Certified Chimney Inspections Will Save Lives

Certified chimney inspections are vital for a chimney to function correctly. In European folklore, people regard storks nesting in chimneys as a symbol of good fortune. However, it’s important to note that nests or blockages in chimneys can lead to severe issues. Some common issues are smoking problems, chimney fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s essential to avoid such risks. Conduct an annual chimney inspection and stay informed about these potential dangers.

Prevent Hazards with a Certified Chimney Inspection

Certified chimney inspections are critical to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home. Keep in mind that not all chimney companies are certified, trained professionals in their trade. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states it’s crucial to have a qualified professional inspect all fuel-burning heating systems yearly. The inspection shall include your furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues, and vents. Trust this annual maintenance not only to protect your loved ones but also to ensure that your systems operate optimally. Cracked, blocked, or creosote-coated chimneys can cause fires in fireplaces, or sparks and embers can ignite flammable materials.

CPSC estimates that fireplaces and chimneys were involved in an average of 15,800 fires per year. These fires have resulted in an average of 20 deaths and 50 injuries. This report powerfully underscores the significant impact of property loss. Revealing an average of $114.1 million in damages annually from 2017 to 2019. Addressing this issue is not only crucial but also imperative for our families, homes, and communities. Residential Fire Loss Estimate Report 2017-2019

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, all of these fires were preventable. The CSIA is a non-profit institution dedicated to public and chimney professional education. The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent these hazards.

Facts About Chimney Inspections

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that chimney cleaning and inspections are only necessary for wood-burning fireplaces or stoves. In reality, all heating appliances—whether they burn gas, oil, wood, or coal—depend on chimneys to carry dangerous gases from the home safely. The majority of chimneys that service appliances are left untouched because homeowners lack awareness or education. In some cases, animals nesting in the chimney or debris may block it, or someone may incorrectly size the chimney. This issue may allow gases to accumulate inside the chimney’s flue system, potentially allowing them to escape into the home. When this happens, it can end up in hospitalization or even death as a result. An annual certified chimney inspection can prevent these issues. All homeowners must be aware of the dangers associated with a neglected chimney and its potential impact on the safety of their family and home.

Appliances May Produce Various Toxic Gases

Furnaces and water heaters can produce various toxic gases, including carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These appliances also produce unburnt hydrocarbons, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, wood-burning units can generate a troubling mix of toxic emissions. These gases include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and various volatile organic compounds (VOSs). Notably, substances like benzene and formaldehyde among these gases are known carcinogens.

The gases emitted can seriously harm your health and worsen air quality, both indoors and outdoors. To safeguard your household and combat these dangerous pollutants, it is crucial to prioritize regular certified chimney inspections. Mainly to keep your home safe from these hazardous gases. You can use detectors that alert you if it’s present. However, it’s also essential to have your chimney checked once a year. Therefore, make sure the gas doesn’t enter your home in the first place.

Why You Should Hire a F.I.R.E. Certified Inspector

Not all chimney companies or individuals are certified, trained experts. When a chimney professional achieves the F.I.R.E. Certified Inspector certification. It means they have dedicated themselves to being the best in the chimney industry. The majority of these experts have been in the fireplace industry for at least five, ten, or even over twenty years. These professionals completed an intense week-long class and passed a challenging exam related to fireplaces and chimneys. They earned high respect in their industry.

Additionally, they possess in-depth knowledge of fire codes, clearances, fireplace construction, and appliance installation. This training also includes maintaining your chimney in good condition. It’s essential to have your chimney inspected by these professionals annually. F.I.R.E. Certified Inspectors can help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Investing in an annual certified chimney inspection is a smart way to keep your home safe and maintain peace of mind.

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Levels Of Chimney Inspections

When certified chimney professionals inspect a fireplace, stove, or other venting system, they MUST follow specific inspection levels. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has defined these levels, and your chimney service technician should provide different services for each level. In the past, chimney technicians had considerable flexibility in conducting these inspections. However, on January 13, 2000, the National Fire Protection Association established NFPA 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances) to standardize these inspections. The guidelines define three inspection levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. These levels help ensure that inspectors conduct consistent, thorough inspections and identify and address potential issues. Therefore, when you have your chimney inspected, it’s essential to understand that there are three different levels of inspection.

When you hire a F.I.R.E. Certified Inspector, they follow the standard known as NFPA 211. This standard includes three inspection levels, which they choose based on your specific chimney and venting system. You can also request the level of inspection that you believe best suits your needs. Each level of inspection covers different things. The type of appliance you have and the configuration of your venting system determine the type of inspection needed. That inspection helps ensure that your chimney is safe and functioning correctly.

Level 1 Inspections - $250

If you haven’t made any changes to your appliance or venting system and plan to use it as you have in the past, a Level 1 inspection is the minimum requirement. If you are still using the same chimney and appliance as before, it’s a good idea to have a Level 1 inspection conducted to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This helps maintain your safety and prevents potential issues.

During a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician will examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney’s exterior and interior, as well as the accessible parts of the appliance and the chimney connection. The technician will assess the structural soundness of the chimney and flue, verify that they installed the appliance correctly, and check all connections. Additionally, they will ensure that the chimney is clear of obstructions and combustible deposits.

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Level 2 Inspections - $350

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 making any changes to the system, a certified chimney professional MUST conduct a Level 2 inspection. Changes can include the 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. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is REQUIRED upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operational malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney.

Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events, and weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is more in-depth than a Level 1 inspection. No specialty tools (i.e., demolition equipment) are required to open doors, panels, or coverings during a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney.

A Level 2 inspection shall not require the removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish. We recommend conducting a Level 3 inspection when a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection indicates a potential hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without specialized tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue.

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Level 3 Inspections - Minimum Charge $1,000

A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. The chimney inspector will require the removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure to complete a Level 3 inspection. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection. In addition to the removal of specific components of the building or chimney, as necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may be necessary to determine the condition of the chimney system.

Neglecting Chimney Inspections

As the cooler months approach, many people begin preparing their homes for the season. They tidy up the yard, organize the garage, and clear out the basement to get ready for winter. However, one crucial thing that homeowners often overlook is checking and cleaning the chimney. Most homeowners believe the chimney is a durable structure. Hence, they neglect the need for any maintenance. This myth is far from the truth. Chimneys typically rise to be the highest point on homes. Therefore, when the colder weather arrives, they bear the majority of the weather’s impact. As a result, homeowners should regularly inspect their chimneys for routine maintenance.

Another reason homeowners neglect chimneys is that they sometimes fall out of their view. Since homeowners cannot see the chimney, they forget about it. For this reason, homeowners may leave the chimney undetected for many years without maintenance or repairs. Before you know it, animals, debris, or water intrusion can cause damage to the home.

Neglecting a chimney can lead to numerous common problems. These issues include cracked crowns, spalling or cracking of bricks, rusted or damaged chimney flashing, deteriorated mortar joints, and organic growth from water absorption. When these problems occur, they can cause dry rot, black mold, rust, and corrosion of metal materials within the home. These issues result in significant financial costs, costly repairs, and safety and health concerns. Therefore, regularly conducting chimney inspections and cleaning is crucial for preventing harm to your property and ensuring personal safety.

Chimney Inspections Word Definitions

* Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance, or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels, or coverings.

** Accessible: May require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels, or coverings, but will not damage the chimney, building structure, or finish.

Chimney Inspection Cost

Chimney Related Service Call: $150 + tax
Chimney or Masonry Repair Estimates: $150 + tax
NFPA 211 Level 1 Chimney Inspection: $250 + tax – (For previous customers already annually serviced)
NFPA 211 Level 2 Chimney Inspection: $350 + tax – (It’s required when buying or selling a home)
NFPA 211 Level 3 Chimney Inspection: Minimum Charge $1,000 + tax

We also offer senior discounts, multi-chimney discounts, and multi-property discounts on all work performed (please specify when booking an appointment)

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