A tool I once ignored now tops my kit

I always believed old methods were best for checking chimneys. Then I saw a video from a sweep who found hidden damage with a camera. I decided to get one for my next job. On that job, the camera found a bird nest I would have missed. Now, I rely on it for every inspection. It helps me give better reports to homeowners. I tell all new sweeps to consider adding a camera to their gear.

3 comments

3 Comments

jamesf415d ago

Yeah, finding that hidden damage changes everything. I was stubborn about my moisture meter until it spotted a slow leak behind a wall. Now I trust the reading more than my gut feeling.

grant.ryan5d ago

Seriously? Tools fail all the time. My buddy's meter gave a clear reading on a dry wall but missed the soaked insulation inside the cavity because the pins weren't long enough. Gut feeling is built from seeing a hundred houses, noticing weird smells or soft spots a tool won't catch. You can get fooled by a number just as easy as anything else.

derekwebb5d ago

Buddy's meter showed nothing, but the insulation was soaked through when he ripped the wall open.