Chimney Inspections
Inspections on your chimney should be performed annually. Let our professionals give you peace of mind and schedule your inspection today!
With A Cleaner Chimney, Your Chimney Will Be At Peak Performance
We offer Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Inspections. Our Level 1 inspection is a visual inspection of the inside and outside of the chimney to check for debris, signs of wear, and assess the integrity of the chimney system. This basic inspection should be performed annually to ensure the safety of your system. Level 2 inspections add using a camera to inspect the inside of the flue liner checking for gaps or cracks. Level 2 inspections are required for all real estate transactions, a change in appliance, or after environmental events such as earthquakes or storm damage. Performing Level 3 inspections are rare but can involve removing masonry, walls, and ceilings to inspect for severe damage. After any inspection is completed, our certified technicians provide a detailed report.
Complete Chimney Inspection
We’ve been doing this for a long time, and many local real estate companies in the NC Triad rely on us to make sure the houses they’re selling have chimneys in good working condition. No matter how you plan to enjoy your home, if you need to know the chimney is working right, give us a call and let us give you that peace of mind.
- CSIA Certified
- Multi-Point Inspection
- Guaranteed
- Thorough Report Provided
- Insured
We Offer Level 1 & Level 2 Inspections
Level 1 Inspection
If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.
In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior, and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
Level 2 Inspection
A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.
There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.
When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible* portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
Basically, a Level 2 is REQUIRED for all real estate transactions, anytime a change has taken place within the system, or when damage has occurred. We do not really need to go into a Level 3 as we do not often do those. Those include taking out walls, etc to look at the internals of the chimney if you cannot determine the cause of a problem from a level 1 or 2 inspections.
* Accessible: May require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels or coverings, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or finish.
** Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels or coverings.