Many fireplace owners out there know that an annual inspection is necessary for maintaining a safer and more efficient appliance. Having said that, there are different levels of inspections available with each offering something a little different. We feel that homeowners have a right to know what to expect from their chimney company.
Many sweeps out there stick with your standard level one inspection, but we feel a level two inspection is the only way to perform the most accurate analysis of your system’s overall health and well-being. Learn more about this process below, then get your inspection on the books as soon as possible. With fall only a couple short months away, you’ll need to get your fireplace up and running!
Difference Between A Level 1 & Level 2 Inspection
During a level one inspection, a chimney sweep will check over any easily accessible parts of your chimney without the use of any surveillance equipment. This is usually done on chimneys that haven’t had any major repairs or restoration done in the recent past. Many sweeps find this practice just fine for fireplaces that haven’t undergone any significant changes or damages in the course of the past year.
On the other hand, a level two inspection is a bit more in-depth, and this is where the video equipment comes into play. In these cases, the sweep sends a camera up to explore every nook and cranny unseen to the naked eye. Cracks, buildup, and various types of damage could easily form in these hard-to-reach areas, which is why we feel that this type of inspection needs to be our standard.
Why Inspections Are Important
So, why are inspections such a necessary investment every single year? Many feel that yearly checkups are a bit excessive, but we, along with the CSIA, strongly disagree. An inspection can offer you the peace of mind you deserve before entering any of your burning seasons, ensuring your risk of house fires and gas leaks goes down significantly.
As creosote builds up, your chimney becomes more prone to chimney fires, which then weakens it and makes your home more vulnerable to an entire house fire. Creosote is extremely flammable and very dangerous in large quantities, which is why you definitely need a certified sweep checking things over as often as possible.
Along with this, cracks and blockages could lead to gas leaks and carbon monoxide exposure. The longer any repair work goes unaddressed, the worse off your entire structure will be. Don’t take any chances…work with our team today!
Are You Buying Or Selling A Home?
The purchase or sale of a home also requires level two inspections. If you’re embarking on a new life adventure in the near future, keep this in mind as you go through your moving checklist! Then, count on us to help you out.
The time to call is now. We’re ready to hear from you!