The Importance of a Chimney Inspection

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to your home’s chimney, prevention begins with chimney inspections.  A chimney inspection guarantees your chimney is free from leaks or weaknesses that can cause damage to the chimney structure and your home structure, or that can put your home at risk of a dangerous chimney fire. Chimney inspections are so important in keeping your chimney and your home safe from fire or damage that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that all chimneys are inspected annually.

Not all chimney inspections are the same. The CSIA breaks chimney inspections down into three levels. Your chimney’s unique situation will help determine which type of chimney inspection you need.

Level 1 inspection

A Level 1 inspection is a base-level chimney inspection. If you have a fireplace or heating stove that you have used for years, and you plan to continue to use it in the same manner, the CSIA recommends and annual Level 1 inspection. During a Level 1 inspection, a certified chimney sweep examines the easily accessible portions of your chimney on the inside and outside of your home, as well as the easily accessible portions of your heating appliance. If you have your chimney swept and inspected annually, a Level 1 inspection should be what your chimney sweep performs.

Level 2 inspection

A more detailed Level 2 inspection is recommended when a change is made to the chimney or the heating appliance. Some of those changes include chimney relining or changes in heating fuel types. Level 2 inspections also are recommended upon the sale of a property that includes a chimney, or when a chimney has been susceptible to structural damage, such as from an earthquake, severe storm or chimney or home fire. A Level 2 inspection should include a video scan of the chimney flue, all of the same checks as a Level 1 inspection and inspection of the portions of the chimney that can be accessed through attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Level 3 inspections

Level 3 inspections are performed when severe chimney damage that constitutes a hazard is suspected but can’t be observed with a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection. A Level 3 inspection involves all of the checks of Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, but the chimney technician will go further by removing parts of the chimney or building structure to better access and assess chimney damage.

If your chimney is overdue for an inspection, if you suspect your chimney is leaking or damaged, or if you are buying or selling a home with a chimney, call the Chimney Care Co. to schedule your inspection today! We can help you determine which level of inspection is appropriate, and we can help you prevent any further damage or dangers from unchecked problems in your chimney.