Chimney Inspection Services
WARNING!!! Before you light that first fire, or flip the switch to ignite those gas logs, we suggest you call Owens Chimney Systems, Inc to schedule a thorough Chimney Inspection of your fireplace and chimney.
With every fireplace and chimney that we sweep and service, our certified technician will conduct a Level I, II, or III Inspection, based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Industry Standards. The Level of Inspection will be based on your chimney's situation/condition. A Level I inspection is completed during each chimney sweeping. Also note, additional parts of our Inspection methods include an Internal Video Evaluation, Draft Diagnosis, and a Smoke Test.
Owens Chimney Systems' inspection services are also used for Commercial Properties, Home Closing Transactions, Historical Conditions as well as Post Chimney or Structural Damages.
The chart below indicates the National Fire Protection Association Standards for Inspections of Existing Chimneys. Most chimneys will receive a Level I inspection, as this is the most basic inspection level.
NFPA Standards for Inspection of Existing Chimneys
This is a brief outline of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards for Inspection of Existing Chimneys. Please contact our office for additional information or clarification of any points you may not understand. The complete reference is available for review in our office.
| Scope | Required Access |
Occasion | Indications | |
| Level I |
Basic condition of chimney and flue. Absence of combustible deposits or blockage in flue. Accessible areas of appliance and connector. |
Readily accessible areas of the chimney interior and exterior. Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connector. |
Annually During routine chimney sweeping. Upon replacement of connected appliance with a similar unit. |
When verification of serviceability for continued use under present conditions is needed. |
| Level II |
A Level I inspection and: Accessible portion of the chimney structure and all enclosed flues, including size and suitability of flues. Proper clearances to combustibles in accessible areas. |
All accessible areas, interior and exterior, including parts of the chimney passing through crawlspaces and attics. Shall include video scan or other means of flue interior visual inspection. |
Adding / removing an appliance; replacing an appliance with one of a different type of fuel. Before relining. After an event likely to cause damage. Real estate sale or transfer. |
Verification of serviceability for continued service under changing conditions, or a Level I inspection is inadequate. |
| Level III |
All areas covered by Level I and Level II Inspections. Concealed areas of the chimney structure and enclosed flues suspected of damage or malfunction. Clearances from combustibles. |
Designated parts of the chimney structure and the building, including concealed areas. Removal of parts of the chimney or building as needed to gain access to specific concealed areas. |
As needed to examine damage to the chimney or building. When a lower level inspection results in a detected or suspected hazard that can’t be checked without access to concealed areas. |
When knowledge of the condition of the chimney is critical to the renewed or continued use of the chimney. Required only for areas of concern that can’t be properly evaluated by a lower level inspection. |
Important Definitions
- Readily Accessible
- Exposed or capable of being exposed for operation, inspection, or maintenance without the use of tools or ladders.
- Accessible
- Exposed or capable of being exposed for operation, inspection, or maintenance with the use of common tools, without damage to the chimney structure, building, or finished surfaces, and without removal of permanently attached parts of the building.
- Not Accessible, Concealed
- Not capable of being exposed for operation, inspection or maintenance without the use of special tools or without damage to the chimney structure, building, or finished surfaces, or without removal of permanently attached parts of the building.
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all fireplaces and chimneys have a thorough inspection conducted yearly. In addition to this recommendation, homeowners should also discontinue usage and have an immediate inspection conducted should your system be affected by any of the following circumstances listed below:
- Chimney Fire
- Lighting Damage
- Home Purchase, should be conducted during Home Inspection
- Insertion or Removal of Gas Logs
What is an "Internal Video Evaluation" ?
An Internal Video Evaluation is a process in which a camera system is inserted into the chimney to inspect the internal condition of the chimney. This process can be done via the rooftop or from the firebox. This process provides a more comprehensive inspection of the chimneys internal conditions. Once in place, the technician will discuss the findings as displayed on the TV monitor with the Homeowner. Not all chimney inspections require a video scan. If there are certain indications given, or if the technician suspects a specific problem, then a video scan can be conducted.
Website links
- Chimney Saver Water Repellents
- http://www.chimneysaver.com/chimney_saver_water_base.html
- Golden Flue
- http://goldenflue.com/
- Chimney Caps
- http://chimneycaps.net/
- Chimney Safety Institute
- www.csia.org
- North Carolina Chimney Sweeps
- www.ncchimneysweeps.com
- NC Chimney Sweep Association
- http://www.ncchimneysweeps.com/directory.htm