Here in the Eastern side of the county, we’re blessed with the beauty of all four seasons…and warmer days are upon us! That said, this doesn’t mean you should put off fireplace and chimney maintenance.
In order to safely enjoy those warm fires again come winter, regular preventive maintenance for your hearth is crucial.
What one thing can reduce your fire risk, keep costly chimney and fireplace repairs at bay, and give you peace of mind every time you light a fire in your fireplace?
An annual chimney inspection – and now’s the time to get it booked.
Ready to schedule with us? Call or fill out our online appointment form now.
Advantages of Early Chimney Inspections
Why do we encourage early springtime schedules for chimney inspections?
- It’s more convenient. …it’s true! Scheduling inspections before the peak season ensures more availability and convenience, avoiding the rush when demand is high.
- You might save some money. Early inspections can catch minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs, saving significant money in the long term.
- No delays come cold weather. Early inspections allow homeowners to address any issues before the cold weather sets in, ensuring the heating system is ready for use when needed.
- You’ll have peace of mind. Sure, summertime fires are less common, but that doesn’t mean you might not want to light things up during a bad rainstorm or windy day, right? Ensure it’s ready to go any time by booking your maintenance now.
What Are the Three Levels of Chimney Inspections?
Annual chimney inspections allow you to get the eyes of a pro on your chimney system – inside and out – every year. Which means, if fire risks, damage, or other issues or concerns are present, you’ll know about them early. And when you know about them, you can proactively do something about them.
That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend that every chimney system be inspected at least once a year, regardless of use.
The NFPA also provides guidance on what should be included in each inspection, so nothing gets missed. As CSIA-certified sweeps, we follow NFPA codes and standards to the letter – including those around level 1, 2, and 3 inspections. We’re happy to offer all three to our clients throughout the Raleigh area.
Here’s a little bit about each and when you might need one level over another:
Level 1
Level 1 chimney inspections are overall health assessments for well-maintained chimney systems that haven’t undergone any recent changes. If you never miss a chimney inspection, you haven’t upgraded your heating appliance or made any changes to your liner, and you’re using your system exactly as you always have, a level 1 overview should be adequate.
During a level 1 chimney inspection, we’ll assess all readily accessible portions of the fireplace and chimney connection, as well as the overall structure. This inspection does not require any specialized tools or dismantling of the system.
Level 2
Level 2 chimney inspections are more in-depth assessments designed for chimneys that have undergone changes. This is the type of inspection you’d want to schedule if you were buying or selling a home, upgrading your heating appliance, relining your flue, or changing fuels – or if you’ve experienced possible damage from a severe weather event.
During a level 2 chimney inspection, we’ll do everything we do in a level 1, adding a video scan of the chimney flue to get a good, up-close look at the inside of the system.
Level 3
Level 3 chimney inspections are typically reserved for when there’s a serious problem or hazard that we’re unable to get to the bottom of with a level 1 or 2 inspection. Because this inspection may require some dismantling of the system and the use of specialized tools, we will only conduct a level 3 after discussing it in detail with the homeowner first.
Keep Your Raleigh Area Home Free of Preventable Damage & Fire Risks With Annual Chimney Inspections
From services like annual chimney cleanings and inspections – that ensure your system is set up for success and safe for operation – to full and partial rebuilds, the team at Mr. Smokestack is equipped to handle it all. Certified with the CSIA and highly trained and experienced, our chimney techs have yet to meet an issue they can’t solve.
If you’ve been putting off scheduling your chimney inspection because you just didn’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Reach us through our website by filling out this appointment request form or give us a call today.
