Chimney Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the nation’s governing body when it comes to standards set for chimney inspections. The NFPA outlines three levels of chimney inspections, depending on what circumstances are occurring that have triggered the inspection.

In general, the greater the number level of the inspection, the more detailed the inspection will be. We provide Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspections.

Why a Chimney Inspection?

There are an estimated 25,000 chimney fires annually in the US, accounting for nearly 125 million dollars in property loss. NFPA reports that confined fires (13% of all home structure fires) were responsible for a whopping 87% of residential building heating system-related fire deaths and 90% of heating system-related fire injuries.

Take these chimney fire statistics into consideration:

• From 2014 to 2018, a fireplace or chimney was behind 3 out of every 10 house fires in the United States.
• Nearly half (48%) of all heating-related fires happen during December, January, and February when the temperature drops.
• Woodstoves and other primary heating equipment account for 4,000 fires in the United States annually.
• Over 65% of America’s wood stoves are old and inefficient — easily leading to a chimney fire if not properly maintained or replaced.
• Between 2012 and 2014, there were an average of 22,300 fireplace, chimney, and chimney connector fires. 

We will check for one big culprit of chimney fires—creosote, which is a thick, gummy substance that’s a byproduct of burning wood. Creosote causes most chimney fires, and a chimney’s creosote buildup can cause thousands of dollars in property damage or worse.

What is a Level 1 Chimney Inspection?

Level 1 Chimney Inspection is the very minimum requirement for any appliance or venting system. It is the most common inspection and included with each full home inspection.

Level 1 Chimney Inspection Includes…

• Visual Inspection of the Chimney’s Exterior
• Visual Inspection of the Chimney’s Interior
• Visual Inspection of the Accessible Portions of the Appliance and Chimney Connection

What is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (I.E. Relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency.

A Level 2 inspection is recommended upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to 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. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection. Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces.

The Level 2 inspection is out of the scope of a home inspection and is an add-on service or a stand-alone service.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection Includes…

• Visual Inspection of the Chimney’s Exterior.
• Visual Inspection of the Chimney’s Interior.
• Visual Inspection of the Accessible Portions of the Appliance and Chimney Connection.
• Visual examination of the attic, crawlspace and other accessible areas.
• A video camera will be used to conduct a chimney scan to examine the flue and check for cracks or damage to the joints in the chimney’s structure to ensure a chimney repair is not needed.

What is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

A Level 3 Chimney Inspection is usually required when the construction of the chimney is necessary for the continued or renewed use of the chimney due to potentially unseen defects. The Level 3 inspection could include opening or removing an interior wall to access hidden parts of the chimney. This level of inspection normally occurs when a more serious problem has been identified and a method of repair needs to be determined.

We do not perform Level 3 inspections. The results of the Level 2 inspection will determine if further evaluation is necessary from a certified chimney sweep company or contractor.