Get superior chimney inspections at Fireplace & Chimney Professionals.
FCPros is the ONLY company that offers “Curbside Chimney Assessments.” We will come to your home and assess your chimney’s health from your front lawn. During a Chimney Assessment, the FCP Team will evaluate your fireplace and chimney to determine if you need Annual Maintenance or our Repair/Replacement Service. Learn more about the parts of your chimney by clicking “Chimney Anatomy” button below. You can also reference the “Homeowner’s Guide” from CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America).
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE: Just like other appliances in your home, this service is recommended annually to keep your home safe and to maintain the efficiency of your fire appliance. Services include: chimney sweep and clean, cleaning cobwebs from the equipment, checking for rodent nests, testing the pilot (for gas appliances), cleaning the glass and changing the batteries in your remotes.
REPAIR / REPLACEMENT SERVICE: If after inspection we find damage to the chimney or fire appliance. The damage can be due to a variety of reasons including water/rain, age, animals or insects and even human error. In these cases, we may need to repair and (sometimes) replace parts, including: chimney flashing, chimney caps, chimney liner, chase cover, masonry and other appliance equipment.
There are three levels of inspections. Below are the definitions according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Call us today to learn more.
Inspection Levels
Level One Inspection
If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a level one inspection is a minimum requirement. A level one inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.
In a level one inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections.
The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
Level Two Inspection
A level two 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.
Additionally, a level two inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation 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 two inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a level one inspection.
When a level one or level two inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a level three inspection is recommended. A level two inspection includes everything in a level one inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and, basements.
It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a level two inspection.
A level two inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney.
No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a level two inspection.
Level Three Inspection
A level three inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a level three inspection.
A level three inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a level one and a level two inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection.
When serious hazards are suspected, a level two inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.
Inspection Definitions
*Accessible: May require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels or coverings, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or finish.
**Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels or coverings.
Call us today for chimney inspections! 610-847-2530
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