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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.

By Joe Sauter on February 20th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Leave a Comment

What’s Hidden in Your Chimney? The Benefits of a Video Chimney Scan

From the National Fire Protection Association to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the leading authorities on chimney safety promote the importance of having an What's Hidden in Your Chimney The Benefits of a Video Chimney Scan IMG- Indianapolis IN- Your Chimney Sweep Inc-w800-h597 annual chimney sweeping and inspectionto keep your home safe from the dangers of a chimney fire. At Your Chimney Sweep, we take our chimney inspections one step further by employing Chim-Scan video inspections.

What is a Chim-Scan inspection?

A Chim-Scan chimney inspection is, simply put, a video inspection of your chimney’s interior. For the inspection, a specialized chimney camera is inserted through your fireplace and up your chimney’s flue.

Why does Your Chimney Sweep believe in Chim-Scan inspections?

It is easy for damage to stay hidden within your chimney. While video chimney scans usually are recommended if visual inspections hint at significant interior damage, we believe video inspections are always valuable. Chim-Scan inspections allow us to spot damage early, before it can lead to major structural damage or before it can allow a fire to escape your chimney and ignite in your home.

With a Chim-Scan video inspection, we can spot a variety of problems within your chimney, from cracks in the liner to water-damaged flue tiles. Additionally, many chimney fires are small-scale blazes that go unnoticed. They can cause enough damage to weaken your chimney system and put your home at risk. With a Chim-Scan video inspection, we can spot those subtle signs of damage and help you avoid a more extensive and more dangerous chimney fire in the future.

The other major benefit of a chimney scan is that it allows us to share the results of our chimney inspections with our clients! With a Chim-Scan video inspection, you don’t have to take our word that your chimney has damage that needs to be addressed; we can show you! That video evidence can help us clearly illustrate any chimney problems and can help us work with our clients to formulate the best solutions for having their chimneys in safe working order.

When should you have a Chim-Scan inspection?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a video chimney scan as part of a Level II chimney inspection when chimney systems have undergone any changes, when they have suffered damage from a fire, a storm or a seismic event, or when a property with a chimney undergoes a sale. At Your Chimney Sweep, we believe that video chimney scans are beneficial as part of any chimney inspection to give you a clear picture of what is going on inside your chimney.

If you are worried that your chimney has suffered damage or if you are purchasing a property with a chimney needing a Chim-Scan inspection, call Your Chimney Sweep today!

By Joe Sauter on July 9th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment