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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

We Offer All Three Levels Of Chimney Inspections - Ann Arbor MI - Clean Sweeps of MichiganThe 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!

Don’t Forget Chimney Inspection When Buying A Home

Fireplaces are consistently the most requested features for new home buyers. Homeowners are willing to pay the price to have one inside their home. While most buyers want a fireplace in their home, they lack the proper skills to evaluate it. Many home inspectors also lack the knowledge to spot problems associated with fireplace when buying a house. It is extremely important to have a chimney inspection performed by a certified professional before buying the new home. If you are looking for or if you have found your dream home, make sure to include a chimney inspection in addition to the home inspection. This will give you a peace of mind that your home’s fireplace is clean, safe, and ready to use.

The importance of chimney inspections for home buyers

Buying a home is an enormous investment. That is why we think it’s really important to ensure your entire home is in good condition before closing. Most buyers trust their home inspector to spot any potential problems. Only a few inspector have training regarding fireplaces and chimneys. Even thorough home inspections can fail to uncover serious safety or structural problems of a chimney system. When buying your new home, it is your right to request an inspection by an independent chimney sweep after under contract. While it is your responsibility to pay for this expense, an additional chimney inspection can help uncover any hidden fireplace or chimney problems. It can also help to identify repairs that need to be addressed before closing.

What if they already have the chimney inspected?

Many sellers include documentation from a chimney sweep as part of their disclosures about the home. If this is the case, buyers can still request a second independent chimney inspection. While a second inspection seem like an overkill, it serves as a confirmation of your findings in the original report or uncover potential hidden problems. If you have recently purchased a home, but you did not receive a report from a chimney sweep as part of the disclosures. It is extremely important to have the chimney system inspected before using your fireplace. In addition, to ensure there are no safety or structural problems with your chimney system, a preliminary inspection will help to give you a baseline to compare your chimney’s condition from year to year.

Sellers need inspections, too!

When preparing to sell your home, a chimney sweeping and inspection need be included on your to-do list before it goes on the market. Having a professional inspection before listing your home gives you a chance to identify repairs. It also reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises during home inspection. It is recommended to include a report from a licensed chimney sweep. This not only gives potential buyers a peace of mind about the fireplace system and reassure them their new home is safe.

Let us help!

Don’t be surprised or discouraged by a damaged chimney after closing your dream home. Instead, request a independent chimney inspection to ensure your new fireplace is safe, sound, and ready to use. For more information about chimney inspections for real estate, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today at 517-529-4453!

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