Chimney Care Company's Blog
Different Levels of Inspection
If you are a homeowner and have a fireplace, you need to make sure you are always up to date on your chimney maintenance. Without it, your chimney can become at risk for chimney fires and draft problems. Since chimney sweeping has evolved over time, it can now be done quickly and easily. To schedule your appointment call The Chimney Care Co. today.
Why do I need a sweep?
It is important to have sweeps because creosotes can build up in your chimney, which can then cause harm to your family’s health. The longer you go without a chimney cleaning, the more the creosote builds. As it accumulates, it becomes more and more flammable. Creosote can also cause draft problems, the air will not flow out of the chimney and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Nature can also block your chimney by ways such as animal droppings and leaves and twigs.
It is important to make sure that whoever does the sweep is Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified. This means that the technicians follow the standard guidelines used across the nation that will get you the most of your appointment. Find a certified sweep here.
Level 1 Inspection
Level 1 inspection is the most basic level of sweeping that also comes with an inspection of all the visible parts of the chimney and also your flue. This is what your technician will find beneficial if you keep your maintenance up to date.
Level 2 Inspection
A level two inspection is a little more complex than a level 1 inspection. These are usually required whenever the technician notices a problem in the chimney. If they alert you of a problem do not use the unit, as it could be unsafe. Also, if you change the structure or fuel type of your chimney you will need a level two inspection. Lastly, if you are a new owner to the home you should have a level 2 inspection to familiarize yourself with the structure.
Level 3 Inspection
A level three inspection is the most in depth level of inspection. This is done when a problem starts in the chimney and spread to the home’s foundation and then leads to the removal of part of the home. These instances can be things such as fires or mold. If there has been any damage to your chimney, you need a Level 3 inspection as well. Make sure that no matter what kind of inspection you are having done, you have the space ready for the technicians to work by moving furniture and locking up pets. Also, don’t burn any fire for more than 24 hours to let the chimney cool down.