CHIMNEY INSPECTION
When to Get a Chimney Inspection?
Chimney inspections should be performed annually per NFPA 211. Chimney Inspections are required due to the nature of a burning fire. The byproducts of a fire are acidic and come in direct contact with the chimney. The contact between the masonry and acidic byproducts can damage the masonry of the chimney. This can also leave residue in the chimney which is flammable, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. Too much buildup of the byproducts of combustion can also leak into the home and cause respiratory issues.
Do I Need My Chimney Cleaned Prior To Inspection?
Yes for most cases, but not always. If a chimney has build up that is thicker than 1/8th of an inch, a cleaning or chimney sweep is required. A build up thickness of a 1/8th inch or greater can hide any cracks and gaps in the chimney or chimney flue. A build up thickness of a 1/8th inch or greater is also considered a finding by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Types of Chimney Inspections
Chimney Inspection – Level 1
This is the lowest level of chimney inspection. The level one inspection only covers the very basics. It is only visual and requires no special tools for completion. This is just check for structure soundness of the chimney and flue.
Chimney Inspection – Level 2
A level 2 inspection includes everything a level 1 includes and more. A level 2 requires the main component of a chimney to be inspected and notify the homeowner what is not up to code. This includes taking pictures and providing homeowners with documentation that is required by insurance companies for any claims.
Chimney Inspection – Fireplace Components
A fireplace has 9 key components. A level 1 inspection only visual inspects 3 of the main components (hearth, firebox, smoke chamber). A level 2 inspection covers all 9 components with picture and documentation. The 9 fireplace components are:
- Hearth – The floor area that is in and extends from your fireplace.
- Fire box – Where the actual fire burns.
- Smoke chamber – The area directly above the firebox.
- Flue – The opening that runs out the exhaust gas from the fire. This is lined with a flue liner.
- Ash dump clean-out – An area that aids in the gather and dumping ash/debris.
- Outside Masonry – this is the masonry that is seen outside of the house.
- Chimney Flashing – This is what seals the space between your roof and chimney.
- Crown – This covers the top of the chimney.
- Chimney Cap– Used to keep the rain and critters out.
A level 2 inspection requires the use of a special camera for the internal chimney inspection. The tool is looking for any cracks or gaps in the smoke chamber or flue lining. Cracks and gaps expand and contract as heat is introduced and removed. This causes the cracks or gaps to grow larger and start to comprise the chimney. If left unchecked, these small cracks and gaps can grow, and lead to costly chimney repairs.
How Much Does A Chimney Inspection Cost?
We offer level 1 inspections for $99.00. These are visual inspections that cover the exterior and just inside the fire place. We want to be able to put all of our homeowners at ease if they see something concerning. If we think a level 2 inspection is required, we will let you know.
A Level 2 chimney inspection is $199.00. This will include the visual inspection that the level 1 covers and add our internal inspection, utilizing our special tools. We will provide you with all necessary documentation, including images, and let you know if anything requires attention. Should you require a service or repair, we will knock the original $199.00 off the total cost.