A professional chimney inspection can identify damage, buildup, venting problems, and other conditions that may affect the safe and reliable operation of your chimney system. Whether you use your fireplace regularly, are buying or selling a home, have experienced a chimney problem, or are replacing a heating appliance, an inspection can help you understand the condition of your chimney and determine whether maintenance or repairs are needed.
Best Chimney provides professional chimney inspection services throughout Greater Boston and surrounding communities. Our experienced chimney technicians evaluate accessible portions of the chimney, flue, and connected systems for signs of deterioration, obstructions, improper installation, water intrusion, and other potential concerns.
Chimney inspections are generally classified as Level I, Level II or Level III based on the circumstances and the amount of access required. Best Chimney follows chimney inspection guidelines established by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
When Should You Schedule a Chimney Inspection?
A chimney may look fine from the outside while problems are developing inside the flue or in less visible portions of the system. An inspection provides a closer look at the chimney’s condition and can help identify issues before they develop into more extensive problems.
You may need a chimney inspection:
- As part of routine chimney maintenance
- When buying or selling a home
- After a chimney or fireplace malfunction
- After a chimney fire or other event that may have caused damage
- When changing or replacing a connected heating appliance
- Before relining a chimney
- If you notice signs of leaks, masonry deterioration or venting problems
- When you are unsure of the condition or history of an existing chimney
The appropriate inspection level depends on how the chimney is being used and whether there have been changes or concerns involving the system.
What Do We Look for During a Chimney Inspection?
What can be evaluated depends on the inspection level and accessibility of the chimney. Depending on the circumstances, our technicians may examine the chimney for:
- Creosote or other combustible deposits
- Flue obstructions
- Damage or deterioration within the flue
- Chimney liner condition
- Appliance connections
- Proper clearances from combustible materials in accessible areas
- Brick and mortar deterioration
- Signs of water penetration
- Venting or draft-related concerns
- Flue size and suitability for connected appliances
- Visible structural concerns
If an inspection reveals a problem, our team can explain the findings and recommend an appropriate next step, which may include chimney sweeping, chimney repair, chimney liner work, or masonry services.
Level I Chimney Inspection
A Level I inspection is typically appropriate when the chimney system has not changed and there are no known problems requiring a more extensive evaluation.
What Is Accessible?
A Level I inspection covers readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, along with accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection.
What We Do
Our technicians visually examine readily accessible portions of the chimney and venting system. When conditions allow, we may also access the roof to inspect portions of the chimney that cannot be adequately evaluated from the ground. Weather, roof pitch, chimney height and other conditions can affect roof accessibility.
When Is a Level I Inspection Appropriate?
A Level I inspection may be appropriate:
- As part of routine annual chimney maintenance
- During a routine chimney sweeping
- When verifying that a chimney remains suitable for continued use under the same conditions
- When a connected appliance is replaced with one of a similar type, input rating and efficiency
Level II Chimney Inspection
A Level II inspection is more comprehensive than a Level I inspection and includes additional accessible areas of the chimney system. It also includes examination of the chimney interior using video scanning or another appropriate inspection method.
What Is Accessible?
In addition to the areas covered by a Level I inspection, a Level II inspection can include accessible portions of attics, basements and crawl spaces.
What We Do
During a Level II inspection, our technicians may:
- Examine accessible portions of the chimney and venting system
- Inspect accessible attics, basements and crawl spaces
- Evaluate accessible appliance and chimney connections
- Access the roof when conditions safely allow
- Examine the interior of the chimney using a chimney camera
What Do We Look For?
A Level II inspection can help evaluate:
- Combustible deposits and obstructions
- Appliance installation and connections
- Condition of accessible portions of the chimney structure
- Condition of enclosed flues
- Clearances from combustible materials in accessible locations
- Flue size and suitability for connected appliances
When Is a Level II Inspection Needed?
A Level II inspection may be appropriate:
- When buying or selling a property
- When adding or removing a connected appliance
- When replacing an appliance with one of a different type, input rating or efficiency
- Before relining or replacing a chimney liner
- After a chimney malfunction
- After an external event that may have damaged the chimney
- When a Level I inspection cannot adequately determine the chimney’s condition
Level III Chimney Inspection
A Level III inspection is the most extensive inspection level and is generally reserved for situations in which a suspected problem cannot be adequately evaluated through a Level I or Level II inspection.
A Level III inspection includes the areas evaluated during the previous inspection levels and may require access to concealed portions of the chimney or building.
In some cases, building or chimney components may need to be removed to reach the area of concern. Removal should be limited to what is necessary to evaluate the suspected problem.
Because Level III inspections are invasive, they are generally recommended only when conditions warrant this additional access.
Schedule Chimney Inspection Services in Greater Boston
If you’re unsure about the condition of your chimney, have experienced a problem or simply need routine maintenance, an inspection is a good place to start.
Best Chimney has served homeowners and businesses in the Boston area since 1989. Our technicians can evaluate your chimney, explain their findings, and help you determine whether sweeping, repairs, liner work, or masonry services are appropriate.
Schedule your chimney inspection with Best Chimney today.
Chimney Inspection FAQs
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
The NFPA recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least annually. The appropriate inspection level depends on the condition of the system, how it is used, and whether any changes or problems have occurred.
What is included in a chimney inspection?
A chimney inspection evaluates accessible portions of the chimney and venting system for conditions that could affect operation or safety. Depending on the inspection level, this may include the chimney exterior, flue, liner, appliance connections, masonry, accessible clearances, and other components.
What's the difference between a Level I and Level II chimney inspection?
A Level I inspection focuses primarily on readily accessible portions of a chimney system and is generally used when the system and its use have not changed. A Level II inspection is more comprehensive, includes additional accessible areas, and incorporates video scanning or another method of examining the chimney interior.
Do I need a chimney inspection when buying a house?
A Level II inspection is typically called for when a property is sold or transferred. It provides a more comprehensive examination of the chimney than a basic visual inspection and can help identify conditions that may otherwise be difficult for a homebuyer to detect.
Do I need an inspection before installing a new heating appliance?
An inspection may be necessary when a new appliance is connected to an existing chimney, particularly when the appliance differs from the one it replaces. The chimney and flue need to be appropriate for the connected appliance and its venting requirements.
Can a chimney inspection identify leaks?
An inspection can identify visible evidence of water penetration and chimney deterioration that may be associated with a leak. Depending on the source of the problem, additional evaluation or chimney leak repair may be recommended.
Does a chimney inspection include the chimney liner?
Yes, the liner is an important part of the chimney system. The extent to which it can be evaluated depends on the inspection level and accessibility. A Level II inspection includes examination of the chimney interior using video scanning or another appropriate inspection method.