Your chimney and fireplace are vulnerable to a variety of problems. These can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, chimney fires, or expensive structural damage.

Chimney Inspection Baltimore can help identify these vulnerabilities before they cause you harm. However, the type of chimney inspection you need depends on a number of factors.

Chimney inspections are a great way to keep your fireplace and chimney functioning at its best. They can also help you to save money and protect your home from damage caused by a chimney fire or other problem with your chimney. Chimney fires are one of the most common causes of house fires, but they can often be prevented with regular maintenance and inspections. Chimney sweeps are highly trained professionals who know how to identify and prevent problems with your chimney. They have the tools and skills needed to perform a thorough inspection of your fireplace, flue liner and chimney crown. They will also be able to clean your chimney and ensure that it is free of combustible deposits.

Level 1 Inspection

A level one chimney inspection is the most basic type of inspection. This level of inspection includes an examination of all readily accessible portions of your chimney exterior and accessible areas of your fireplace and chimney connection. The chimney sweep will be able to determine the overall condition of your venting system and make sure that it is safe for use as is.

Level 2 Inspection

A chimney level two inspection is a more detailed and in-depth version of the standard level one inspection. The level two chimney inspection is usually required if you have made significant changes to your home or fireplace, such as changing fuel types, relining the chimney flue, or rebuilding the fireplace and chimney. It is also often recommended for homeowners who have recently experienced a serious weather event or chimney fire.

During a level 2 chimney inspection, the chimney sweep will be able to look at more of the interior of your chimney and flue, including any areas that are normally hard to reach such as crawl spaces and attics. He will be able to inspect these areas for proper clearance from combustible materials and will be able to use a video scan to check the inside of your chimney walls.

As a result of this level of inspection, the chimney sweep should be able to inform the homeowner of any problems with your chimney and recommend necessary repairs. He will also be able to provide you with a quote for any work that may be needed to bring your chimney up to code.

Level 2 Inspection

A level 2 inspection is more thorough than a level 1 and takes it one step further. It consists of all the visual examinations included in a level 1 but also includes an interior chimney flue examination with a video scanning device. In addition to this, a level 2 inspection must examine any accessible portions of the chimney structure including attics and crawl spaces and look for proper clearances from combustible materials in those locations. No specialty tools are required for this type of examination, though a ladder and a flashlight might be helpful. No permanently attached portions of the chimney or home will need to be opened or demolished to perform a level 2 inspection.

Chimney fires can be devastating to homes, causing structural damage and exposing people to deadly gases. Those gases are caused by unburned fuel, smoke and other combustion byproducts that accumulate in chimneys and flue systems. Those accumulations can be the source of a number of different problems including cracking, deterioration and other structural issues. Oftentimes, these issues cannot be identified by just shining a flashlight up the flue.

The most important reason to get a level 2 chimney inspection is that it can uncover hidden issues that might pose a safety risk. For example, many times, creosote (a tar-like substance that builds up in chimneys) can deteriorate the inner walls of the flue system and cause cracking. If left unchecked, this deterioration can lead to the need for costly and dangerous repairs.

Other times, a level 2 chimney inspection is required because the fireplace or chimney system has suffered significant damage. This can happen as the result of a chimney fire or from a major natural disaster. If this damage is serious enough to need a level 2 chimney inspection, it is recommended that a level 3 inspection be done as well to determine the extent of the damage and how it can be repaired safely and effectively.

A level 2 chimney inspection is not only recommended for homeowners and potential home buyers but it is also required whenever there is a change in how a chimney or fireplace system is used. This can include a change in the type of fuel burned, relining of a chimney flue or installing a new fireplace or wood burning stove.

Level 3 Inspection

Level 3 inspections are the most thorough. They include everything in a Level 1 inspection plus a visual examination of the accessible portions of the chimney interior and exterior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. They also address proper clearances from combustible materials in accessible locations. A video scan of the flue is also performed. This is the most invasive type of inspection, but it’s often required when a serious hazard is suspected. This level of inspection is generally recommended when changes to the chimney system are being considered, upon sale or transfer of property, or if an operation malfunction has occurred.

The level of inspection that a home requires can be determined by an expert chimney sweep. This will take into consideration the age of the chimney, its condition and the use of fuel being burned. For example, a wood burning fireplace typically has a higher risk of chimney fire than an oil or gas-burning unit. Chimney experts will recommend a specific level of inspection based on this information.

These levels of inspection were formerly left to the discretion of the chimney service technician, but were recently made part of the national standard NFPA 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances). The new standardized levels allow homeowners to have more confidence that their chimney has been properly evaluated and deemed safe by an industry professional.

While many people think of chimneys and fireplaces as decorative additions to the home, they serve a very important purpose in ensuring that homes are safe for their residents. Having regular inspections done can help prevent expensive repairs, fires and other chimney-related issues in the future.

Having regular chimney inspections by a professional can also help keep the home clean and free of flammable debris, which in turn helps keep the fireplace functioning properly. It’s easy to put off getting an inspection done, but it’s important that these appointments be made, as early detection can mean less damage and fewer costly repairs down the road. In addition, the earlier problems are spotted, the easier they can be addressed and prevented.

Level 4 Inspection

A well-functioning fireplace is essential for many homeowners, especially as the winter months approach. However, it is easy to overlook your chimney and neglect regular maintenance, leading to damage and other issues that may be very dangerous. Fortunately, you can prevent these problems by getting regular inspections and taking care of your fireplace.

During a Level 1 inspection, a certified chimney service technician looks at the readily accessible components of your venting system, including your flue and chimney structure. They look for blockages, creosote accumulation and deposits of other combustible materials. They will also verify that your chimney is in good condition and working properly.

While a Level 1 inspection may be sufficient for most homes, there are occasions when a more thorough evaluation is necessary. If a problem is suspected or if the technician notices certain signs of deterioration, such as water stains on the exterior or cracking and spalling of the bricks in the chimney, a more detailed evaluation is needed.

During this evaluation, the chimney service professional will take all of the steps involved in a Level 2 inspection but also inspect other areas of the home that are in proximity to your fireplace and chimney such as attics, crawl spaces and basements. They will evaluate these areas to ensure that the chimney has adequate clearance from combustible materials and will check to see if there are any gaps or cracks in the mortar joints.

When a problem is discovered during this examination, a Level 3 inspection will be performed. This evaluation is the most invasive and thorough of the three levels and involves removing parts of the chimney to get a closer look at internal structures. This is usually done when a serious hazard has been detected or if special tools are required to reach concealed areas of the chimney and flue.

Although a chimney inspection is important for all homeowners, it is especially vital to those who use their fireplaces frequently. This type of inspection can help identify a variety of problems, from minor to major, and determine whether they are safe to continue using your chimney or if it is time for repairs.