Targets of a thorough chimney inspection include:
- The structure of the chimney itself to check for cracks, decomposition and breakdown that could make it dangerous to operate
- The structure will also be inspected to ensure it has the correct clearance distance from the building materials of the home
- Any areas that show signs of water penetration
What to expect from a chimney inspection?
What To Expect From a Chimney Inspection
- Basic Inspections. Homeowners who haven’t noticed any problem with their chimney only require a basic chimney inspection.
- Chimney Inspections After Changes in Heating Systems. If your heating system has undergone changes, your chimney will need a more thorough chimney inspection.
- Major Chimney Inspections. ...
Why do you need a chimney inspection?
Why Do You Need a Chimney Inspection?
- Creosote. One of the main things a chimney inspector is looking for is creosote buildup- the flammable byproduct of burning wood.
- Weathering. Spalling is the deterioration and flaking of the chimney due to weathering. ...
- Debris. Even if you burn gas, your chimney still needs to be inspected for debris. ...
- Prevention. ...
What to look for in a chimney inspection?
What We Look For in a Chimney Inspection
- Water Damage. Masonry chimneys are tough and durable, but they can suffer extensive and expensive damage from water penetration.
- Carbon Monoxide Risks. During a chimney inspection, our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will carefully check to be sure there is nothing present in your chimney that could possibly lead to the ...
- Chimney Fire Risks. ...
What happens during a chimney inspection?
What Happens During Chimney Cleaning?
- A professional chimney sweep will leave your home cleaner and safer than it was before.
- Since cleaning out soot and creosote is a messy job, they will use drop cloths in the work area to protect your home.
- All deposits and debris are removed from the flue system with tools designed for the task. ...
- A level one inspection is completed. ...
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspection?
A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection. – When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended.
How do you self inspect a chimney?
1:102:52How to Inspect a Wood Burning Fireplace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook for any missing bricks and cracks in the mortar. Between the bricks on the floor. And the wallsMoreLook for any missing bricks and cracks in the mortar. Between the bricks on the floor. And the walls of the fireplace.
What is included in a chimney sweep?
What should a professional chimney cleaning include?Sweeping the fireplace, checking the firebox, liners, smoke chamber and flue, chimney exterior and inspecting the appliance for proper clearances.Recommendations for proper operation or replacement of equipment and necessary repairs to equipment or structure.More items...•
How often should you inspect your chimney?
once a yearBoth the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.
How do I know if my chimney is safe to use?
How to Make Sure Your Fireplace & Chimney Are SafeThere's no bird nest or debris buildup on the cap.There are no tree limbs above or near the chimney.The mortar and bricks on the chimney aren't crumbling or missing.The chimney rises at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.More items...
How do you check a chimney before use?
0:191:58Check your chimney before you use your fireplace this season - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf I shine the light right in a good spot. What you're looking at there as you go up the chimney.MoreIf I shine the light right in a good spot. What you're looking at there as you go up the chimney. And what you want to see is you don't want to see any kind of white streaks.
How do you prepare for a chimney sweep?
Your fireplace and chimney need to be cool to the touch, so the chimney sweep can perform their job without incident....1. Make Sure Your Fireplace Is CoolClear the Mantle and Firebox. ... Protect Nearby Furniture. ... Ensure Clear Access to the Fireplace. ... Notify Your Chimney Sweep of Any Concerns. ... Ask Any Questions You May Have.
How long does chimney sweep take?
It usually takes approximately half an hour to sweep each chimney. Occasionally this may take a little longer. Blockages (e.g. a bird's nest) take more time to clear because of the amount of debris that has to be removed.
What does a chimney sweep look like?
Chimney Swifts are very small birds with slender bodies and very long, narrow, curved wings. They have round heads, short necks, and short, tapered tails. The wide bill is so short that it is hard to see.
What happens if you don't sweep your chimney?
If you don't clean your chimney regularly, soot will accumulate around the flue causing an inability to draw smoke upwards. The smoke will then be directed to your room leaving black soot on the walls, furniture, and carpeting. It causes permanent staining around the chimney in some cases.
Do you need to clean your chimney if you don't use your fireplace?
Even if you no longer fire-up your fireplace, you still need to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Think of it like an annual physical for your house. Since your chimney and flue help your house “breathe,” you'll want to make sure they're in peak physical condition.
Where does creosote build up the most?
chimneyCreosote buildup increases when the air supply is restricted in the chimney, unseasoned wood is used to make a fire, and when the chimney temperature is cooler than normal. Too much creosote buildup can cause chimney fires and these low burning fires can go undetected until they spread.
How do you know if chimney is open?
Create a small fire using tinder or paper at the fireplace. If the chimney flue is open, smoke will come out of the chimney with no issues. However, if the flue isn't open, the smoke won't go through a closed flue and up the chimney. Instead, it'll force its way into your home, filling the room with smoke.
How do I know if my chimney is blocked?
Signs of a blocked chimney and its flue liner include:An excessive smell of smoke during a fire.A white residue on the walls of the flue liner.Water leakage.Debris falling towards the base of the fireplace.
Is my wood-burning fireplace safe to use?
No-burn days prevent wood smoke toxins from worsening air pollution, as breathing in these pollutants can cause health issues. What is this? So, as long as it's not a no-burn day, you're free to use a wood-burning fireplace in California.
What part of metal chimneys often rust?
If your chimney shows unsightly signs of rusting, the chimney cap is the most likely cause. Rust can also form on chimney flashing and in metal flue liners, though it is not usually as immediately obvious. Whatever the cause of rust, it is important to address the problem.
1. Soundness of structural elements and flue
Look on the interior and exterior of your home for any indications of problems or wear and tear on the basic elements of your chimney, fireplace and hearth.
2. Clearance from combustibles
Examine the structure of the chimney to make sure that combustibles are unable to contact any building materials and create a fire hazard.
3. Presence of obstructions
Make sure the chimney is free of all organic debris and leaves, animal nests and anything else that might block or impede the venting of smoke, gas and combustible byproducts and cause a chimney fire.
4. Nature and volume of combustible deposits
Assess whether byproducts like creosote have been building up on the walls of your chimney to the degree that they pose a risk of igniting.
The importance of a chimney inspection
It is vital to have your chimney inspected on an annual basis and just before you start using it regularly. These inspections will find problems in your chimney and also provide instructions on how to solve those issues.
Who should you hire for the inspection?
There are two different people who could inspect your chimney. The first one is a traditional chimney sweep but they are not qualified, for the most part, to conduct inspections and make determinations on the quality of your chimney.
Chimney inspections and maintenance FAQs
Here are the answers to some of your most important questions about your chimney, how to maintain it, and what is involved with an inspection.
Level 1 chimney inspection
Level 1 chimney inspection is the most common type of chimney inspection. It is mostly done free of charge. It is mostly done by a chimney professional without any special equipment. A chimney professional will check your chimney flue and devices to find a possible mistake, errors such as cracks, ash buildup or similar.
Level 2 chimney inspection
Level 2 chimney inspection is widely recommended. It is comprehensive and done with special equipment. The main advantage is the use of special camera. The chimney professional will precisely check your chimney flue and other devices such as stoves, fireplace and similar.
level 3 chimney inspection
Level 3 chimney inspection is the most precise inspection. It addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue.
What is the purpose of a chimney?
The primary function of a chimney is to remove soot, blockages and any creosote from the chimney liner, firebox or smoke chamber. If you keep your chimney clean, it will operate efficiently and safely. Even a small accumulation of creosote can create a fire.
What is the job of a chimney sweep?
The role of the chimney sweep is to clear the soot. They do not play any role in the inspection of the chimney. All homeowners should also know that chimney inspectors need to be certified by the Chimney Institute of America or the National Fireplace Institute.
What is level 2 inspection?
Level two is an inspection of the chimney that is necessary when the home is being sold or following structural damage to the chimney as in the case of an earthquake, tornado or fire . The inspector will examine ...
Is it bad to ask a chimney inspector for references?
There is also no harm in asking the local chimney institute for references to a company that has chimney inspector contractors. The point is that the quality of the chimney inspector is very important. They need to be certified, and they need to have the necessary experience. 5. Random chimney inspection calls and scams.
Do chimneys need to be cleaned?
A chimney needs to be regularly cleaned for it to function efficiently. However, chimney cleaning and inspection is not a DIY project, warns OnsiteProperty.com. This project requires adequate knowledge of how a chimney works and where to look for problems.
Can a chimney malfunction in winter?
In some cases, chimney malfunction can lead to a fire. Therefore, if you are thinking of buying a home with a chimney or want your old chimney inspected, you need to consult with a chimney inspector.
Is chimney inspection a scam?
Random chimney inspection calls and scams. Each homeowner should be aware that if they get random calls from people claiming to be chimney inspectors who are offering big discounts, they should not fall for it. There are many scammers out there. Cheaper is not always better.
