Chimney Inspections
Only Available With A Home Inspection
Does Your Dream Home Have a Fireplace?
According to Woodheat.org, about 10 million people in the United States use woodstoves or fireplaces to heat their homes. The U.S. Fire Administration adds that woodstoves and fireplaces cause just over a third of the fires in the United States. It is not unusual to find evidence of a chimney fire when inspecting a chimney flue. Poorly maintained and dirty chimneys are the major cause of these fires.
When you don’t have your chimney inspected or cleaned regularly, you put your family in danger. Unsafe chimneys not only cause massive damage from fires, but they can cause carbon dioxide or smoke buildup in your home if they cannot vent properly. If you heat your home with this method, make sure to have your chimney inspected this fall. An inspection will ensure that your fireplace operates safely this winter – protecting your home and family. The Chimney Safety Institute of America requires a Level 2 Chimney Inspection for a real estate transaction.
WHAT IS A CHIMNEY INSPECTION?
The inspector will examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements.
The inspection will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection.
Your inspector will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections.
The inspector will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and deposits.
A camera is used when appropriate for the inspection type. This would also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney.
There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolitions equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.