Preventive maintenance is key to chimney efficiency and longevity. While you should keep your eyes and ears open to detect red flags more quickly, don’t try to be the hero by doing the inspection yourself. Considering its functionality and connection with a hazardous heating appliance, leave its routine checkups to qualified professionals.
Moreover, experienced chimney masonry repair experts, including Chimney Doctors, would tell you that not all structures and situations warrant the same level of evaluation. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are three levels of inspection:
Level 1
Examination of readily accessible components constitutes a Level 1 inspection. It involves the assessment of exterior and interior portions of the appliance and the venting system. Generally, this is performed when no notable changes like an HVAC upgrade have happened since the chimney installation or last evaluation.
Service technicians will check the structural integrity of the structure itself and the flue along with the quality of the appliance installation and relevant connections. In addition to detecting damage, the goal of a Level 1 inspection is to make sure that the chimney is free from combustion deposits and any debris.
Level 2
This type of evaluation is necessary when certain modifications to the system were made, such as chimney relining and appliance upgrades. Also, a Level 2 inspection matters upon the sale of the property or in the event of operational failure or catastrophe like an earthquake.
A Level 2 inspection doesn’t involve the removal of any permanently attached components or portions of the chimney and the house. Visual assessment by video scanning would suffice.
Level 3
When there are serious causes for concern, a more intrusive evaluation is necessary. The Level 3 inspection checklist includes the tasks performed in previous types of assessment, but it also involves the removal of certain components for better access.
Although the problem it aims to detect may seem menacing, it doesn’t automatically merit major repairs. In some cases, a chimney sweep or basic component tune-ups can solve the issue.
Entrust your preventive chimney maintenance needs to Chimney Doctors. With our 20 years of industry excellence, you can rely on our licensed and insured service crew. Call us at (518) 633-5900 now to schedule an inspection, in Saratoga Springs, NY, or any nearby area.
