Chimney Inspections
Chimneys should be inspected so that a professional can check for damages or the presence of any material that could be a fire hazard. The Chimney USA team offers chimney inspection services for homeowners in Chesapeake, VA and surrounding communities. Look to us for friendly and affordable services and ensure that your chimney is safe for your home.
To schedule an inspection, call
(757) 333-4744
There are About 25,000 Chimney Fires Each Year
Every year in the U.S., there are approximately 25,000 chimney-related fires. These fires account for about 125 million dollars in damages yearly. It goes without saying that the results of a fire can be far more costly than having your chimney properly inspected. Chimney fires are entirely preventable if steps are taken to be sure the chimney is cleared of debris and in good condition. Most heating systems inside homes use the chimney to move toxins outside Be sure to have your chimney inspected regularly, even if you do not burn anything in your fireplace.
Inspections Prevent More than Just Fires
On top of the threat of a chimney fire, there is another hazard posed by a chimney that has not been inspected in recent years; carbon monoxide poisoning.
A malfunctioning chimney may cause carbon monoxide to flow back into the home instead of being released outside. This effect is known as backdrafting and it can occur when a home is sealed too tightly and the chimney can not work as it should. Your chimney inspector will check the chimney to eliminate any carbon monoxide risk.
NFPA Chimney Inspections
The National Fire Protection Association has standardized chimney inspection practices to clearly define the inspection processes. Inspections are categorized into 3 levels.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
A Level 1 chimney inspection is the minimum inspection requirement, intended for situations in which the homeowner will continue to use the same appliance or vent system as before chimney work begins. As part of a Level 1 inspection, the chimney service technician will check the readily accessible portions of the exterior and interior of the chimney, the appliance, and the chimney connection. The technician will inspect the soundness of the chimney, checking the flue along with the appliance and connections. The technician should also make sure that there are no combustible deposits or obstructions inside the chimney.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
When a change is made to the chimney system, a Level 2 inspection is required. Changes to the chimney flue or fuel type or a replacement of the appliance with one that is different from the previous appliance necessitate a Level 2. A Level 2 inspection is also required in the event that a property is being sold or transferred, or if something has occurred that might have damaged the chimney. If there has been a chimney fire, building fire, or other serious event, a Level 2 inspection should be completed. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 and is more thorough. Though a Level 2 is more thorough, it requires no special tools. This type of inspection does include video scanning to check the joints and interior of the flue liners, but no destruction or removal of chimney portions is required.
Level 3 Chimney Inspection
A Level 3 inspection should be performed in the event that a lower-level inspection suggests the presence of a hidden hazard and special tools are needed to reach hidden parts of the chimney or chimney flue. A Level 3 inspection includes all of the details of the first two levels and includes removal of chimney components, when necessary.
Our Chimney Inspectors are CSIA Certified
For your safety and for the quality of our inspection work, we use CSIA certified chimney inspectors for every inspection job. To request a chimney inspection or learn more about CSIA certified inspectors, call Chimney USA at (757) 333-4744.
Serving Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Poquoson