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Buying or Selling a Home? You Need a Level Two Inspection

There is a lot that goes into owning a home with a chimney. Homeowners desire the comfort and convenience of a crackling fire and enjoy the benefits of having supplemental heat. If you’re selling or seeking a new house with a fireplace, think of it as an asset and risk. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s in everyone’s best interest to have the chimney inspected.

Chimney Inspections

home with for sale sign
Chimney inspections are offered in three levels of thoroughness according to need. A level one inspection is required annually in order to ensure safety when the system hasn’t been changed and hasn’t presented any noticeable problems. Level three inspections are thorough and somewhat invasive diagnostic inspection required when a hazard is suspected. A level two inspection is required on several occasions; when changes have been made to the system, when natural occurrences have affected the system, when a fire has occurred in the system, or when the property is sold or transferred. Make sure you have a level two chimney inspection before the sale is final!

Home Inspections V. Chimney Inspections

During the home buying/home selling process, the buyer is presented with the opportunity to schedule a home inspection to ensure the value of the property following a financial offer and before closing. The whole process has a rigid schedule, and there may be only a small window of opportunity to schedule this inspection. While scheduling it, make sure you also schedule a chimney inspection. A level two inspection will offer a detailed report highlighting hazards, damage, and recommended repairs for the buyer or for the seller’s disclosure report. Your home inspector will assess the general soundness of the chimney, but a chimney professional will assess the interior and exterior of the chimney during a level two inspection. This assessment includes all accessible portions of the chimney, including basement, attic, or crawlspaces. It even includes video surveillance, providing a look at the hidden portions of the system.

Common Level Two Findings

We complete level two inspections regularly at Chief Chimney Services. This inspection helps us to identify common wear and tear as well as serious damage that might have otherwise continued unseen. With video surveillance, we are able to diagnose liner issues, creosote buildup, water damage and more. When you schedule a chimney inspection with Chief Chimney Services, it includes a basic chimney sweep for good measure. Don’t leave your chimney up to chance; leave it up to the professionals.

Call 631-863-2460 or schedule online to have your level two inspection completed today.

By John Pilger on June 27th, 2019 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Buying or Selling a Home? You Need a Level Two Inspection

Spring Into Action

Spring Into Action This Spring & Have Your Annual Chimney Inspection

The importance of having a yearly inspection and evaluation of your chimney cannot be stressed strongly enough. When your health and safety are at risk, it is important make sure you call a trained professional to evaluate and clean your chimney and its components on annual basis. Chief Chimney Services, Inc. has earned the prestigious credentials of certified chimney sweep from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to perform a complete evaluation and inspection in order to keep your venting operating at peak capacity, controlling energy consumption and costs, and protect you from fire and toxic gas hazards.

chimney-inspection-levels-csia-suffolk-ny-chief-chimney

Spring is the ideal time to have your inspections performed.

Our mothers and grandmothers used the end of winter to signal time for their spring cleaning. A thorough cleaning helped make the transition from the demands of winter to the demands of summer. Springtime is an excellent time to also have a professional inspection of your chimney performed.

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

During the winter, you use your chimney more than other times during the year. The residue from your fires builds up in your fireplace and chimney. Not only that, the masonry of your chimney is subjected to temperature changes as the weather freezes and thaws. These temperature changes can cause cracks, leaks, and lose bricks which allow water, smoke, and toxic gasses to seep back into your home. In addition, since your chimney is warm, birds and animals may decide to make your chimney home for the winter and then may die or get trapped inside and cause dangers.

3 Levels of Inspection as described by the Chimney Safety Institute of America*

Level 1 Inspections –During a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 Inspections –A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Level 2 inspections are required when property is sold or transferred. Fires, seismic events, and weather events are reasons for a Level 2 inspection.

Level 3 Inspection – Includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

* See more here.

The Department of Consumer Protection echoes the recommendations of property experts, fire departments, insurance companies, and chimney professionals in all 50 states, “Have your chimney inspected and cleaned, preferably in late spring or early summer when heating season is over. That way, you’ll have enough time to schedule any repairs you may need before the heating season begins in the fall.”