Book Your Chimney Inspection With Legendary Chimney Solutions Today
While we suggest booking this maintenance every year, inspections are also recommended when a homeowner makes a systemic change, replaces an appliance, or is preparing to put their home on the market.
What Are the Three Levels of Chimney Inspections?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established three levels of inspections for chimneys and other home heating appliances, which should be completed in accordance with the NFPA Standard 211. This also states that all chimneys and venting systems need to be inspected on a yearly basis.
Venting systems include chimneys venting fireplaces, chimneys venting wood stoves, chimneys venting fireplace inserts, chimneys venting furnaces (oil and gas).
Level One
A level one inspection is the most basic examination. During this process, a technician will check the readily accessible parts of the interior and exterior of your chimney. Level one chimney inspections are recommended for chimneys that are used regularly, but are not experiencing problems or showing signs of damage.
Here’s a brief checklist of what to expect:
- Your tech will look for signs that may signal an issue with the integrity of your chimney structure and/or flue.
- The technician will look at all basic appliances to make sure they are connected properly and securely.
- As part of the inspection, the technician will also check for combustible deposits or blockages within the chimney.
Level Two
A level two chimney inspection is typically required when an owner is selling their home or when any changes have been made to the system, such as a change in the fuel type or changes to the shape or material of the flue. We’d also recommend booking one of these after a natural disaster, such as a flood or tornado.
This inspection includes everything that’s incorporated in a level one inspection, as well as examinations of accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. The technician will use a camera to check the flue liner surface and look for cracks or other signs of deterioration in mortar joints.
Level Three
A level three inspection is uncommon, but sometimes necessary. When either a level one or level two inspection indicates a serious issue that cannot be accessed due to being in a hidden area of the chimney or flue, a level three inspection is recommended.
This process is more intensive and may require parts of the chimney or building structure – such as bricks, metal flue pipes, masonry, chimney crowns, and interior walls of the chimney – to be removed or demolished to gain proper access.
Preparing for a Chimney Inspection
What can you, as the homeowner, do to prepare for your inspection? There are a few things to make note of so that the process goes as seamlessly as possible.
- Don’t ignite a fire for at least 24 hours before your chimney inspection – the chimney must be cooled so the sweep can safely examine it.
- Clear off your mantle and move all furniture, rugs, and tapestries near your fireplace a few feet away from the chimney.
- If you have any specific concerns about your chimney, write them down so you remember to discuss them with the technician.
These few simple things will ensure a smooth inspection for everyone involved.
Leave It To Us – Call Now
Take the stress out of using your fireplace by booking annual maintenance with us before the start of every burning season – ideally in the spring and summer months. We’d love to be your trusted crew in the Eastern Central Florida area.
We’re easy to reach – simply dial 386-999-1329, or you can fill out our online form and we’ll be in touch. Thanks for putting faith in us – we can’t wait to show you what we can do.
Legendary Chimney Solutions does great work with their chimney leak repair services. Find out f0r yourself when you schedule an appointment.