chimney Liner
This liner features a very unique construction. The inner wall is manufactured with an interlock design. This allows it to still remain flexible yet the interlock surface is relatively smooth. The exterior of this type of liner is corrugated for flexibility. As a result of the smoother interior surface, sizing restrictions that apply to gas and oil liner applications do not apply. We carry the BestFlex Smoothwall Liner.
Rigid Welded Seam Chimney Liner
One of the earliest types of chimney liners was the welded seam, rigid stainless steel chimney liner. This liner is usually manufactured with an overlap seam that is welded or a "butt seam" weld. This is where the edges are brought together, butting flush, then welded together. Rigid liners attach by one end that is a male or crimped end that slides into a flared or female end. Then pop rivets secure the joints together. HeatFab is the brand we have carried for decades.
When it comes to chimney liners there are many options available. It's very important to weigh the options against the challenges of the job and the costs. If you have any questions or would like more information on our chimney liners, click here to contact us.
June 29, 20120 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
BestFlex Chimney Liner Kits are available in .005" 316 Titanium-Alloy Stainless Steel. BestFlex Liner is manufactured with the latest machining technology. As a result it is has stronger corrugations and Secure-Lock Technology which effectively seals the 7-ply crimped seam with a power grip for an ultra-tight locking seam. This makes BestFlex the best choice of its kind.
It is designed to vent fireplaces and appliances that use the following fuels; wood, oil, category I gas and coal applications. Insulation is required for the UL Listing for solid-fuels. Although it's optional for gas and oil, we still suggest insulation to enhance venting performance.
We stock two kit styles. The BestFlex Tee Kit includes a 13" X 13" Top Plate with Clamping Collar, Square Lid Rain Cap, Tee With 10" Take-Off and Tee Cover. The BestFlex Insert Kit features a 13" X 13" Top Plate with Clamping Collar, Square Lid Rain Cap and Stove Adapter with Clamp.
BestFlex is UL Listed and features a Lifetime Warranty that is transferrable to new owners if the home should ever be sold.
November 21, 20110 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
Lindemann Chimney Supply wants to provide you with information upcoming chimney sweep and hearth industry events. There is an upcoming semiar hosted and sponsored by the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association and the South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild. It's called Transform Your Business DNA -- East Coast Summit, and the presenters are Tom Urban and Jerry Isenhour. Here is a bio about Jerry Isenhour.
Jerry E. Isenhour Sr. is a recognized expert in the field of chimney sweep service, chimney repair service, solid fuel installations, industry standard of care and other facets involved with the proper and improper operation of a chimney service company, hearth product retail sales, and hearth product installation company.
Mr. Isenhour has served as the CEO of several companies involved in the industry; these have ranged from a chimney service company, to hearth retailer, and also with the manufacture of products. The companies he has served as CEO of have included:
The Chimney Doctor Inc 1982 – 2010
The Fire Place Patio & Grill 1982 – 2010
Islands By Design 2006 – 2010
In 2010 he founded a consulting company, Chimney and Venting Consultants, to offer the industry his service as an educator and consultant, and also as a service to the legal and insurance industries as an expert in his fields. The service to the legal profession has been ongoing as a service he has provided for a number of years while involved as the CEO of The Chimney Doctor Inc. This includes training conducted at his independent training facility located in Concord NC.
He has been a member of the faculty to offer instruction at the Chimney Safety Institute of America training center in Indianapolis Indiana presenting programs on documentation and standard of care. These training endeavors have been directed to field technicians, office staff and company management.
There has been a tremendous industry involvement over the 30 year career service to many trade associations, this has also involved the time spent in Europe in regards the education of the European chimney service industry. During the industry association and educational foundation work he has been instrumental in the development of the NFPA 211 chimney inspection standards and also in the development of the industry standards involving the standard of care.
Service is also provided for architects and builders in regards analysis of field issues and the preparation of solutions from air quality issues, performance issues, and the review of plans and on site supervision of construction and installation involving sold fuel systems and their allied venting systems. He is also commonly consulted as a source for field failure of venting systems for consumers, insurance companies, and others.
During the 30-year career he has become a source for many news and magazine articles on various subject for which he holds expertise.
Jerry Isenhour beings to you a person who has knowledge of codes and standards, however he also brings a wealth of knowledge as to how this translates to design, construction, and problem analysis in the real world. Additionally he is recognized as the one of the leading educators of the industry and that others seldom challenge his opinions offering you the ability to work your case in the most efficient manner for your client.
Jerry Isenhour continues to educate and serve the industry daily through speaking engagements, technical assistance, consulting, and coaching, With him as your support person you will have a resource who is well respected throughout the industry by his peers and who's opinions are well founded, based on fact and not conjecture or unfounded logic.
INDUSTRY OFFICES HELD OVER CAREER:
PRESIDENT N.C. CHIMNEY SWEEP ASSOCIATION - 3 ONE-YEAR TERMS
VICE-PRESIDENT N.C. CHIMNEY SWEEP ASSOCIATION - 3 ONE-YEAR TERMS
November 20, 20110 CommentsBloggies by Karen Lamansky, Director of Marketing
At Lindemann Chimney Supply we provide you with as much information as we can on upcoming chimney sweep and hearth industry events. In the upcoming seminar, Transform your Business DNA -- East Coast Summit, the presenters are Tom Urban and Jerry Isenhour. This seminar is is hosted and sponsored by the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association and the South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild. Here is some information about Tom Urban.
Tom is the founder and president of Estoban Corporation and has been working in the Chimney/heating industry for 28 years. His full time commitment is to provide the best equipment possible to photo document places where your head can't fit i.e. Chimney, duct work, etc. Tom is a nationally known speaker on a variety of subjects.
Tom owned and operated Urban's Chimney Sweep and Supply Company in Northeast Pennsylvania for 1978-1984. He introduced the relining of masonry chimneys with stainless steel liner and the use of ceramic blanket to wrap around the liner to prevent heat loss, which is now a industry standard. He also developed a method to ovalize the stainless steel pipe to be installed into rectangular chimney flues, which is also used to day.
He researched and developed the use of closed circuit cameras inside confined spaces such as chimney and heating/cooling ducts in buildings. This research led to the integration of cameras for use in other fields, such as agriculture, municipalities, utility companies, biologists, and engineering firms. In 1984 Tom stared Estoban Corporation and registered the trademark of its main product the Chim-Scan.
Tom designs and provides training seminars on chimney relining, oil burner technology, chimney section procedures, photo documentation and interpretation training and seminars on computer generated reports. Tom has been a teacher at the CSIA in Indianapolis, IN since it's opening in 2000. He teaches as a part of a team of four on diagnosis and documentation procedures to sweeps, engineers, and home inspectors. The 3 to 5 day course is also taken on the road twice a year. Tom developed a multi-media course that includes Power-Point presentations and hands-on study.
He has been a speaker at regional and national conventions in the chimney industry as well as heating and fireplace industries consecutively for 20 years. He was one of the founding directors of the Pennsylvania State Chimney Sweep Guild in 1982. In 1989 Tom was part of the first team of chimney professionals to document the conditions of all the fireplaces in the White House in Washington D.C. Estoban Corporation provided all the documentation equipment and Tom personally supervised the scanning and documentation of the chimneys
Tom has participated as an expert witness in numerous court cases. He worked with ABC 20/20 when they did a investigative report on carbon monoxide poisoning case in N.J. In 1998 he authored a four page report on carbon monoxide titled "Close Encounters with CO" that was printed and sold through the N.C.S.G. He provided equipment and setup for three episodes of "This Old House" on PBS, he even got to do a 4 min vinette called "Insider's Look at Your Chimney" (go to http://www.chimscan.net and click on educational videos to see it).
He is a professional member of the following organizations: National Chimney Sweep Guild (N.C.S.G) since 1979 and CSIA Certified Sweep # 210. Tom received the C.S.I.A's education Award in 2004 and the N.C.S.G. Presidents Award in 2009.
Here at Lindemann Chimney Supply we are always on the lookout for things which might help you in your business and we hit the jackpot with this product! It is an important safety and convenience item for your customer and a moneymaker for you. Everyone who has a dryer in their home should have one.
Product #560911
LintAlert actually senses when the dryer duct needs cleaning. Before installing you will need to thoroughly clean the dryer vent and fix any needed repairs. Then the tap and the hose is installed to the dryer vent as shown below. Attach the hose to the sensor, plug it in and calibrate it on the clean dryer vent. the LintAlert light should be green. Gradually as lint builds up the LintAlert lights will change from green to yellow to red so your customer knows it's time to get their dryer vent cleaned. When it lights up red this means the vent is 60% blocked and it also sounds an audible alarm.
If you want to do your customers a great service, promote future business, and make some good money in the process, take a minute to watch the video. We think you will agree. Click here to see the video.
The LintAlert suggested retail is $99.00 installed and the product number is 560911. To contact us for more information, click here. Feel free to call us at the following locations: Illinois 800-722-7230; Georgia 866-450-311 and New York 722-722-7230.
We save lives. By keeping chimneys clean and preventing fires we save people from deadly situations every day that we are out there. I’m very proud to be a part of this industry and associated with a wonderful group of people! All of us here at Lindemann Chimney Supply wish you all a safe and profitable 2013!
As a result it is has stronger corrugations and Secure-Lock Technology which effectively seals the 7-ply crimped seam with a power grip for an ultra-tight locking seam. This makes BestFlex the best choice of its kind.
