Chimney inspection is important when it comes to looking for potential hazards that are not always visible or evident. During our inspections, we may use a special camera system to view the inside of your chimney flue. We have other tools and techniques we use to perform a complete inspection of your chimney. At the end of the inspection, you will be provided with a condition report of our findings. Recommendations to repair or correct any issues will be included. We are factory trained in the application of HeatShield® Cerfractory® Flue Sealant Chimney Repair and Resurfacing System. Sealing broken parts and/or cracks and deteriorated mortar joints in clay liners and masonry smoke chambers, greatly reduces the risk of a fire, Carbon Monoxide intrusion, as well as damage over time to your home due to heat and vapor transfer to house structures along the chimney. In fact, updating an older chimney may save you some money on your homeowner’s policy.

NFPA 211 is the standard upon which certified chimney sweeps base their services and CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are tested to three levels of inspection.

LEVEL 1 INSPECTIONS

This typically includes the area around your fireplace and firebox, smoke chamber, damper, and the area around your chimney on the outside of your home and on the roof. If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. In a Level 1 inspection, our certified technician examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. We assess the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connection, verifying the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

LEVEL 2 INSPECTIONS

A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes, such as fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. A Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property. Additionally, an operation malfunctions, building fires, chimney fires, as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. With our Video Chimney Scanning system we can detect and diagnose damage to the chimney system’s interior. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended.

LEVEL 3 INSPECTIONS

When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection is required to determine the condition of the chimney system. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection.

Call us at (309) 744-2419 to schedule an appointment.