Know Your Chimney Inside & Out With A Yearly Chimney & Fireplace Inspection

Annual chimney inspections are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and should be a priority in your home, whether you use your fireplace often or not at all. Why are these inspections so important?

Every year, more than 20,000 chimney fires occur right here in the United States, resulting in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, property and personal possession loss, injuries, and even loss of life. Many of these fires start as a result of a dirty or damaged chimney system, and could be prevented if the homeowner knew the condition of the system and did something about it. By keeping up with annual chimney inspections, you’re taking the safety of your home and family into your hands, keeping on top of chimney issues so you can enjoy your system with confidence. Regardless of whether you have a wood-burning fireplace or an oil, gas, or coal-burning appliance, an annual chimney inspection should be on your calendar, every year.

There Are Three Levels Of Inspection – Which Do You Need?

Here at Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service, we specialize in all 3 NFPA levels of inspection, and can let you know which level is necessary for your chimney system. Here’s a little bit about what is inspected during each, and when and why they’re each necessary:

Level 1 – Not planning or noticing any changes with your chimney system and appliance? A level 1 Inspection is probably all you need. During a level 1 inspection, we’ll visually inspect the chimney system and the attached appliance. A level 1 inspection doesn’t require the removal of any chimney components or the use of any specialized tools.

Level 2 – Considering changing fuels, appliances, or flue liners? Noticing differences in the way your system is operating? A level 2 inspection should be performed. A level 2 is also necessary when a property is being sold or transferred, and when an operating malfunction, chimney fire, or weather event is likely to have caused damage to the system. During a level 2 inspection, we’ll use video scanning technology to inspect all readily accessible portions of the chimney system interior and exterior (including portions in attics, basements, and crawlspaces) and appliance.

Level 3– If a level 1 or 2 inspection reveals an issue in a concealed portion of the chimney system, we may need to perform a level 3 inspection. Level 3 inspections require special tools and oftentimes the removal and possible destruction of certain portions of the chimney system and home, which is why we only perform these inspections when a level 1 or level 2 inspection simply won’t do.

Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Annual Chimney & Fireplace Inspection Today

If you haven’t scheduled your chimney and fireplace inspection this year, give us a call at 800-284-8770! Annual inspections can protect you and your family from the dangers of a chimney fire and help you detect chimney damage before it compromises the integrity and safety of your system and home. Call us or click here to request your annual inspection today!

Not sure if you really need a chimney cleaning? An annual chimney and fireplace inspection can let you know if it’s time or not!

If an inspection of your chimney indicates that you need a chimney relining, don’t panic. You can rely on us for this important chimney and fireplace service. We’re committed to keeping your system in tip-top shape!