Certified Chimney Inspections
The National Fire Protection Association’s 211 code calls for annual chimney inspections from trained, professional technicians. This requirement is laid out to ensure that homeowners can enjoy their heating appliances efficiently and safely — but it also regularly helps homeowners catch small problems while they’re manageable and affordable to fix (before, say, a costly rebuild becomes a necessity).
Chimney inspections involve a detailed, multi-point process that has been clearly outlined in the National Fire Protection Association’s code. Technicians perform one of three different levels of chimney inspection: Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) created a helpful video that offers some insight into the different levels and what you can expect:
The Basics On The Different Levels Of Chimney Inspections
Level 1 Inspections:
Your CSIA-certified Advanced Chimney Techniques technician will recommend a Level 1 inspection if your system and use of it hasn’t changed, and you haven’t added a new appliance or augmented/changed your venting system. With this inspection, we’ll examine the accessible parts of your chimney’s interior and exterior and your appliance and its connection to the chimney, to make sure that everything is functioning correctly and that blockages and combustible deposits aren’t present.
Level 2 – Real Estate & Video Inspections:
A more thorough, Level 2 chimney inspection is the right choice if the property is being bought or sold, or if there’s been a change to your chimney system — may be a new appliance, a new flue liner, a change in flue type, etc.. If there’s been a problem — particularly a fire or major weather event — a Level 2 inspection will be appropriate too. During these inspections, the process of a Level 1 inspection is completed, in addition to an examination of basements, crawl spaces and attics, and a check for proper clearance of combustible materials. At Advanced Chimney Techniques, we use state-of-the-art video scanning to ensure that we’re getting the closest, most detailed view of the flue. With a Level 2 inspection, any issues that might not show up during a flashlight/mirror inspection can be found.
Level 3 Inspections:
If technicians find significant issues during a Level 2 inspection, a Level 3 inspection will usually be recommended. It follows the Level 2 process but also can include removal of components or coverings (like doors or panels) to examine more thoroughly and assess the condition of the system. In addition to chimney inspections, Advanced Chimney Techniques can also take care of your annual chimney sweeping and cleaning needs. To make an appointment for either service, or both, give us a call, or use the convenient online appointment form. If our inspection indicates the need for extensive chimney repair or rebuilding, don’t worry. Our expert crew can handle this specialized type of chimney and fireplace service.
*We charge $50 at the time an estimate is provided for work, but we will be happy to apply it toward any work you hire us to perform.