What Are the Three Levels of Inspections?
Now that cooler weather is quickly approaching the Elkton, MD area, it is time to make sure your chimney and fireplace system is ready to work safely and efficiently throughout the fall and winter seasons. In order to be completely sure of this, you need to have your chimney professionally swept and inspected. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and other national fire safety organizations, you should take care of these important chimney maintenance tasks before lighting the first fire of the year. For over 20
years, Ace Chimney Sweeps has been providing professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, and we are here to help you be prepared for fireplace season. One of the most frequent questions we are asked is about the three different levels of chimney inspections. We would like to tell you more about these levels to help you know which one is right for your chimney.
LEVEL 1
The most basic level of inspection, a Level 1 inspection is included with your annual chimney sweep from Ace Chimney Sweeps. Recommended for a chimney under continued service with the same fireplace appliance, this level includes a check of the readily accessible parts of the interior and exterior of the chimney and the accessible parts of the fireplace and its connectors to the chimney. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will be making sure that the structure of your chimney is sound and that there is no damage or other problem that could cause your chimney to be unsafe to use. We will also check to be sure there are no blockages of the chimney.
LEVEL 2
If you have made any changes to your chimney and fireplace system, such as an update to your fireplace, you will need to have a Level 2 inspection. This level is also required for real estate transactions and also when an external event, like a chimney fire or a lightning strike, that most likely caused damage has occurred. A Level 2 chimney inspection includes everything we do in a Level 1 inspection as well as a visual check of the attic, basement, and crawl space. Ace Chimney Sweeps will also do a video scan of the inside of your chimney so that you will have photos to give your home insurance if necessary.
LEVEL 3
When Ace Chimney Sweeps suspects that a problem with your chimney exists in an area that needs further investigation, we will recommend a Level 3 chimney inspection. Since this level of inspection requires the removal of a chimney wall, the chimney crown, or other part of the structure, it is not recommended unless the safety of your chimney is in question.
Get your chimney ready for cooler weather by scheduling your annual professional chimney maintenance appointment now. Contact us today at Ace Chimney Sweeps to make this important appointment with one of our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps.