Business Details
42 Years
experience
Chimney Inspection Cameras & Systems in Fairfield, IA
Since 1984, Chim-Scan has been a leader in designing and manufacturing advanced chimney and duct inspection cameras. Founded by Tom and Esther Urban as a small family-owned operation in Fairfield, Iowa, our company grew from a local chimney sweep business into a trusted provider of high-quality inspection systems used by professionals worldwide. Our commitment to innovation began with Tom's development of the first Chim-Scan camera system, which revolutionized the industry by offering a reliable way to inspect chimney interiors. Today, every Chim-Scan unit is hand-assembled in our Iowa workshop using durable, commercial-grade components, reflecting our dedication to craftsmanship and longevity. With decades of combined experience, our team continues to refine and expand our product line, ensuring that each system meets the evolving needs of chimney inspectors, home inspectors, and HVAC professionals.Our expertise is demonstrated through our modular, future-proof designs that allow for upgrades as technology advances, ensuring long-term value for our customers. As an industry authority, we have earned recognition through awards such as the Don Leavitt Education Award and the National Chimney Sweep Guild's President's Award, reinforcing our position as pioneers in chimney safety and inspection technology. Our trustworthiness is built on a foundation of transparency, personalized customer support, and a commitment to delivering tools that enhance safety and efficiency in the field.
Services
Chimney Inspection Cameras
Duct Inspection Systems
HVAC Inspection Tools
Camera Accessories
Training Programs
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in chimney inspection technology.
- Our products are hand-assembled in the USA using commercial-grade materials.
- We offer modular systems that adapt to evolving technological advancements.
- Our family-owned business prioritizes personalized customer support and repairs.
- We pioneered the first interior chimney inspection camera system.
Services
Chimney Inspection Cameras
Our chimney inspection cameras provide high-definition video capabilities for detailed interior flue assessments. Designed for durability, these systems feature rugged aluminum and steel construction to withstand professional use. Modular components allow upgrades to cameras, lights, or recording devices as technology evolves, ensuring long-term investment value for inspectors.
Duct Inspection Systems
Duct inspection systems adapt our chimney camera technology for HVAC applications. These tools enable technicians to visually assess duct interiors, identifying blockages, damage, or contamination. Built with the same commercial-grade materials as our chimney systems, they offer reliable performance in challenging environments.
Camera Accessories
We offer specialized accessories including Kwik-Lock rods for camera deployment and motorized carts for large flues. These tools enhance inspection efficiency by simplifying camera positioning and movement. All accessories integrate seamlessly with our camera systems for optimal field performance.
People
Tom Urban
Founder, Educator & Industry Innovator
Tom Urban developed the first Chim-Scan camera system in 1984 after working as a chimney sweep. He has presented at national conventions since 1985 and received industry awards for his educational contributions. His innovations have shaped modern chimney inspection practices.
Esther Urban
Office Manager & Customer Support Lead
Esther Urban co-founded Chim-Scan Corporation with Tom in 1985. She manages office operations and customer support, providing personalized assistance with order processing and troubleshooting. Her 40+ years of experience ensure smooth business operations and client satisfaction.
Shelley Urban
Operations & Technical Lead
Shelley Urban oversees production and technical operations at Chim-Scan. With lifelong exposure to the business, she combines institutional knowledge with technical expertise in 3D printing, CNC machining, and product assembly to maintain quality standards.
Questions
What products does Chim-Scan manufacture?
We produce chimney and duct inspection camera systems, including HD video units, Kwik-Lock rods, motorized carts, and accessories for professional inspectors.
Are Chim-Scan cameras suitable for HVAC inspections?
Yes, our systems work in HVAC ducts and other confined spaces where visual access is limited, providing detailed interior assessments.
How are Chim-Scan units constructed?
Units are hand-assembled in Iowa using durable aluminum and steel components, designed for longevity and field reliability.
Do you offer training for your equipment?
We provide factory training programs and certification to help professionals maximize their equipment's capabilities and inspection accuracy.
Can I upgrade my Chim-Scan system?
Our modular designs allow upgrades to cameras, recording devices, and lighting components as new technologies become available.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Jason Schmidt
Jan 29, 2022
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Tom and Esther are professionals dedicated to the hearth industry. They truly care about the success of their clients, such as ourselves. We love their innovative products and customer support. They strive to continually improve, even on their current products. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Dr. Soot Chimney Sweep
Apr 11, 2021
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Just visited Tom and crew at his facility. Great to see the inner workings of these well built and thought out chimney camera systems. Keep up the good work as our industry needs this kind of passion and innovation!
Chase Elder
Aug 20, 2018
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Fantastic service, very customer friendly and they explained every step of the process. I highly recommend giving them a call if you are needing a chimney cleaned and or inspected.
Steven Scally
Jun 07, 2018
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I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with my new ChimScan camera system! The dual lighthouse camera is amazing and will really help us out when inspecting some of these old New England chimneys. We love having the keyboard option so that we can input the clients name and the date right onto the pictures. This is especially helpful for us back in the office when we have to go through numerous client pictures at the end of a long day. The fact that everything fits nicely into a sturdy case is also much appreciated. I love this new system so much that I want to have my other unit upgraded as well