Our Company Blog

The Different Levels of Chimney Inspections

Like every working part of a home, the chimney system is one that must be maintained properly in order to work properly. It should have the correct fuel, should be used properly, and should be assessed regularly.

CSIA Inspections

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend routine maintenance for a safe and efficient chimney system. This includes regular chimney sweeps as needed to keep an individual chimney system clean, and annual inspections to assess safety and function. CSIA inspections are the national standard to which chimneys are held. Officials will look for the CSIA signature for insurance claims, code enforcement, and home sales.

Three Levels for a Thorough Inspection

Because of the varied use of chimneys and fireplaces, not every chimney will need the same inspection. A chimney that has just endured a flue fire will need a more thorough assessment than a chimney that is used periodically and has never had a problem or change. This is why CSIA has three levels of inspections.

• Level One – This inspection is required annually when there have been no changes to the chimney system and it has been and will be used in the same way. The technician will assess all readily accessible portions of the system and needs no tools for this level of inspection. If a problem is recognized, there will need to be a more thorough examination.
• Level Two – This inspection is recommended when a hazard is discovered in a level one inspection. It is also required upon the sale or transfer of property, following a natural disaster that affects the home, or when a change is made to the chimney system. The level two inspection includes all that found in a level one inspection, in addition to an assessment of hidden portions of the system (attics, crawlspaces).
• Level Three – The most thorough inspection is recommended when a serious hazard is suspected and may include the removal of components to access those hazards. During this inspection the technician may use special tools to remove interior walls or components of the chimney in order to access the hazard, but only if required to reach the hazard. This inspection will determine what repairs must be made in order to use your chimney without putting your home and family in danger.

There are many hidden damages when you use a chimney and fireplace for home heating, but these dangers are decreased when the chimney system is properly maintained. Schedule an inspection today so that you don’t have to worry about a dangerous health emergency or accidental fire this winter.

Chief Chimney Services offers chimney inspections that include video scanning for added visibility. Our sweeps are CSIA certified, and experienced to catch even the slightest weakness in your chimney system. Call and speak to one of our sweeps today at 631-863-2460.

Operating Your Fireplace this Autumn

October for many simply means new decorations, Halloween parties, and pumpkin spice treats. For some, though, it is time to think about your fireplace. When you’re ready to light your first fire of the season, you want to know your chimney is ready, and that your fire will be safe and warm.

A Fire-Ready Fireplace

Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends routine maintenance for a safe and efficient fire. You may schedule annual chimney inspections and base your chimney sweeps on your inspector’s recommendations. You may schedule your sweep for spring, and your inspection for fall. Maybe you just want to do them both together, and that is fine, too. The important thing is that your chimney is safe and has been assessed by a certified chimney sweep before burn season.

Preparing for Winter

Your chimney may be in good shape, but you’d like some added protection. You can schedule waterproofing services with Chief Chimney Services before winter. This vapor-soluble sealant keeps water molecules out, while allowing gases to escape.

Proper Fuel Store

When you have a wood-burning fireplace, insert, or stove, you should have a supply of properly seasoned wood to burn in your fire. Burning green/fresh wood or any other material including trash and cloth, it can burn incompletely, increasing the smoke, creosote, and pollution produced by your fire. Burning seasoned wood will decrease the amount of wood you have to burn during one season, saving you in resources and utilities. You will also need chimney sweep services less often when you have an efficient fire, saving you money in maintenance and repairs.

Fireplace Safety

Burn season is long, and during cold weather, families often spend an increased time indoors. Additionally, through fall and winter there are many reasons to have guests and host get-togethers, and it’s important that everyone stays safe.

• Never leave children unattended with a fire. You can add a barrier by installing a screen or custom glass doors.
• Keep the damper open while the fire is burning to allow the smoke, gas, and particulate pollution up the flue.
• Keep decorations, furniture, and drapes away from the hearth.
• Use only proper fireplace tools and accessories when stirring the fire or adjusting logs. For added protection, use leather gloves to prevent burns.
• Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you do not have these installed, do so before lighting a fire.
• Plan a fire escape with your family and make sure to practice at least monthly so that everyone knows how to best leave the house during a fire.
• Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the house. First aid kits should only be used for minor injuries, not to replace emergency care. A fire extinguisher should be used only to escape or to put out a small fire, not to attempt to put out a house fire.

When Autumn arrives in full swing, you won’t want to wait to light your fire. Make sure it’s safe so it’s ready when you are.