Chimney Inspections
Chimney Repair & Inspection Services
A professional chimney inspection can save you money down the line and ensure that your chimney is safe and working correctly. Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney serves customers in the Buffalo and Rochester regions including Pittsford NY, Cheektowaga NY, Irondequoit NY, Henrietta NY, Gates NY, Chili NY and many other local towns. Learn about getting a second opinion or appraisal here.
Why a Chimney Inspection Will Benefit You
Chimney and fireplace safety are of critical importance to homeowners. One of the best ways to accomplish this is with annual chimney inspections by our qualified chimney professionals.
When your chimney is checked out on a regular basis, you’re able to learn of early signs of damage and get the problems fixed before they become expensive chimney repair projects. Many issues within a chimney structure can’t easily be spotted by the average homeowner. That’s why it’s important to use only experienced chimney inspectors with solid credentials for this job.
The Different Levels of Chimney Inspections
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has outlined three levels of chimney inspection for various circumstances.
Level 1
This is the basic visual inspection recommended by the NFPA and is performed when your system hasn’t been changed or altered and no new appliance has been connected to the chimney. We’ll check the readily accessible areas of your chimney’s interior and exterior, looking for cracks, obstructions and other potential problems. Based on the condition of the flue, your technician may suggest a thorough chimney sweeping to remove obstructions and/or built-up creosote, which is a common issue with wood-burning fireplaces.
Level 2
Level 2 chimney inspections include all the tasks in Level 1 inspections with the addition of video scanning technology to closely inspect the flue’s interior. Also common with Level 2 inspections is an assessment of the attic, basement, crawlspace and other adjacent areas. Level 2 inspections are performed:
- When the home is being sold
- When a new appliance has been attached to the existing chimney (such as a gas insert being added to the masonry fireplace) or when other modifications have taken place such as the installation of a new flue liner
- When there is a malfunction or damage such as from a chimney fire, a lightning strike, severe winds or other weather events.
Level 3
This inspection is performed when a previous inspection has turned up signs of significant damage to the chimney system. Level 3 chimney inspections often involve the removal of sections of the chimney structure and/or nearby wall or ceiling materials of the home so the technician can accurately assess the issue and make recommendations for the correct repair work.
Chimney Repair
When an inspection finds brick damage, mortar joint issues, defective chimney caps, cracked chimney crowns or other issues, our experienced chimney repair technicians are ready to get to work. Having timely chimney repair or chimney rebuilding work performed before the problem gets out of hand will ensure the safety and proper operation of your chimney/fireplace system.
Your Felgemacher inspector will be able to explain exactly what’s happening with your chimney or its components and recommend the best way to remedy the problem. We take great care in performing chimney work and our only goal is your complete satisfaction with every job.
Why Homeowners in the Buffalo & Rochester NY Regions Count on Felgemacher
Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney has been performing expert chimney inspections throughout the Buffalo and Rochester regions for more than 60 years. Our experience speaks for itself, as do our certifications and memberships.
- Owners certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America
- Member of the National Fireplace Institute
- Member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
- Member of the New York State Chimney Sweep Guild
- Member of the Hearth, Patio, and BBQ Association
If it’s been awhile since your last chimney inspection, call us at (716) 907-4914 in the Buffalo NY, area or (585) 308-4914 in and around Rochester NY. We have proudly served the North Buffalo neighborhood, the Central Park neighborhood and all other towns in the Buffalo and Rochester regions since 1953.
