Chimney Inspection
An annual chimney inspection is the first step in determining that your fireplace is in proper working order and is as important as the annual cleaning, if not more so. Middle Georgia Chimney Sweeps LLC offers professional chimney inspections on three different levels as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association code.
Deterioration and decay in a chimney system is not always visible and readily apparent. Even an unused fireplace can contain hidden and often serious problems that can place you in a dangerous situation if used prior to having a professional chimney technician inspect your chimney and fireplace. Homeowners often make the assumption that their fireplace is problem free because it has not been used in several years. The fact is that deterioration or decay could have occurred since the last usage. These unseen items could lead to serious and sometimes deadly problems within your home. Problems such as blockages, chimney fires, home fires or carbon monoxide poisoning can all be issues related to the use of a fireplace lacking professional inspection and sweeping.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) levels of inspection
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
Level 1 chimney inspections should be performed annually and are performed during a chimney sweeping. The chimney technician will examine the readily accessible interior and exterior parts of the chimney to include the:
Smoke Chamber, Firebox, Damper, Stovepipe, Chimney Cap, Chimney Crown, Chimney Exterior, Masonry, Mortar Joints, Chimney Structure, Chimney Flue
Our chimney technicians will check to determine whether or not the entire chimney system is free from blockages and combustible residue.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A level 2 chimney inspection includes everything covered in Level 1 in addition to an in-depth inspection of the entire chimney system and heating appliance. A video inspection system is used to take a close look at the inside of the flue and chimney from the top to bottom. Any areas identified as a concern are written up in a report for the homeowner.
Level 3 Chimney Inspection
Level 3 chimney inspections are very rare and include all areas described in Levels 1 and 2 plus a full investigation of potential areas of deterioration and decay in areas which are not readily accessible.
This level of inspection involves component breakdown such as removal of brick, metal flue pipes, mortar, interior walls and more. A level 3 inspection is required only when a level 1 or 2 inspection reveals a serious problem that requires immediate attention.