Advice from Your Trusted Chimney and Fireplace Company
Most of us are fond of the crackling sounds and beautiful sight of a cozy fire on a cold wintery night. But in order to enjoy warm comfort without any interruptions, your unit needs to function smoothly and safely throughout the season. Order a periodic inspection to eliminate any concerns about chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks.
During an annual inspection, we look for buildup and blockages while a sweep will address the problems that are inhibiting performance. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you may be tempted to do this on your own. However, accessing the chimney for a thorough check is not an easy task. Trying to accomplish this without the right training and equipment may cause accidents or damage to the property. Leave fireplace inspections and chimney sweeps to the experts. Engage the services of a professional chimney and fireplace company that offers different levels of inspection.
What are the Various Levels of Inspections? Which One Do I Need When?
Established and experienced providers like Elite will typically offer 3 levels of service based on the purpose of inspection. Here is a quick snapshot of which level is suitable for you and when:
Level-One: This is a simple visual check of the fireplace and chimney without using any specialized equipment or climbing up on the roof. The service technician will look for obvious damages, obstructions, creosote buildup and soot, and inform you whether a sweep is required. The review will also include a check on the basic structure and soundness of the flue. If you light a fire quite regularly in the cold season, an annual level-one inspection is adequate.
Level-Two: Level-two offers all aspects of level-one, plus an additional check of the chimney crown from the roof. The service technician will use video scanning and specialized tools to check for any damages in the attic and crawl spaces. A video inspection of the interior may also be conducted if it is recommended during the certified sweep. You should request this if you have:
- Experienced an earthquake or a severe weather condition such as a hurricane
- Faced any major malfunction of the fireplace or the chimney
- Made major changes to the hearth’s structure or the fuel you are burning
- Purchased a new property where a structural evaluation of all appliances and heating and cooling systems is required
- On all purchase transaction
- Whenever a new appliance is being installed that uses a chimney
Level-Three: This type is considered destructive and intrusive and may involve tearing down and rebuilding of the chimney. If a hidden hazard is suspected but cannot be evaluated further due to lack of access to the concealed areas, this service level is recommended. A level-three check involves an assessment of the construction and condition of the concealed portions of the chimney structure as well as the flue.
You should request a detailed report of the inspection that you have ordered. Your provider should also offer recommendations for further services, maintenance or necessary repairs. Try to follow the recommendations in a timely manner to optimize the performance of your fireplace.
For professional and reliable chimney inspections, choose Elite Fireplace. Call us at (610) 489-4274 today or contact us online and we will be in touch soon.