Having a chimney that doesn’t work correctly isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. Your home’s chimney is the single outlet to expel the toxic byproducts of combustion and also to draw in air to feed your fire the oxygen it needs to burn properly. But when the chimney isn’t healthy enough to do these things, serious problems can ensue. The best way to ascertain whether or not your chimney is in good shape is schedule a chimney inspection. However, there are three levels of chimney inspections and we’ll explain more detail about these below so that you can understand what happens when you need a level 2 chimney inspection in Apple Valley.
What does a Level 2 chimney inspection include?
A Level 2 chimney inspection includes a visual check of all accessible chimney areas, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It is required when selling a home, after a chimney fire, or following system modifications. This inspection also uses video scanning to detect hidden damage inside the flue.
Level 2 Chimney Inspections: What They Cover and When You Need One
The type of chimney inspection you need will depend largely on how you use your fireplace and chimney:
Level 1 Inspection
The level 1 inspection is the most basic type of inspection, and is the equivalent of a chimney sweep. This type of inspection is thorough, but is used when you aren’t changing the equipment in your fireplace, i.e., you aren’t making a change like installing an insert or stove. During a level 1 inspection, your chimney will be cleaned, the fireplace and fireplace box checked, insert or stove checked if there is one, and any blockages will be removed. If you’re unsure whether it’s time for this routine maintenance, here are some ways to tell you’re overdue for chimney cleaning.
Level 2 Inspection
This type of inspection is needed for the following:
- When you sell or buy a new home with a chimney
- When you need to line your chimney
- If you change the fuel type burning in the fireplace
- If there are changes to the materials of which the chimney is made
A level 2 inspection will include all of the tasks of a level 1 inspection, but it will also include the areas close to the chimney, including attic space, crawl space and basement space. Homeowners should also understand the risks of creosote in chimneys, which are often identified during these more comprehensive inspections.
Level 3 Inspection
Level 3 typically involves serious hazards. A level 3 inspection occurs when a chimney needs to have certain parts removed or rebuilt due to serious corrosion or damage. The tasks of levels 1 and 2 are also performed as part of level 3 service.
Maintaining your chimney is an important part of you and your home’s safety. The chimney specialists at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., will let you know what level inspection you’ll need for your Apple Valley home, so you don’t need to worry about having this information when you call us. When in doubt, relying on the benefits of certified chimney sweeps ensures your system is inspected and cleaned to the highest standards.
It’s recommended that your chimney is inspected annually, so if it has been more than 12 months since your last chimney inspection, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
