4 Types of Chimney Damage Homeowners Should Look Out For
Fireplaces are a great source of warmth and comfort on a cold winter night — but like all other parts of your home, the best
November 3, 2023
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Have your chimney inspected every year, even if you hardly use it.
Chimneys change like children grow. Water, settling, and time will continue to alter the flue system. Having your chimney inspected annually, and swept when needed, is the requirement given by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211, Standards Codes for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Chimney Heroes offers whatever level of inspection is required. The most common are described here.
The requirements of chimney inspection have been outlined by the National Fire Protection Association Standard, NFPA 211. This is the standard by which all reputable, certified chimney service companies do business. Inspection needs will vary depending on the situation.
Level I Inspections include inspection of all readily accessible areas of the chimney including the appliance, chimney connection, basic soundness of structure, and the flue. Your technician will also verify the flue is free of obstructions and combustible deposits. Readily accessible areas is defined by any area that does not require tools (including ladders) to access. At Chimney Heroes we do a roof top inspection with every inspection depending on roof difficulty. Some roofs or chimneys may require scaffolding or other special equipment for our techs safety!
Level II Inspections include everything a Level 1 includes in addition to a video scan of venting portion of the chimney. This includes inspection of accessible attics, crawl spaces, and basements where the chimneys pass through. We make sure the structure is sturdy, safe, and keeps water and animals outside. If you are buying or selling a home, the NFPA recommends a Level II Inspection at a minimum. Inspection requirements for purchasing a new home are different for each transaction.
Video Scans of your chimney identifies any cracks in clay tiles, missing mortar between tiles, and moisture.
If your chimney has been damaged by an act of God, chimney fire, or has potential damage that cannot be seen by a level II inspection, then a Level III Inspection is appropriate. It is designed to uncover structural damage or problems in concealed areas of the chimney. This is a invasive inspection that will dissect the chimney as carefully as possible to find the problem and create a solution.
We inspect readily accessible areas of your chimney, verifying that the venting system is sound and clear of combustibles, confirm unobstructed flue, appliance clearances to combustibles. We check general condition of appliance, chimney or vent and connector suitability, and chimney or vent and connector clearances. We use cameras when we need to, which is quite often.
Sometimes an inspection reveals the need for a cleaning. According to the National Fire Protection Agency all chimneys and vents should be inspected annually for your safety.
If you’ve just moved into a new (to you) home, you should absolutely get it inspected before your first fire. Avoid the risk and give yourself peace of mind!
All of our chimney technicians are nationally certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). They regularly attend continuing education classes and seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and technology related to our industry.
Chimney Heroes offers the most educated and knowledgeable chimney cleaning professionals in the field.
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