A large number of people across the country have fireplaces and various heating appliances at home. However, thousands of households suffer from mishaps like physical harm and damage to property because chimney inspection was not performed for some reason. Chimney inspection, the process of evaluating a chimney and fireplace performance to ensure safety and timely protection against chimney-related hazards, is therefore essential for every home that uses a chimney.

Don’t Overlook the Importance of Chimney Inspection

 A Chimney Inspection Is Important On Several Fronts As It:

• Safeguards operation of the heating systems
• Averts water from leaking through
• Prevents smoke from entering the house
• Identifies blockages and obstacles
• Maintains quality of air inside the home to ensure it is at a safe level
• Detects the presence of dangerous build-ups like cracks, nests, distorted rain cap and more
• Identifies decline caused by weather change
• Enhances fireplace performance
• Prevents chimney repair expenses
• Complies with governing standards.

Depending on the circumstances and requirements, a chimney inspection is carried out on the basis of three inspection levels in accordance with official standards, viz. Levels 1, 2 and 3. Given below are salient features of the three levels:

Level 1: This is the most basic chimney inspection level which confirms that the fireplace is not facing any problem. It also examines all reachable parts of the interior and exterior of the chimney to ensure they bear no changes or signs of damage

Level 2: This is the most frequently employed chimney inspection level. It is performed by sending an inspection camera, video scanning or other equipment inside the fireplace and chimney to detect any disrepair or damage to the flue liner. It also conducts a thorough check of the external part of the chimney.

Level 3:  The most intensive and ‘invasive’ chimney inspection level, it can involve pulling down and reconstructing the chimney and surrounding walls.

Moving into a New Home? Read up on Level 2 Chimney Inspection New Jersey

Level 2 chimney inspection should be conducted at the time of buying new property to ensure safety and protection from chimney-related hazards. It is conducted by a professional who has to adhere to legal standards as per the recommendations of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The CSIA approves of only certified CSIA companies to conduct the examination.

A Level 2 Chimney Inspection Is Required When:

• Level I inspection is not adequate to determine the extent of inspection and solution required
• Determining the suitability of the chimney for new or changed services becomes necessary
• Before relining of a flue or replacement of flue lining
• When one or more connected appliances are added or removed
• Occurrences like chimney fire, weather changes, earthquake or disasters that damage the chimney
• On transfer or sale of property

The Level 2 Chimney Inspection Is Performed On All Accessible Portions Of The Chimney That Include:

• External and Internal Parts of the Chimney
• Crawl Spaces
• Areas within Accessible Attics
• Accessible Portions
• All Chimney Connections

Conducting chimney inspections at relevant levels, regularly if needed, goes a long way in ensuring your safety and well-being. It also enhances the quality of your fireplace, eliminates threats like a chimney fire, emissions of carbon monoxide and other technical hazards.