Annual Inspections
The best way to keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently is by having regular maintenance performed. Chimney inspections are one way to keep your fireplace system in good condition; inspections are a useful tool in identifying the causes of ongoing chimney problems or to spot minor areas of damage or deterioration.
What are chimney inspections?
Chimney inspections are done by certified chimney sweeps in order to evaluate the safety and stability of your fireplace and chimney system. Chimney inspections are an important diagnostic tool and can be used to uncover the root cause of chimney issues such as leaks or drafting problems. Likewise, chimney inspections can also ensure that your entire chimney system from the top of the flue to the bottom of the firebox is in good working condition.
The National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America both recommend that all homes have their chimneys inspected at least once per year – regardless of how often your fireplace is used. Because chimney damage is often independent of fireplace use, it is important to have an annual inspection whether you use your chimney once or 100 times per year.
Why chimney inspections are important
“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”
Chimney inspections can help homeowners discover areas of damage long before they begin causing chimney problems. When caught and repaired quickly, many chimney repairs can be made quickly and with minimal expense. It is only when chimney damage continues to deteriorate that major repairs – and major costs – are needed.
Chimney inspections are more than just preventative maintenance; they are often the most important tool to help discover the root cause of a chimney problem. In the case of chimney leaks, for example, repairing the water damage will have to be done over and over again unless the root of the leak is found. An inspection can identify the cause of the leak and allow it to be repaired, preventing further damage.
The three levels of chimney inspection
There are three different levels of chimney inspection. Your certified chimney sweep can help you determine what level of chimney inspection is best for your home.
- Level 1: Level 1 chimney inspections provide a comprehensive evaluation of the accessible portions of the interior and exterior of the chimney. Level 1 inspections are recommended for homes where no changes have been made to the chimney system and there are no ongoing issues.
- Level 2: Level 2 chimney inspections are more in-depth and often use technology such as closed circuit cameras; this allows chimney technicians to better assess the condition of hard to reach areas of the chimney. Level 2 inspections are done when a change has been made to the fireplace system, such as installing a new insert, or before a home is sold.
- Level 3: Level 3 chimney inspections are in-depth and invasive; sections of the walls of your home or masonry of the chimney may need to be removed in order to access the chimney or fireplace. Because of this, Level 3 inspections are only used in the event of major natural disasters such as chimney fires when the structural stability of the chimney is in question.
Don’t delay – contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your annual chimney inspection!