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The Three Levels of Chimney Inspection

Not all chimney inspections are created equal. In fact, there are three levels of chimney inspections recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The type of chimney inspection you need in your home will depend on your individual situation. Here’s what you need to know about the three levels of chimney inspections.

Level 1 Chimney Inspection

A Level 1 chimney inspection is, essentially, your basic chimney inspection. This is the type of chimney inspection you should have performed each year, as long as your chimney and fireplace have undergone no significant changes or suffered any noticeable damage. During a Level 1 chimney inspection, your chimney sweep will inspect all accessible interior portions of your chimney, as well as all exterior components of your chimney. Your sweep also ensures your fireplace or heating stove is properly installed and functioning. A Level 1 chimney inspection ensures that your fireplace and chimney are ready for use.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

A Level 2 chimney inspection is more thorough than a Level 1 inspection. It is recommended when changing your fireplace system or when a property changes hands. Also, it is necessary when your fireplace system malfunctions. In addition, it is necessary after an event that could have compromised the chimney structure, such as a house fire, an earthquake or heavy storm. A Level 2 chimney inspection includes all components of a Level 1 chimney inspection, but the inspector also enters attics or crawl spaces to further access the chimney. Finally, a specialized camera provides a thorough internal inspection of the chimney.

Level 3 Chimney Inspection

Level 3 chimney inspections fix more severe, hidden problems with the chimney structure. The chimney technician removes the portions of the chimney necessary to better view the chimney damage. That includes removing chimney crowns or chase covers, or even interior chimney walls.

Knowing the differences in chimney inspections will help you to make an informed decision about the type of chimney inspection you need. It will help you to better communicate with your chimney technician during your inspection. Remember, every chimney requires an inspection at least once a year, as well as when a property changes hands and when there’s an occurrence that could have resulted in chimney damage.

If your home is in need of a chimney inspection — from a Level 1 chimney inspection to a Level 3 chimney inspection — call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment! Our certified chimney sweeps will help ensure that your chimney and fireplace are safe for operation.

Check the inside of your flue with a Chim-Scan video chimney inspection!

When you light a fire in your fireplace, you want to be confident that your chimney is clean, sound and ready to protect your home from the heat and smoke from your fireplace. It can be difficult to do that without seeing inside your chimney. With Your Chimney Sweep’s Chim-Scan video inspection technology, we can give you a close-up look of your chimney’s flue.

When do you need the use of video technology for a chimney inspection?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends video inspections when a Level 2 or Level 3 chimney inspection is called for.

Level 2 inspections are recommended when:

• A property transfers ownership.
• When a building or chimney suffers damage from a fire, storm or earthquake.
• A heating appliance or heating fuel type changes.
• When a chimney flue is relined or changed in some way; or when the fireplace or chimney malfunctions in some way.

In addition to the video chimney scan, a Level 2 inspection includes a visual inspection of all portions of the chimney that can be reached. These include those that must be accessed through wall panels, crawl spaces and attics.

A Level 3 inspection is ordered when serious chimney damage that could pose a significant danger is suspected. In addition to all of the criteria of a Level 2 inspection, a Level 3 inspection can include the dismantling of portions of the chimney as needed to reach portions of the chimney that are believed to be damaged.

How is a Chim-Scan inspection performed?

To perform a video inspection, we insert a specialized Chim-Scan camera, mounted to a pole, up your chimney. The camera provides a live feed of the inside of your chimney flue. This enables us to see any signs of damage, blockages, past chimney fires or chimney leaks. Major benefits of the Chim-Scan inspection is that we can show you any problems within your chimney. Easing your concerns that your chimney is free from debris, damage or structural weaknesses. With the Chim-Scan camera, we also can provide you with documentation of your chimney’s flue. That means you can have pictures or footage of problems within your chimney flue. If there is a small spot that needs to be monitored, we can maintain pictures of videos of the inspection to compare changes in your chimney from year to year.

When does Your Chimney Sweep perform video chimney inspection?

At Your Chimney Sweep, we adhere to the CSIA’s recommendations for chimney inspections in all cases. However, we do go above and beyond these recommendations by providing inspections with Chim-Scan technology of all open fireplaces. This means you can be confident you are getting a thorough inspection when you hire the professionals at Your Chimney Sweep.

If your chimney is due for its annual inspection, if you are purchasing a new home with a chimney or if you suspect your chimney has suffered damage, call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule your Chim-Scan inspection today!