Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners have their chimney inspected at least once a year. At E & E Chimney Sweeps, we’re equipped to address all your chimney cleaning and inspection needs. Our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps use state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and sweep chimneys of all models. While sweeping your system, we ensure that it’s in working order and look for any problems that could prevent peak performance and recommend what is needed for your system to burn cleanly and safely. Our Chim-Scan system, complete with a lighted camera and video monitor, lets us look at every inch inside your chimney. Contact us today to request service.
Three Levels of Inspection
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances) is the standard upon which CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps base their services. This new standard now classifies chimney and venting system inspections into three levels: Level I, Level II, or Level III. Each level of inspection has a specific scope of work and specific criteria.
Level I Inspection
This inspection is recommended when the chimney and venting system is easily accessible and when the homeowner is planning to maintain its current use. In general, this is the level of inspection performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection a certified chimney sweep verifies that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as creosote.
Level II Inspection
The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level II inspection. This inspection level is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. The scope of a Level II inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of the attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It may also include a performance test such as a smoke test or a pressure test and possibly an interior chimney video inspection if recommended by the certified chimney sweep.
Level III Inspection
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without access to concealed areas, a Level III inspection is recommended. This type of inspection confirms the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Level III inspections are generally necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to a chimney or building, or where a hazard is detected and suspected. Both the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent fire and carbon monoxide poisonings.
Trust the Professionals
Some [so-called] chimney sweeps’ only qualifications are a few brushes, a vacuum, and a ladder. You don't want those amateurs working in your home, and you definitely don’t want your family’s safety in their untrained hands. You can rest assured that E & E Chimney Sweeps will send an expert team to your home. We employ experienced professionals, and we don't use subcontractors. We look forward to providing you with our award-winning services.
