The Importance of Regular Fireplace Inspections
Regular chimney maintenance is an important part of making sure your fireplace system can function safely and efficiently. And when it comes to what kind of maintenance you should have done, few things are as important as a chimney inspection.
A fireplace and chimney inspection can help spot areas of damage before they become major problems; likewise, inspections are an important too when trying to diagnose long term chimney issues such as chimney odor, animal entry, or drafting problems. This year, make sure to take care of the health of your fireplace with a chimney inspection.
What is a fireplace inspection?
Fireplace inspections are designed to have a certified chimney professional assess the overall health of your fireplace system. Doing this can provide you with information about the condition, safety, and stability of your fireplace system as well as any areas that may have been damaged or show signs of deterioration.
Why are chimney and fireplace inspections important?
While a chimney sweeping removes built up soot, ash, and creosote, a chimney inspection is often the best way to recognize early signs of chimney deterioration.
“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Chimney Safety Institute of America [CSIA] Director of Education Ashley Eldridge. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”
Because much chimney damage is the result of years of deterioration, a chimney inspection can help spot any minor issues before they turn into major problems. Likewise, chimney inspections can be an important tool in diagnosing ongoing chimney issues as well as evaluating fireplace efficiency.
Types of chimney inspections
The National Fire Protection Association created three levels of chimney inspections ranging from the basic to the in-depth. A chimney professional can recommend which type of inspection your home needs.
- Level I: Level I chimney inspections are the most basic type of chimney inspection and are used for existing systems that are not experiencing any problems. A certified chimney professional will inspect all accessible portions of the interior fireplace and exterior chimney for signs of damage or deterioration.
- Level II: Level II chimney inspections are more in depth and involve the use of closed circuit cameras and other technology. This type of chimney inspection is often performed when there has been a change to the fireplace, such as installing a new insert; likewise, Level II chimney inspections are often recommended before listing a home for sale.
- Level III: Level III chimney inspections are the most comprehensive, but also the most intrusive. Because of this, this type of inspection is only recommended if there has been significant damage to the fireplace or chimney, such as after a chimney fire or major natural disaster. Level III inspections often require the removal of masonry or interior or exterior walls in order to better access and assess the chimney.
Having a certified professional inspect your fireplace is the best way to help extend the life of your chimney system and ensure that it can operate safely and efficiently/ If you are in the Long Island area, contact Guaranteed Chimney Service today to schedule your chimney inspection!