The Importance of a Chimney Inspection
If you have a chimney, it’s important to have it inspected at least once a year. This will help you keep your home safe and protect your family from fires. 
There are a number of different types of Chimney Inspection Charleston SC you can get. Some are more detailed than others, so make sure to choose the one that is right for you.
A chimney inspection is a must when you are about to buy a home and want to ensure that the fireplace and venting system are safe for use. It can also help prevent a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning in your new home.
A Level 1 inspection is the most basic and common type of chimney inspection. It is performed to ensure that the chimney and its flue are sound, free of obstructions, and free of combustible deposits. It is also used to check for creosote levels and verify that all connected appliances are working properly and safely.
For this inspection, a certified technician will examine the readily accessible portions of your chimney’s exterior, interior, chimney connectors, and flue. These areas will be thoroughly inspected for safety, and any issues will be addressed and fixed before you use the chimney again.
During this inspection, you should move all items away from the area of the fireplace that will be inspected. This includes picture frames, knick-knacks, furniture, and anything that could hinder the technician’s access to the fireplace or chimney.
They will insert a video camera into the chimney to look for potential problems that a visual inspection would not be able to find. These problems include cracked or damaged joints, deterioration, and other issues that may be affecting the safety of your chimney system.
Another major benefit of a Level 1 inspection is that it is typically required for newly-purchased homes and homes that have undergone any changes to the chimney, such as converting to natural gas, installing a new liner or appliance, etc. This can also be necessary for homeowners who have experienced any type of unforeseen event, such as a lightning strike or earthquake, which may have damaged the chimney structure.
A Level 2 inspection is the next step up from a Level 1 inspection. It involves a more in-depth inspection of your chimney and its venting system, including a video scan to look at the flue linings. It is also a mandatory inspection when purchasing or selling a home.
A level 2 chimney inspection is an in-depth evaluation of a chimney’s interior. A specialized video camera is used to examine the flue liner from top to bottom, which allows experts to spot signs of damage that a regular home inspection would miss.
It’s a good idea to have a Level 2 inspection done whenever there is a change in the fireplace system, such as changing fuel sources or installing a new insert. These changes may make the flue size different and cause problems.
In addition, a Level 2 inspection is required when a chimney has been damaged by fire or other damage. This could be the result of a house fire or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends this type of inspection anytime there is a change in ownership or a natural disaster that may have affected the chimney. In fact, the NFPA has even made it a requirement to get this inspection after a chimney fire or damage to the property!
For most homeowners, a level 2 inspection is a necessary part of owning a home. It helps prevent a buyer from buying a home with a faulty chimney, and it can help you determine if the chimney is safe for your family.
A level 2 chimney inspection can be performed on a variety of homes, including those with brick or stone facades. It also includes a visual inspection of the flue liner, which is critical for safety.
NFPA Code 211 states that this inspection can only be completed by professionals certified by the Chimney Safety Institute or the National Fire Protection Association. This is because the inspector must be familiar with the latest industry standards and regulations regarding a chimney’s design, maintenance, and safety.
