Chimney Inspections

Exactly what does a chimney inspection entail? Does a chimney inspection by A to Z differ than what I will find elsewhere?

Chim Scan System Up Close

Cleaning combustible creosote from the chimney is important, but probably even more important is the subsequent inspection to try to detect the presence of potential hazards, defects, or deterioration. Because it is such an important part of what a chimney sweep does, it begs the question “Exactly what is included in a typical inspection?”

In the past, it was difficult for the consumer to distinguish exactly what an “Inspection” did and did not include. Indeed, even within our industry, opinions and policies varied widely from one company to another on the exact parameters that a typical inspection should and should not cover.

In response, the National Fire protection Association (NFPA) has helped set industry standards in this regard. Inspections come in many forms and you should be aware that not all inspections are alike . At A to Z, we follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended inspection procedures, and as such, you know precisely the parameters of your inspection. Because we feel so strongly that an educated customer is a customer for life, we are one of the few companies in the Sacramento Area which adhere to these strict guidelines and procedures and give you the choice as to which inspection you desire to be performed on your home.

-Three Inspection Choices:

NFPA divides the inspection procedure into three categories, or levels. The circumstances which give rise to the inspection determine what level of inspection is to be conducted. A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level II and Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive. A Level I inspection is completed during each chimney cleaning, or sweeping.

Level I Inspection

A Level I inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing. This could include:

• Routine or annual evaluations of the venting system
• An appliance connected to the system is being replaced with a similar appliance
• During chimney cleaning or sweeping

A Level I inspection is limited to “readily accessible”* portions of the venting system, and “readily accessible” portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection. The inspector will check the readily accessible portions of the chimney, its enclosing structure, and the flue. A Level I inspection includes verification that the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.

*”Readily Accessible” is defined as all areas exposed for inspection without the need for any tools, including a ladder.

Level II Inspection

A Level II inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection and is the recommended inspection when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are changing, or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection. Several instances where a Level II inspection is specifically recommended include:

• Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency
• Prior to a flue relining
• Upon sale or transfer of the property
• After an event likely to have caused damage to the chimney, such as a chimney fire or other sudden occurrence event

A Level II inspection includes all of the requirements of a Level I inspection as well as the following:

• Inspection of “accessible” areas of attics, basements, and crawlspaces
• Accessible areas of the chimney exterior and interior
• Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection
• Video scanning, or other thorough inspection, of the flue interior
• Evaluation of the flue lining to determine that its material and sizing is appropriate for the appliances being served
• Proper clearance to combustibles in the accessible areas listed above
• Proper construction and condition of the chimney system in the accessible areas listed above

While the Level II inspection is a rather thorough inspection and requires access to many areas of the building, it does not require removal of permanent parts of the building, such as siding, drywall, chase covers or wall coverings.

*“Accessible” is defined as being exposed for inspection without damage to the chimney or building, but which may involve removing doors, panels, or coverings with commonly available tools.

Level III Inspection

A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise.  

A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection, and inspection of concealed areas to investigate known or suspected problems. In as much as certain portions of a Level III inspection require destructive action to the building, the inspector will discuss these areas with the building owner prior to the inspection.

Frequency of Inspection

NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually. In addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting systems should be inspected, such as:

1. After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake
2. Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
3. Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances
4. Prior to major system repairs

Video Scanning

A video scan is where we use a camera system which is lowered into the chimney (or pushed up from the bottom). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney from a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from the top or bottom. The camera image is viewed on a TV monitor by the inspector, and oftentimes by the home owner as well.

At no additional cost to the customer , A to Z includes Video inspections whenever we sweep a chimney serving an open face fireplace or an unlined/partially lined insert stove. Video inspections are often recommended after a chimney fire or some other form of damage to a chimney, and are a routine part of a Level II or Level III inspection.

Summary:

You should be aware that even the most thorough inspection may not reveal all problems. Some areas of a chimney simply are not accessible due to construction of the house. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns with your sweep. The recommended inspection technique will often be based on your comments and concerns. This works similar to a visit to your doctor. Your doctor probably doesn't do an EKG and take a full set of X-rays during every visit. However, if you tell the doctor you have chest pains he will perform the tests related to that problem.