Chimney Inspection Services in Indianapolis
When it comes to your chimney, the question is not whether it should be inspected but when. Chimney safety professionals and industry leaders recommend that an Indianapolis chimney be swept and inspected annually. The reality is that residential fires can happen, and when they do, there are often catastrophic results.
The team at Brick + Ember Outfitters wants to be your go-to source for fireplace chimney inspection services. You can depend on our highly experienced professionals to keep your home in check.
Inspections Once Per Year?
When we started our business in 2011, there were 365,500 structural residential fires (house fires), resulting in 13,400 injuries and 2,240 deaths, not to mention the $6.46 billion in property loss. One of the best ways to reduce the number of fires is to have your chimney and fireplace inspected once per year for safety and functionality.
It’s proactive to schedule a professional chimney inspection with us before the temperatures drop and you’ll be using your installation regularly during winter. Brick + Ember Outfitters gets you on our schedule quickly and offers complete inspection services year-round. However, completing this process before you use your chimney gives us time to follow up with any necessary repairs should we discover something out of the ordinary.
What Kinds of Inspections Are There?
There are three different levels of chimney safety inspections, all designed and created by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Upon arrival, your outfitter will determine what level of inspection is appropriate for you.
Level One Fireplace Chimney Inspection
This inspection encompasses all easily accessible areas. No tools will be used to gain access to the inspected areas. A level one inspection should be used only on chimneys that are not suspected to have any damage.
You can think of a level one fireplace chimney inspection as a visual assessment. Our professionals review aspects your chimney assembly, such as the exterior bricks and chimney cap. The goal is to check for apparent damage. Depending on the circumstance, one of our inspectors may want to look at your chimney from inside and outside the home. We complete these inspections from ground level and do not have to climb to your roof.
Level Two Fireplace Chimney Inspection
A level two inspection is more extensive. Whenever a homeowner changes the home’s heating system, sells their home or suspects some kind of malfunction, a level two inspection should be performed. Note that a level two fireplace chimney inspection includes the visual assessment aspect of the level one procedure and builds from there.
The outfitter will do a video scan of the chimney to look for any damage or deterioration. Brick + Ember Outfitters will climb to your roof for this type of inspection to get a closer look at exterior materials, the chimney flue, lining surfaces and the condition of mortar.
Level Three Fireplace Chimney Inspection
The level three inspection is the most thorough. Outfitters may need to gain access to hidden or hard-to-reach areas. This might involve cutting drywall or making alterations.
Before allowing an outfitter to perform a level three inspection, you should discuss the process with them. Your outfitter will explain the reason for this inspection and how best to approach it if one becomes necessary. The focus of a level three fireplace chimney inspection is to assess the condition of interior and exterior chimney surfaces in greater detail. Our team will also review the insulation and combustion efficiency of your installation.
What Is the Outfitter Looking For?
Your outfitter will look for any damage, unwanted deposits or chimney buildup. All levels include an inspection of the inside and outside of the chimney, and chimney inspectors keep their eyes open for the following:
- Loose or spalling bricks
- Missing or deteriorated mortar
- Cracks in the concrete crown
- Rusted chase covers
- Nests or creatures in the chimney
- Water intrusion
- Creosote or other hazardous buildup
- Structural soundness and functionality
What Happens After a Professional Chimney Inspection?
After the initial inspection, Brick + Ember Outfitters will recommend a course of action, whether that’s necessary repairs, or the go-ahead to enjoy a fire. If there are concerns with the functionality of your chimney, your outfitter will provide you with a quote and discuss with you options for the needed repairs.
Brick + Ember Outfitters serves customers like you throughout the greater Indianapolis area and will help you decide on a service offering that meets your budget and expectations for final results. We view it as our responsibility to discover chimney problems early, inform you of your options and help you reach a logical decision for your situation.
Risks of Skipping an Annual Chimney Inspection
If you skip a chimney inspection or simply forget, you could run into all kinds of problems. These issues could cost you thousands of dollars in damages, or may result in the injury or death of you, others in the home or close neighbors.
Aside from a residential fire, a damaged or unchecked chimney can cause a homeowner to experience other kinds of unforeseen problems. Water intrusion may lead to problems including mold and structural damage. Weathering can deteriorate mortar joints and cause bricks to chip away. Any missing mortar or brick means your chimney is not functioning correctly. A damaged chimney could also affect your home’s ability to retain heat.
The structural and functional soundness of your chimney has numerous effects on the overall value and dependability of your home. Investing in your chimney is investing in the reliability of your home for the piece of mind it provides.
Get in Touch With Our Team for Inspection Services Today
Having an experienced professional complete a fireplace inspection can be the difference between dealing with drafts and staying comfortable inside your residence. Brick + Ember Outfitters believes in understanding a problem and finding the best way to fix it. We also make sure you are heard throughout our process.
For more information or to schedule a fireplace inspection, call us at (317)500-1250 or submit a form today!
