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What To Look For When Having Your Chimney Inspected

A regular chimney inspection is critical to ensuring your chimney remains safe and operates efficiently all year round. Blockages and buildup of creosote can lead to dangerous restrictions causing heat and smoke to be unable to escape as well as potentially chimney fires. Just as important as having a chimney inspection, though, is ensuring that you have the right professional to do it. Here are some things to look out for when having your chimney inspected.

The Level of Inspection

There are several levels of chimney inspection, and depending on the condition of your chimney or the time that has passed since the last close inspection, a higher level of inspection may be appropriate. Here are the levels of inspection according to the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Level One: A level-one chimney inspection performs a general examination of the chimney’s physical structure, including an assessment of the flue liner, the interior wall, joints, and the chimney crown. This inspection level can identify soot buildup and obstructions, which could pose an increased risk of chimney fires.
  • Level Two: A level two inspection is appropriate whenever you are purchasing a home as well as after any damage occurs, such as from an earthquake, storm, or fire. This level of inspection will use specialized equipment to examine areas that cannot be seen with the naked eye and assess the chimney for any structural weaknesses.
  • Level Three: A level three inspection will often entail removing some components of the chimney’s structure in order to perform an in-depth examination of the chimney’s internal structure.

At the minimum, all chimneys should receive at least a level one inspection. If there have been no issues that may suggest a closer level of inspection, this level is appropriate for your annual inspection.

The Chimney Inspector’s Qualifications

It is important to be certain that the person you choose to inspect your chimney is qualified to do so. This means having more than just a chimney sweep perform the inspection. Though many homeowners don’t know this, a chimney sweep is not qualified to inspect a chimney; their only job is to clear the soot. In most cases, they are not qualified to perform an inspection.

A chimney inspector should hold certifications to perform a chimney inspection, such as from the National Fireplace Institute or the Chimney Institute of America. Before hiring an inspector, check to see what their credentials are so you can be certain they have the necessary knowledge to perform an inspection.

Possible Scams

If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be a chimney inspector offering an amazing deal for a chimney inspection, chances are it is a scam. If it isn’t just an attempt to steal your personal information, then chances are it is being offered by frauds with no professional qualifications to inspect your chimney. It is always better to trust your inspections to a trustworthy company that has the knowledge necessary to identify potential issues.

Final Thoughts

A regular chimney inspection is critical to ensuring your chimney remains safe and efficient every time it is used. These inspections should be performed by trained and experienced professionals who can guarantee your chimney is in good shape.

Contact Us

If your chimney is in need of inspection or repairs, contact North Shore Roofing. Our trained and experienced professionals are ready to help you protect the safety of your home and family by ensuring your chimney is performing its best. Call us at (978) 977-3816 and connect with us on Facebook.