As consummate chimney experts, chimney inspections are just one of the many indispensible functions we at Chimney Monkey provide to the Chicagoland homeowner community. Without regular chimney inspection, you can never be sure whether your chimney is liable to explode or otherwise deteriorate in dramatic fashion.
The chimney inspections we provide can be can be broken down into three categories, creatively named Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inspections, each of which a chimney aficionado such as yourself is sure to face at some point.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
As the name suggests, Level 1 inspections are fairly elementary: our Chimney Monkey technicians examine portions of the chimney exterior and interior that are readily accessible to make sure the chimney structure and flue are sound, while also verifying there are no chimney obstructions or combustible deposits. In other words (i.e., not those of the CSIA), we poke around for obvious problems.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America requires a Level 1 inspection for any kind of chimney service work to be performed. So, before we put a single finger on your chimney, we always conduct this thorough survey.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 inspection (in addition to a Level 1 inspection) is needed when any changes are made to your chimney, fireplace, or venting system. This can be anything from a change in fuel type to a change in shape, or even a change in the flue or materials.
A Level 2 inspection is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property. This ensures that you’re not getting a firecracker for a chimney when you buy your third mansion. But any kind of malfunction in your fireplace, whether due to a building fire, chimney fire, seismic occurrence (i.e., an “earthquake”), or even a rowdy hailstorm can necessitate a Level 2 inspection.
During our Level 2 inspections, Chimney Monkey experts use specialized video scanning equipment to visually confirm that that all internal structures, joints, and flue liners within the chimney a) exist, and b) are of sound integrity.
Level 3 Chimney Inspection
Level 3 chimney inspections are much rarer than the first two levels, as they are only conducted when a chimney is on its last legs. Rather than merely looking at the chimney (as reliable as this may be), Level 3 inspections actually require us to remove parts of the chimney to get a better idea of how messed up your chimney actually is. For your sake, let’s hope it never comes to that!
Either way, be sure to contact the seasoned pros at Chimney Monkey for all your chimney inspection needs! Call [insert # here] today for your free quote on chimney inspections and other chimney-related services.
Categories: Chimney Inspection
