We Offer Level 1, 2 & 3 Chimney Inspection Services Near You in Wilmington, DE
Did you know that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) – and plenty of other fire safety experts – recommends annual chimney inspections? Even if you only use your hearth every so often, it’s advised that you have a professional look at all venting systems, chimneys, stove systems, and furnace flues every single year to keep you and your family safe. And if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you’ll find that a chimney inspection is worth every penny and then some.
Looking to get your annual chimney inspection on the books? We’re here to help you out. Give us a call at 410-424-5532 or you can reach out to us online today.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Needs To Be Inspected?
- You can’t remember the last time, if ever, that your chimney was inspected.
- There’s creosote build-up on your damper or any other part of your chimney that’s at least a quarter of an inch thick.
- You open your damper and soot tumbles down.
- There’s a strong odor coming from your fireplace or chimney.
- You have just moved into a new (or new-to-you) house.
- It’s been a year since your last inspection.
At Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc., we utilize a unique camera that enables us to perform internal inspections of your chimney. We can send a camera to those hard-to-see areas to get a more complete evaluation of the condition of your chimney.
Chimney Inspection Near Me: The 3 Levels of Chimney Inspections
For a long time the chimney industry was dogged by allegations of fraud, as customers accused sweeps of only pretending to clean their chimneys or of inventing problems. The allegations arose in part because homeowners can’t generally see inside their chimneys and had to take a sweep’s word that he’d done what he was charging for and not scamming them.
Luckily for both homeowners and the chimney industry, in 2000, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) adopted three levels of chimney inspection into code NFPA 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances). This code removes inconsistencies in the way that chimney technicians across the country sweep chimneys, and it gives homeowners a way to see inside their chimneys with video scanning.
The sweeps at Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc. will be able to advise you about which of the three levels of inspection will be most appropriate for your chimney and venting system. Here’s an explanation of the three levels and of what services your technician will provide for each level as defined by the NFPA 211:
Level 1 Inspections:
The most basic type of chimney inspection, a Level 1 inspection is suggested if you haven’t changed anything about your appliance or the way you use it, and if you’ve been sticking to an annual sweeping schedule. A certified chimney technician will examine the readily-accessible parts of your chimney, inside and out, and will check to make sure your chimney doesn’t have any blockages or combustible deposits. They’ll also ensure that your chimney and flue are of sound structure and installed and connected correctly.
Level 2 Inspections:
These are the inspections that we recommend most commonly. Using Chim-Scan video scanning, Level 2 inspections are required when you make any kind of change to your heating appliance. (For instance, if you change your fuel type or have the chimney relined or you add a different type of appliance with a different input rating or efficiency.) These are also recommended upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction, fire, or weather event. This inspection comprises everything in a Level 1 inspection, in addition to portions of the attics, crawl spaces, and basements. You can also count on this inspection to address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
Level 3 Inspections:
This is the inspection that’s recommended when serious hazards are suspected. It requires the removal of parts of the building or chimney to gain access where necessary.
Those of us at Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc. have seen the aftermath of chimney and dryer fires, and we want to do everything we can to protect your family. When it comes to heating appliances, it’s never worth the risk to neglect them. Book your chimney inspection today.
We’re Ready for Your Call
To have your chimney system inspected, or to find out more about the individual inspections, contact Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc. today. You can call us or schedule your appointment online. Thanks for trusting us!
If you need chimney repairs or restoration, we’ve got you covered. Call on our chimney services experts today.