Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

We Offer All Three Levels Of Chimney Inspections!

While chimney sweepings are important to keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently, chimney inspections are equally important. “A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” Director of Education for the CSIA Ashley Eldridge said. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Whether you use your fireplace frequently or a few times a year, an inspection is important. This helps to identify areas of damage in your chimney system such as leaks, animal entry, drafting issues, and more.

Three levels of chimney inspections

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) states that “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”. Then three levels of chimney inspection came into the picture to standardize chimney safety.

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we are proud to offer our customers all three levels of chimney inspection! The level of inspection your chimney needs depends on many factors including fireplace performance, fuel source, and maintenance. Our certified chimney sweeps can help you determine which level of chimney inspection you need.

Level I inspection

A Level I chimney inspection provides a comprehensive picture of the chimney system. Most homes only need a Level I inspections, especially if you properly maintain your chimney. During this inspection, the chimney sweep inspects all accessible interior and exterior portions of the chimney. This helps to identify areas of damage or deterioration in your chimney system that are difficult to spot.

Level II inspection

Level II chimney inspections provide a complete picture of your chimney system by using technology to inspect the flue. Our professionals use closed-circuit cameras to view the inaccessible portions of the flue to check for signs of damage. Level II chimney inspections are commonly recommended when a change has been made to the chimney system, such as changing fuel sources or installing a new insert. Level II inspections are also required before buying or selling your home.

Level III inspection

A level III chimney inspections are the most invasive inspection. It requires portions of the walls or bricks to be removed to access the chimney and flue for possible damages. Experts recommend level III inspections in cases of natural disaster such as fire, earthquake, or tornado. This inspection assesses the structural stability of the chimney and home to ensure the safety of your family.

You should add an annual inspection to your list of regular maintenance. This is critical to help identify chimney problems while they are still minor, which saves you time and money on major repairs down the road. For more information on our levels of chimney inspection or to schedule your next appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Check Out Our Service Area!

We know that finding an honest, reputable chimney sweep can prove to be more difficult than a Google search or even hiring the first person that comes to your door. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we are proud to live in the same communities we serve, and we love providing our customers with the highest quality chimney care, dryer vent care, and air duct care.

About us

Clean Sweeps of Michigan was founded in 1980 by a Clarklake fireman. We have always been dedicated to provide our friends and neighbors with the highest quality chimney, fireplace, air duct, and dryer vent services since we’ve begun. Because we live in the same communities we serve, our technicians understand the unique needs and issues that come with fireplace systems in mid-Michigan and the surrounding areas.

One of the ways we ensure our customers are receiving the best services possible is by having (Chimney Safety Institute of America) CSIA-certified chimney sweeps. In addition to this professional certification, we only employ master masons, who are members of professional organizations, such as the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and they also serve as speakers for the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Our service area

Mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana are known for cold and harsh winters. Because of this reason, many homeowners rely on fireplaces and chimneys to keep warm and comfortable when the cold strikes.

We are located in Clarklake, Michigan, and we offer a wide service area covering much of mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana. Our service area extends as far as Toledo in the east, Elkhart in the west, Lansing in the north, and Fort Wayne in the south. Our service area includes:

• Ann Arbor, MI
• Adrian, MI
• Chelsea, MI
• Lansing, MI
• Saline, MI
• Ypsilanti, MI
• Defiance County, Ohio
• Fulton County, Ohio
• Williams County, Ohio
• Allen County, Indiana
• Dekalb County, Indiana
• Elkhart County, Indiana
• Kosciusko County, Indiana
• Lagrange County, Indiana
• Noble County, Indiana
• Steuben County, Indiana
• Whitley County, Indiana

Our chimney services

With CSIA-certified chimney sweeps, master masons, and even certified Heat Shield installers, we are able to do much more than just sweeping your chimney! We offer our customers a variety of quality chimney services, from caring for the top of the flue all the way to the bottom of the firebox – and even everything in between. Our fireplace and chimney services include:

• Chimney Sweeping/Cleaning
• Chimney Inspections
• Chimney Masonry Repairs
• New Chimney Constructions
• Chimney Relining

Other services

We care for more than just your chimneys and fireplaces! Dryer vent cleaning is a good way to extend the life of your dryer and help reduce the chance of a dryer-related fire. If your dryer is not running efficiently or is experiencing problems, have the vents cleaned before heading to the appliance store!

Contact us today!

Whether your fireplace needs to be repaired, your dryer vents are clogged, or your air ducts need to be cleaned, Clean Sweeps of Michigan can handle it all. Contact us today to speak with one of our dedicated professionals and schedule your next service!