We Provide Thorough Chimney Inspections At All Levels!
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 of combustible creosote and improper construction or installation. Water damage can also contribute to chimney failure relating to chimney fires.
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 CSIA-certified chimney sweep. The CSIA is the only nationwide certification program focusing on the qualifications of chimney technicians, and Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps proudly carries their certification, affirming our commitment to provide the highest quality chimney inspections, sweepings, and repairs.
The heating appliance you’re using — whether it’s a stove, an insert, or an open fireplace — is dependent on the chimney and venting system for safe and efficient operation. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that every venting system be properly and professionally inspected every year. It’s a small investment that helps prevent chimney fires, home fires, and poisoning by toxic carbon monoxide, another byproduct of combustion.
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 hasn’t changed (you haven’t installed a new appliance, or changed fuels).
Level 2/Video Inspections
When a more thorough inspection is needed, we’ll perform a Level 2 video inspection 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 the evaluation done during a Level 1 inspection. We’ll recommend a 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, or if it 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, fireplace and dryer vent systems, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps know what to do to keep you safe.
