Chimney Care Company's Blog
Have a Chimney Inspected Before You Buy or Sell a Home
The Chimney Care Company has frequently told you how important it is to have your chimney professionally inspected annually to guarantee that your fireplace and chimney system operates correctly and safely. The average annual chimney inspection is generally the most basic Level 1 inspection, but if you are buying or selling a home, you should let us know this information when you schedule your appointment so that we can prepare to provide you with the more detailed Level 2 inspection. This level of inspection is also known as a real estate chimney inspection and will give more in-depth information about the fireplace and chimney system to assure everyone that everything functions properly. The chimney sweeps employed by our company are all certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and this means they have been trained to perform the three different levels of inspections that were established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in its code NFPA 211, the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances. Our sweeps can thoroughly examine the condition of your chimney no matter which level of inspection it needs.
Can you explain the differences between Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspections?
During a Level 1 chimney inspection from The Chimney Care Company, our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps examine all of the accessible parts of your chimney system, including the firebox, the flue, the chimney cap, and the chimney crown. To ensure nothing is causing the chimney system to function unsafely or inefficiently, our chimney sweeps look out for any problems, including cracks and gaps in the masonry and the liner, blockages of the flue, accumulations of creosote deposits, and rusting and corrosion. Everything involved in a Level 1 chimney inspection is also part of a Level 2 real estate chimney inspection. This level of inspection also includes an examination of the attic, basement, and crawl space. Our chimney sweeps will also address all proper clearances from combustible materials in a Level 2 chimney inspection.
Why would I need a Level 3 chimney inspection?
Whenever our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps find a possibly hazardous problem that needs a deeper inspection, a Level 3 chimney inspection will be recommended. In a Level 3, our sweeps will need to take a closer look at the less accessible areas of your chimney, and this may require us removing doors, drywall, and even parts of the chimney itself and using specialized tools and equipment. We understand that a Level 3 chimney inspection sounds destructive, but we want you to remember that safety is our top priority. You do not want to buy a home with an unsafe fireplace and chimney system. In order to resolve safety issues and hazardous situations, a Level 3 chimney inspection is necessary.
Are you buying or selling a home? Contact The Chimney Care Company to schedule an appointment for a Level 2 chimney inspection.
Different Levels of Inspection
Let our highly skilled and CSIA certified professionals handle your chimney problems. Make an appointment with us now.
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.