Keep Your Home or Business Safe by Scheduling Your Level II Inspection and Chimney Sweep
If you use a furnace or fireplace in your home or business, there is almost nothing more important than your regular chimney sweeps and annual inspections. If your appliance and chimney has not changed, and you plan to continue use in the same way you have, then a level I inspection should be appropriate. However, there are three levels of inspections offered by certified chimney sweeps, and it’s important to learn which one you need!
What is a Level II Inspection?
In a level II chimney inspection the chimney sweep will examine the readily accessible portions of your chimney exterior, interior, appliance, and chimney connection. The technician will evaluate basic soundness of the chimney structure, flue, appliance installation and connections, and verify the chimney is free of obstruction or debris. All of these elements of the inspection exist for a level I inspection. However, a level II inspection also includes all accessible portions or the chimney interior and exterior, including attics, crawlspaces, and basements. During this inspection the technician will also address any clearance issues with area combustibles.
A level II inspection also includes a visual inspection of the interior flue lining, surfaces, and joints, whether by video device or other method.
What a Level II ISN’T
A level II chimney inspection requires no heavy machinery. If you schedule a level II inspection and the chimney sweep wants to add or remove any permanent pieces or structure to your appliance or venting system, that is work for a level III inspection.
If your certified chimney sweep notes hazardous structural issues or other dangerous problems, a level III inspection may be required.
When To Schedule a Level II
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends a level II inspection for a few reasons, and as of 2000 the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires a level II inspection for the following reasons (as per NFPA 211):
- The property is sold or transferred
- Fuel type is changed
- The chimney flue is relined
- An appliance is replaced or added
- A part or parts of the heating system has malfunctioned
- The chimney or flue has experienced a fire
- The home or business has endured an earthquake or equally catastrophic occurrence
- BTU rating has changed
While it’s important to schedule a level II inspection for these reasons, you may also need a level II inspection if the chimney sweep finds something concerning in your level I inspection.
Learn more about chimney inspections with this informational article and tutorial.
Call a Professional Today
Only a certified chimney sweep should perform level I, II, and III chimney inspections. Even insurance companies trust the sweeps to make such an assessment, and often rely on a level II inspection to determine where a chimney or flue fire originated.
Our technicians at Chief Chimney Services are licensed, certified, and insured. Our Master Sweep has 30+ years experience for all of your appliance and venting system needs. When Chief Chimney performs an inspection we use a CCTV video camera to thoroughly examine your venting system. We also provide a detailed report of our findings for your knowledge and your records.
To schedule your appointment, call or schedule online today. A technician is standing by.