Annual Chimney Inspections

Chimney inspections are vital for a chimney to function correctly. In European folklore, storks nesting in chimneys are considered a symbol of good luck. 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.

Chimney Safety Institute of America

Chimney Inspections

In 2005, there were 24,500 fires in homes in the United States, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires started in chimneys, fireplaces, and solid fuel appliances. Sadly, 20 people died and the fires caused $126.1 million in damage to property.

Virtually all of these fires were preventable according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. 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.

Many homeowners think chimneys only need to be cleaned and inspected if they burn wood in their fireplaces/wood stoves. Whether the appliances burn gas, oil, wood, or coal. The heating systems produce toxic gases. Most heating appliances rely on the chimney to safely carry these toxic gases out of the house.

Facts About Chimney Inspections

To keep your home safe from dangerous carbon monoxide gas. You can use detectors that alert you if it’s present. However, it’s also important to have your chimney checked once a year. Therefore make sure the gas doesn’t enter your home in the first place.

As the cooler months approach, many people start fixing up their homes. They tidy up the yard, organize the garage, and clear out the basement to get ready for winter. However, one important thing that often gets overlooked is checking and cleaning the chimney. This is a crucial step to prevent any harm to your property or even to your own safety.

Why You Should Hire A Certified Chimney Sweep

It’s important to get your chimney inspected by a professional every year. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep can help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. These professionals have passed a difficult exam and are highly respected in their industry. They know all about fire codes, clearances, and how to keep your chimney in good condition. Investing in an annual inspection is a smart way to keep your home safe.

When a fire happens in a chimney, insurance investigators often ask for help from Certified Chimney Sweeps. These are professionals who have been trained to figure out if the fire started in the chimney or damaged it. The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a group that was created in 1983 to teach people how to prevent dangerous situations with chimneys. They are a non-profit organization that focuses on educating the public about chimney safety.

Levels Of Chimney Inspections

When inspecting a fireplace, stove, or other venting system, there are different levels of inspection that must be followed. In the past, chimney technicians had a lot of flexibility in how they conducted these inspections. However, on January 13, 2000, the National Fire Protection Association established a set of guidelines called NFPA 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances) to standardize these inspections. The guidelines define three levels of inspection: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. This helps ensure that inspections are consistent and thorough and that any potential issues are identified and addressed.

When you hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, they should follow a standard called NFPA 211. This standard includes three different levels of inspection, which the sweep will choose based on your specific chimney and venting system. You can also ask for the level of inspection that you think is best for your needs. Each level of inspection covers different things. The type of appliance you have and how your venting system is set up will determine the inspection needed. This helps make sure that your chimney is safe and working properly.

Therefore, if you get your chimney inspected, it’s important to know that there are three different levels of inspection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has defined these levels, and your chimney service technician should provide different services for each level. This helps ensure that your chimney is safe and working properly.

Level 1 Inspections

If you haven’t made any changes to your appliance or venting system and you’re planning to use it like you always have, then a Level 1 inspection is the least you need to do. If you’re still using the same chimney and appliance as before, it’s a good idea to get a Level 1 inspection done to make sure everything is working properly. This will help keep you safe and avoid any potential problems. In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior, and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 Inspections

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. A Level 2 inspection is REQUIRED when any changes are made to the system. 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 operation malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage to the chimney.

Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events, as well as 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. There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels, or coverings in performing 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.

No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection. 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

A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection. As well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where 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 required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

Chimney Inspections Word Definitions

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

** 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.

Chimney Inspection Rates

  • Chimney Related Service Call: $150 + tax
  • Chimney or Masonry Repair Estimates: $150 + tax
  • Basic Chimney Inspection Report: $200 + tax
  • NFPA 211 Level 1 Chimney Inspection: $250 + tax – (For previous customers already annually serviced)
  • Real Estate Chimney Inspection Report: $450 + tax – (It’s required when buying or selling a home)
  • NFPA 211 Level 2 Chimney Inspection: $450 + tax – (It’s required when buying or selling a home)
  • NFPA 211 Level 3 Chimney Inspection: Minimum Charge $500 + tax

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

Chimney Inspections