Chimney Inspection - Explained
Special tool utilizes two independent cameras for Level 2 Inspection.
When should I get a Chimney Inspection?
Chimney inspections should be performed annually per NFPA 211.
Chimney Inspections are required due to the nature of a burning fire. The by products of a fire are acidic and come in direct contact with the chimney. The contact between the masonry and acidic byproducts can damage the masonry of the chimney. This can also leave residue in the chimney which is flammable, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. Too much build up of the byproducts of combustion can also leak into the home and cause respiratory issues.
Do I need my chimney cleaned prior to inspection?
Yes for most cases, but not always. If a chimney has build up that is thicker than 1/8th of an inch, a cleaning or chimney sweep is required. A build up thickness of an 1/8th inch or greater can hide any cracks and gaps in the chimney or chimney flue. A build up thickness of an 1/8th inch or greater is also considered a finding by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
Types of Chimney Inspections
In this post we are only going to cover the two main levels of chimney inspection.
Chimney Inspection - Level 1
This is the lowest level of chimney inspection. The level one inspection only covers the very basics. It is only visual and requires no special tools for completion. This is just check for structure soundness of the chimney and flue. Here at Watertite Chimney Service, we do not recommend a level 1 inspection. They are not thorough enough to ensure the health of your chimney and thus your largest investment, your home.
Chimney Inspection - Level 2 (Recommended)
A level 2 inspection includes everything a level 1 includes and more. A level 2 requires the main component of a chimney to be inspected and notify the homeowner what is not up to code. This includes taking pictures and providing homeowners with documentation that is required by insurance companies for any claims. We at Watertite Chimney Sweep recommend a level 2 inspection as it provides the most protection for our home owners. We considered the chimney inspection to be the most important service that we offer, so we take it seriously.
Fireplace diagram courtesy of potomacservices.
Chimney Inspection - Fireplace Components:
A fireplace has 9 key components. A level 1 inspection only visual inspects 3 of the main components (hearth, firebox, smoke chamber). A level 2 inspection covers all 9 components with picture and documentation. The 9 fireplace components are:
Hearth - The floor area that is in and extends our from your fireplace.
Fire box - Where the actual fire burns.
Smoke chamber - The area directly above the firebox.
Flue - The opening that runs out the exhaust gas from the fire. This is lined with a flue liner.
Ash dump clean-out - An area that aids in the gather and dumping ash/debris.
Outside Masonry - this is the masonry that is seen outside of the house.
Chimney Flashing - This is what seals the space between your roof and chimney.
Crown - This covers the top of the chimney.
Chimney Cap- Used to keep the rain and critters out.
A level 2 inspection requires the use of a special tool that utilizes 2 independent cameras for the internal chimney inspection. The first camera is for a horizontal view and can rotate 360 degrees to cover an entire chimney cross section. The second camera is fixed to the head of the rig which allows for a vertical view.
The tool is looking for any cracks or gaps in the smoke chamber or flue lining. Cracks and gaps expand and contract as heat is introduced and removed. This causes the cracks or gaps to grow larger and start to comprise the chimney. If left unchecked, these small cracks and gaps can grow lead to costly chimney repairs.
Every level 2 inspection will produce images of your chimney that can be prepared for each one of your annual chimney inspections. The comparison over the years helps identify if a chimney fire has occurred or any external deterioration. If a chimney fire or any other issue has occurred, it will be fully covered, since there is prior documentation from keeping up with annual inspections.
How Much Does A Chimney Inspection Cost?
We offer level 1 inspections at for $99.00. These are visual inspections that cover the exterior and just inside the fire place. We want to be able to put all of our homeowners at ease if they see something concerning. If we think a level 2 inspection is required, we will let you know.
A Level 2 chimney inspection is $199.00. This will include the visual inspection that the level 1 covers and add our internal inspection, utilizing our special tools. We will provide you with all necessary documentation, including images, and let you know if anything requires attention. Should you require a service or repair, we will knock the original $199.00 off the total cost.
Do you require a chimney inspection? Contact us at 502-365-6715 or here on our contact page.We are fully operational and ready to provide service for our home owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read about our cleaning practices that keep our customers and employees safe.