We Provide 3 Levels of In-Depth Chimney Inspections
According to figures from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), an average of nearly 27,000 fires related to fireplaces, chimneys, and chimney connectors occur each year. These fires resulted from a variety of issues, including a failure to have the chimney cleaned (aka swept) of combustible creosote. Defective construction or improper installation of prefabricated chimney systems and appliances also account for many of these fires. Water damage can also contribute to chimney failure.
The best way to keep abreast of any issues or hazards in your chimney system is to have it professionally inspected every year by a chimney sweep that has nationally recognized credentials. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians proudly carry multiple certifications. We engage in continuing education and certification from the NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild), CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America), and NFI (National Fireplace Institute), affirming our commitment to provide the highest quality chimney inspections, sweepings, and repairs.
The vented heating appliance you’re using – whether it’s a free standing stove, a simple open hearth fireplace, or a wood stove insert that is installed in a fireplace – is dependent on the chimney and venting system. Managing risk and guaranteeing efficient operation is critical. That’s why the NFPA recommends that every venting system be thoroughly and professionally inspected every year. It’s a small investment (when compared to potential loss of property or life) that helps protect the health of your chimney and prevent chimney fires, home fires, and poisoning by toxic carbon monoxide.
Levels of Chimney Inspections
The industry standard includes three different levels of inspection:
Level 1/Visual Inspections
For a Level 1 chimney inspection, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ technicians examine readily-accessible portions of the chimney interior and exterior, as well as the appliance and chimney connectors. We’ll look for levels of creosote buildup, blockages, obvious water damage, and whether the appliance has been properly installed. This kind of visual inspection is included with all of our chimney sweeping services, and is recommended annually when your system or the way you use it hasn’t changed (you haven’t just purchased the home, installed a new appliance, or changed fuels).
Level 2/Video Inspections
When a more thorough inspection is needed, we’ll perform a Level 2 inspection (includes video scanning) that goes beyond the readily-accessible areas addressed in the visual inspection. This inspection will include a look at the attic, basement, and crawl space (so long as the removal of parts isn’t required to do so), in addition to everything that is done during a Level 1 inspection. We’ll recommend a Level 2 inspection (aka video inspection):
- if a property is changing hands
- if changes have been made to the venting system (a new appliance or fuel type)
- or if there’s been damage or possible damage (due to a chimney or building fire, a major weather event, or an earthquake)
This level of inspection allows us to more closely inspect areas of the chimney that we may not be able to see with a basic visual inspection.
Level 3 Inspection
According to NFPA guidelines, we’d only recommend a Level 3 inspection if a visual or video inspection indicated the possibility of a hidden hazard. Usually this level of inspection would require some kind of demolition (removal of chimney parts or areas of the adjacent structure) in order to access areas of concern.
Contact Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, Today!
Let Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps “Bless Your Hearth” and keep your chimney system and home as safe as possible. Call or click here to schedule your annual chimney inspection!
Our experience, paired with our continued training, helps us to quickly troubleshoot chimney issues, and offer the best options for repair or restoration available. When it comes to service for your chimney and fireplace systems, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps know what to do to keep your fires burning warmly – just where you want them and no place else.