BUILT ON experience AND EXPERtise
When we originally created the Flue and Hearth Notes™ Chimney Inspection Forms in 2010, we started by breaking down everything. We mentally asked or thought about how to construct them by installation types, streamline a Level 1 and Level 2 Inspection, plus what is required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 including the inspection items listed in the Annex. We ended up with a 4-to-6-page checklist, which is now called our Expanded Long Forms. They are five installation categories and pages with room for notes.
We then took the Expanded Long Forms and rehashed every question to create the Standard Short Form which is one page for Level 1 and a second page for Level 2 inspections. Originally, we had four forms. Now, our forms have been expanded to eight. This Short Form includes required questions and additional questions that help you gather data.
Recently, we introduced the Summary Forms. These forms contain an instructional page which includes an Invoice and Receipt. The second Summary Form page contains instructions, definitions on Operational Ready, Operational Deficient and Hazardous Conditions. A drawing of the form subject (fireplace, for example) is broken down into segments based on the transitions and location in the chimney. Next to each segment, there is a traffic light set of three boxes that can be checked for that segment's condition.
We then took the Expanded Long Forms and rehashed every question to create the Standard Short Form which is one page for Level 1 and a second page for Level 2 inspections. Originally, we had four forms. Now, our forms have been expanded to eight. This Short Form includes required questions and additional questions that help you gather data.
Recently, we introduced the Summary Forms. These forms contain an instructional page which includes an Invoice and Receipt. The second Summary Form page contains instructions, definitions on Operational Ready, Operational Deficient and Hazardous Conditions. A drawing of the form subject (fireplace, for example) is broken down into segments based on the transitions and location in the chimney. Next to each segment, there is a traffic light set of three boxes that can be checked for that segment's condition.
Tom Urban is an industry educator, having taught for the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, numerous regional chimney groups and home inspectors. He has received numerous industry awards. Tom has been a guest on This Old House, NBC's 20/20, interviewed by CNN and writes for industry publications. Tom has over 42 years' worth of education in the hearth industry and is a well-known expert who has helped create education programs and additions to chimney standards.
Shelley Urban grew up in the hearth industry, attending her first trade show before the age of one. She became an industry icon, having her picture in the trade publications as she grew. Her experience with chimney cameras, chimney scanning, and documentation was built from an early age. She is co-founder of Flue & Hearth Notes™ and also works at Estoban, the manufacturer of Chim-Scan® Chimney Inspection Cameras. Shelley also has a technical background with cameras, building and repairing controllers. She also works in technical support and customer service.
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Karen Formen is not a co-founder but has a lot of industry experience. She started in the hearth industry over thirty years ago. Her first job was in Copperfield's Tech department, starting in 1985. She's spent her years mostly in technical, gaining knowledge and experience on products and codes. She passed along this information on chimneys and other hearth products. She's even a published author, you can get her book on fireplace design on Amazon.
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