Why Is Chimney Cleaning And Inspection Important
"But I never use my fireplace or mostly once or twice a year"
Even if a chimney system is not being used at all or only occasionally, for safety reasons, all chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected annually. With an annual inspection you can
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find out if your chimney needs professional cleaning from soot, creosote or animal nests
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avoid dangerous deflagrations and a chimney fire
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catch problems before they entail expensive repairs
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ensure that your cold air does not escape through the chimney
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increase the safety and performance of your heating appliance
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provide peace of mind for you and your family
Level 1 Inspection
Is a minimum requirement of inspecting readily accessible parts of the inner and outer chimney.
A Level 1 Inspection should be performed annually and is usually performed with an annual maintenance sweeping, as needed, which will clear the flue of obstructions and deposits like highly combustible creosote.
Level 2 Inspection - Including Professional Report With Digital Pictures -
A Level 2 Video Inspection is very profound and required when you have a problem with your chimney or fireplace, also upon the sale or transfer of a property including newly built homes.
When changes are made in the chimney system like a change of the used fuel type or changes to the shape of the flue or the material used in the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency, or after severe weather events and very importantly, after a chimney fire.
A Level 2 Inspection includes the entire inside of the chimney and liner - stone by stone - and the complete exterior areas of the chimney plus attics, crawl spaces and basements.
Level 3 Inspection
Is necessary when a problem is discovered during a Level 1 or 2 Inspection, but cannot be investigated without the removal of parts of the chimney and building. This is the least performed chimney inspection.
