- Service Call (if no inspection or sweep requested)
- Level 1 Inspection (basic service)
- Level 1 Inspection & Sweep
- Level 2 Inspection (digital scan)
- Level 2 Inspection & Sweep
- Level 3 Inspection
- Dryer Vent Sweep (only, no chimney service)
- Dryer Vent Sweep with a chimney service
- Crown Repair
- Tuckpointing
- Water Repellant Applications
- Flashing Sealant
- Chase Pan Replacement
- Relining
- Prefab Wall Replacement
- General Fireplace Repairs
- Installation of prefabricated fireplace systems
- Installation of gas logs
- Conversion of gas to wood burning or wood burning to gas systems
- Smoke chamber sealant
- System change outs
In years past it was only recommended in the National Fire Code to have a chimney inspected once a year. It was up to the local sweep to inspect a fireplace to his discretion.
In 2003 the National Fire Protection Association revised the fire code and for the first time defined inspection. The NFPA 211 has created a national industry standard by developing three levels of inspection. Each level explains when a chimney should be inspected and how it should be inspected.
Level 1
WHEN: A level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service under the same conditions and with the continued use of the same appliance.
(If the chimney has not changed and you plan to use the fireplace as you always have and for annual inspections, routine cleaning of the flue and with the same fuel)
HOW: A Level 1 inspection verifies the chimney is free of obstructions and substantially free of combustible deposits (soot) .
It also includes inspections of the readily accessible portions** of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions* of the appliance and chimney connections. It covers basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installations and connections.
(This is a visual inspection only without the use of technical equipment. This is what we have done in the past and chimney sweeps have traditionally done in the history of chimney sweeping.)
Level 2
WHEN: A level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in fuel type ( i.e. changing from wood to gas logs or gas logs back to wood ), changes to the shape of or material in the flue ( relining ) or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type or input rating or efficiency.
In addition a Level 2 inspection is required on all sale and transfer of property.
Also, after an operating malfunction or external event that may have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.
HOW: A Level 2 Inspection includes everything in a level 1 inspection plus the accessible portions* of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
It shall include the use of a video scanning or other means in order to visually examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney.
It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible* locations.
There are no special tools (i.e. demolitions equipment) required to open doors, panels, or coverings in performing a level 2. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required in a Level 2.
(A Level two inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a level one mainly due to the areas inspected and the digital camera equipment.)
| Basement Inspection |
Roof top Inspection |
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| Attic Inspection |
Chim-Scan(r) Camera |
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| Chim-Scan(r) images from chimney interior |
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Level 3
WHEN: When a serious hazard is suspected a Level 3 will be required.
When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 is recommended.
A Level 3 addresses proper construction and conditions of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue.
Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection.
HOW: A Level 3 inspection includes all items in Level 1 and Level 2 inspections, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary.
Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall, opening building structure walls) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection.
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