About Us
Whether you need a comprehensive fireplace/chimney inspection – or be it a consultation on repairs – or new installation, you will always get the same unbiased evaluation that has helped to make Certified Chimney Inspectors the leader in the inspection field. And, our years of extensive industry experience allows us to recommend only the correct repairs that may be needed as a result of thorough and accurate inspections.
What We Do?
It is our job to properly inform you of the chimney’s overall condition. We do not perform any repairs, we simply deliver the highest standard in chimney/fireplace inspections, applying the safety guidelines as set forth by the Uniform Building Code (UBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) or in the case of a metal prefabricated system, the manufacturer’s required minimum specifications.
Should your chimney be found to have damage we will provide you with the needed information to help you make an educated decision on your next course of action. And, because we are familiar with most techniques in chimney repair, we can offer expert advice for the safest and most cost-effective options available to you.
Because we are only an inspection company, we do not offer a bid after an inspection. On the other hand, chimney repair companies can have an inherent vested interest in finding damage since that is the nature of their business – to repair or replace the chimney. This is not to say there is always that risk, but the “buy-now” and other high pressure techniques can leave an uncertain and uneasy feeling. Experience has taught me that the two most common failures of chimney repair companies performing inspections can be traced back to 1) inexperienced inspectors or 2) the wrong importance put on getting the repairs instead of providing a thorough and accurate inspection.
Established in early 1997, Certified Chimney Inspectors, Inc. (CCI) filled the need for consistently high standards in an inspection only service. Part of creating this trust comes from our lead inspector, Shane Imburgia, who has over twenty-six years of experience examining and inspecting fireplaces and chimneys in Southern California.
From the start, our mission has been to protect you from the inexperienced inspectors and expensive bids left haphazardly by companies giving erroneous information and/or companies not performing the needed repairs correctly.
Shane Imburgia
Owner & Lead Inspector
Shane has worked in the industry since 1989, starting as a chimney sweep and ultimately performing most common methods of repair, as well as contributing to the reconstruction for masonry and prefabricated metal chimneys/fireplaces. To date, Shane has inspected well over 23,000 chimneys/fireplaces in Southern California alone.
Shane’s name and reputation has become synonymous with integrity and professionalism for his consistency in being accurate and thorough with every fireplace evaluation. Whether hiring Shane for a comprehensive fireplace/chimney inspection or be it a consultation on repairs or new installation, you get the same trusted evaluation that has helped to make CCI a leader in the inspection field.
Shane is certified by the following:
- Fire Investigation Research and Education Services (FIRE – #FP-029) as a Fireplace Inspector and a Certified Technician (#FCT-022)
- National Fireplace Institute (NFI – #160098) as a Gas Hearth Specialist
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA – #4051/#8190)
- Shane is also a licensed contractor (#950695)
Since opening CCI, Shane has given seminars to home inspectors and trained fireplace technicians on the safety of fireplaces, damaged chimneys, earthquake inspections and industry standards. He has also provided expert opinion and legal support since 1995.