What is a chimney inspection?

A chimney inspection is a service performed to look for buildups and blockages, followed by sweeping to remove problems inhibiting performance. In this article, we will outline what is involved in a good chimney sweep, as well as the three different levels of a chimney inspection that are available to you.

A good chimney company certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, will include these elements (and more!) within their chimney inspection:

• Rain Caps: highly recommended to prevent moisture from snow and rain to get down into your chimney, as well as birds and other critters.
• Brick and Mortar: important elements to take a close look at in every inspection to evaluate if any bricks exposed to weather need to be re-set, or if the mortar needs repointing.
• Flue Liner: cracked flue tiles and excessive creosote buildup would need attention, and if the chimney hasn’t been swept recently, they will recommend that it be cleaned before your first fire of the season in order to prevent unsafe consequences to wood-burning fireplaces, such as chimney fires.
• Fireplace Blower: these parts unfortunately do not have a filtering system to prevent buildup of dust and hair on the blower. Excessive buildup will shorten the life of this part and can even be a fire hazard.

Levels of chimney inspection

1. Level One:
   This level of a chimney inspection is recommended for a chimney that is under continued service, under the same conditions, and is with the continued use of the same appliance. If your appliance of venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system the same ways you have in the past, this level should be your base minimum action.
2. Level Two:
   This level of a chimney inspection is recommended for a chimney that has had changes made to the system. These would include its shape, material, fuel type of flue. This level of chimney inspection is required upon the sale of a property, or following an operation malfunction or even that could have caused exterior damage to the chimney.
3. Level Three:
   This level of chimney inspection is recommended for a chimney where a removal of a particular component of the building or chimney is necessary. This level of chimney inspection included everything that would be checked in a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection.

“I’m sure we’re fine for another year…”

If you choose to skip a chimney inspection or simply forget, you face the risk of running into all sorts of problems. These problems have the ability to cost you thousands of dollars in damagers, or could result in injury or death to those inside the home as well as neighbors. Residential fires are not something to be taken lightly, and the lack of regular chimney inspections is a very common cause of house-fires.
Prevent problems with an annual chimney inspection.

Call or visit our website us to schedule yours before you start using your fireplace on a regular basis this winter.