Chimney Inspections For Chimney Safety – Louisville KY

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides codes and standards for fire safety in the U.S. The NFPA Standard 211 states that fireplaces, chimneys, and vents should be inspected at least once annually. The standard is applicable, even when a chimney system or fireplace is rarely used, since hazardous blockages and deterioration can occur, making a chimney unsafe. Louisville Chimney Sweep & Repair, LLC, offers the best in chimney inspection services. Our technicians are licensed, IMI-Certified, and fully insured. Our uniformed employees will arrive at your home in a clearly marked vehicle. They will have proper credentials and their ID on hand. Due to their training and experience, you can trust that your annual chimney inspection will provide assurance that your chimney system is either in good working order or requires certain repairs.

Why is a Chimney Inspection Important?

Defects can occur in a chimney for various reasons, and those deficiencies can interfere with safe operation of the venting system for your heating appliance, whether a fireplace, wood stove, or furnace. A serious defect could lead to a disaster, such as a dangerous chimney fire or a release of potentially deadly fumes into your home.

In addition to annual inspections, it’s important to have the system checked when performance issues occur. If combustion by-products are billowing into your home instead of going up the chimney, for example, something could be wrong. Every year, many people in the U.S. are injured or killed as a result of operating a heating appliance after having neglected chimney maintenance and inspections.

If you have recently purchased a home, it could be dangerous to assume that the system is operational. You may need an inspection to determine if your chimney system is capable of handling new venting requirements for a change or upgrade to the current heating system. An inspection is important, even when your fireplace hasn’t been used for years. The types of things that can occur include animals finding their way into your chimney, creating blockage, and deterioration of the chimney or lining caused by moisture, age, or a combination of both.

Three Levels of Chimney Inspections

Three different levels of chimney inspections have been established by the NFPA, and they serve as industry standards.

Level 1 Chimney Inspection

The goal of a Level 1 Chimney Inspection is to identify any vulnerabilities or signs of deterioration that could potentially cause problems. It is not unusual for this level of inspection to be performed along with a chimney cleaning. All accessible interior and exterior components of your chimney flue, heating appliance, and connections will be examined by our expert chimney technicians. All components are checked, including the masonry and other structural elements, firebox, smoke chamber, damper, chimney cap, and chimney crown. Any potential problems identified during the inspection will be reported to you, along with recommended solutions.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

A Level 2 Chimney Inspection is recommended if you have purchased a new home or if you are making a change to your system. Whether you are getting a furnace replacement or a new wood stove or whether you are changing the fuel type or having a new chimney lining installed, contact our chimney technicians. They have proper experience and qualifications to perform all of the criteria for a Level 1 Inspection plus perform a more in-depth examination of the entire chimney and heating system, as required in Level 2. Internal joints and surfaces will be checked for any deficiencies that could compromise safety and proper performance. All findings will be provided in a detailed report, along with estimates for any repairs that may be recommended. No repairs are done without the homeowner’s prior authorization.

Level 3 Chimney Inspection

A Level 3 Chimney Inspection encompasses all points included in Levels 1 and 2 plus more in-depth investigation. Parts of the chimney may be a cause for concern and warrant removing or opening up areas, to see components that are usually obscured. Interior walls, flue pipes, masonry, chimney caps, and chimney crowns could be included. Only about 2% of all chimney inspections are Level 3 Inspections, and the purpose is to address a serious problem.

Contact our expert chimney technicians today at (502) 410-4019 to schedule a chimney inspection.