Chimney Inspections

Chimney inspection and cleaning are two key factors that can ensure the soundness and safety of your chimney.

Crown Chimney’s expert chimney professionals are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) to perform the three levels of chimney inspection, in accordance with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA):

Levels I, II and III

Level 1: Chimney Inspection: Visual Inspection
A Level 1 inspection is required annually. 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 Chimney 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: Chimney Inspection: Includes Video Inspection
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. As explained by CSIA, 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. 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.

Level 3: Chimney Inspection: Concealed Area Examination
A level 3 inspection is required under rare circumstances, and only as a last resort. If required, it would be discussed with the homeowner prior to completion. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary.

Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

* 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.

How Often Should My Chimney Be Inspected?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America and many other fire safety organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommend that chimneys and vents be inspected annually and cleaned and maintained as necessary.

Chimney inspection and chimney cleaning can increase longevity of your chimney and maintain the safety of your home heating system.

Issues identified during inspection should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming more serious and costly to repair.

DON’T BURN OUT

Postponing your flue’s annual inspection/cleaning could leave you blowing your stack this winter. Call us today to book your appointment and avoid getting stuck out in the cold.

Master Chimney Sweep
Certified Chimney Specialist
Certified Chimney Sweep
mhp
National Fireplace Institute
FIRE Certified Inspectors

Affiliations:  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Northeast Association of Chimney & Hearth Professionals (NEACHP), Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild (MCSG), Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), and BBB A+rating.