If you use your wood burning or gas fireplace with any regularity, it’s important to make sure that it’s operating safely and efficiently. We will inspect your chimney system from top to bottom if you are concerned that it is not working properly.
As part of our cleaning service, United States Masonry & Chimney will look at all of the parts of your fireplace and chimney to make sure that everything is in good working order. We recommend that you get your chimney swept yearly if you use your fireplace every day, and every other year if you only use the fireplace occasionally. Maintaining a clean chimney will help to prevent chimney fires and a buildup of fumes in your home.
LEVEL ONE INSPECTION
Circumstances that May Prompt You To Get A Level One Inspection
- Annual inspection.
- During a routine sweeping if it’s determined that a sweeping is needed.
- Replacement of an appliance that is similar in type, input rating and efficiency.
How We Inspect the Chimney
- This is a visual inspection performed with the naked eye.
- We generally do a curb side inspection of the exterior and typically don’t access the roof.
- Inspect the readily accessible areas of the chimney, structure and flue.
- Check for obstruction of combustible deposits in the flue.
- Check for basic appliance installation and connection.
- Readily accessible means that we can inspect without the use of tools to remove doors, panels or coverings.
What the Inspection is Intended to Determine
- Verification for suitability of continued use under the same conditions using the same appliance or appliances.
Time It Takes To Complete a Level 1 Inspection
- Actual inspection takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- Completing the report takes 25 to 30 minutes.
- If a sweeping is recommended it typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
LEVEL TWO INSPECTION
Circumstances That May Prompt You To Get a Level Two Inspection
- Sale or Transfer of a property.
- After an operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage.
- Upon addition or removal of a connected appliance appliance of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency.
- Prior to relining of replacement of flue lining.
- Note that if we recommend a level two inspection and you still opt for a level one, then it shall be indicated in your inspection report as such.
How We Inspect the Chimney
- This shall include all aspects of a level one inspection.
- Includes a video inspection-we take still photos of damage only.
- Accessible portions of the chimney exterior.
- Accessible portions of the attic.
- Accessible portions of crawl spaces.
- Accessible portions of basement.
- Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection.
- Accessible means exposed or capable of being exposed for operation or inspection, maintenance or repair without damaging the chimney or finish, but may require the removal of doors, panels or coverings using commonly available tools.
What the Inspection is Intended to Determine
- Verification for suitability of the chimney for new or changed conditions of service. A level one inspection is not sufficient to determine the serviceability of the chimney.
Time it Takes to Complete a Level 2 Inspection
- Actual inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Completing the report takes 30 to 45 minutes
- If a sweeping is recommended it typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
