Why a Chimney Inspection Is A Must

Much like routine oil changes for your car or annual visits to your doctor, your chimney requires a check up by a professional to ensure that everything is working correctly. Without chimney inspections, you could miss critical damage, missing chimney parts, or blockages in the flue that could eventually spell disaster for your chimney, fireplace, or even your home. Let’s talk about what happens during an inspection and what makes them so vital for a safer and more efficient chimney.

What To Expect During Your Annual Chimney Inspection

It’s important to know what happens during an inspection in order to understand their significance in keeping your chimney safer and more efficient. First off, there are 3 levels of inspections that a technician may conduct depending on the issues at hand, each being more in depth than the last.

Level 1

A level one inspection typically consists of the visible areas of your chimney. Your technicians will inspect the exterior areas of your chimney for signs of damage or trouble.

Level 2

As we mentioned above, the second level will be a more in depth look at your chimney. This will include a visual inspection of all accessible areas of your chimney and often a video scan of the chimney’s interior.

Level 3

A Level 3 chimney inspection will consist of a thorough inspection of all inaccessible areas of the chimney. Because of the areas being inaccessible, there is often the need for special tools, and a level 3 inspection will likely result in damage to the building caused by your technician accessing those areas.

Now that you know what to expect from your inspection, let’s talk about when and why a professional chimney inspection is necessary.

When to Get an Inspection?

Annual Chimney Inspections

It is highly recommended by the National Fire Protection Association to have your chimney inspected annually as a preventative measure. This will often be a simple level 1 or level 2 inspection, except in cases where signs of damage are found that need a closer look. Having your chimney inspected annually will allow the professionals to spot and treat problems before they escalate further.

When You Notice Problems or Damage

If something seems off with your chimney, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Damage to your chimney can spread or worsen over time. Having your chimney inspected at the first sign of trouble could save you money in the long run.

Why Are Inspections So Important?

Chimney inspections can save you a big headache and an even bigger bill down the line. Inspections allow us to get ahead of damage, obstructions, leaks, and other problems before they get out of hand.

Along with saving money, you could be saving yourself and your home. In extreme situations, blockages, creosote, and other chimney trouble could become deadly or create dangerous chimney fires that spread through your home at a rapid pace.

Play it safe, give us a call or contact us online to schedule your annual inspection today!