Remember how much you enjoyed last year’s chilly winter evenings? A crackling fire and hot cider always warm the body and the soul. Enjoying your fireplace results in more than a warm heart. You likely also have soot and creosote buildup in the chimney. Creosote buildup is the major contributor to chimney fires! With colder weather coming soon, it’s time to think about chimney cleaning in Marietta. As part of the cleaning, you’ll also get an inspection. The inspection will identify any problems with your chimney as well, so that the damage can be repaired in order to prevent more serious and costly repairs down the road. Before your inspection, it’s a good idea to prepare by clearing the area around your fireplace and making sure your chimney is easily accessible. Read on to learn more about what each level entails.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection – Annual Maintenance
The first inspection level is the most common and the minimum requirement for a chimney that gets continuous use. If you haven’t modified the venting system, a Level 1 inspection should suffice. During this yearly inspection, the chimney service technician looks at the readily accessible components of the chimney or venting system. They inspect both the interior and exterior of the chimney, noting any issues with the structure and flue. Your technician will also check any appliance you’re using, such as a pellet stove. The inspection includes verification that your chimney is clear from blockages, creosote buildup, and deposits of other combustible materials. If the technician discovers any of these issues, they will recommend a sweep. Chimney sweeps use special brushes, extension poles, and vacuums to clear obstructions and buildup from the chimney. Most companies perform a Level 1 inspection before their regular cleaning.
Level 2 Chimney Inspections – For Changes or Concerns
Have you made any changes to your venting system, such as relining the flue or changing to a different type of fuel? Perhaps you updated an appliance or added a new one. If that’s the case, you’ll need a Level 2 chimney inspection. Other reasons for this level of attention include:
- Sale of the Property
- Chimney Fire
- House Fire
- Weather Event
The reason for the more complex inspection is to detect damage to the chimney. The chimney sweep will do the same things done during the Level 1 visit, but will also check the attic, crawl space, or basement, and roof. They may use video scanning as well to examine flue liner joints and internal surfaces. A chimney fire, hurricane, earthquake, or other significant events that could potentially damage the chimney also warrant a Level 2 inspection. Level 2 inspections may result in masonry repair, and if needed, a chimney sweep will take place after the inspection.
Level 3 Chimney Inspections – When Serious Problems Are Suspected
The third and final type of inspection is much more complex and invasive. You won’t need a Level 3 chimney inspection unless your chimney service technician suspects a serious hazard or unseen defect. The inspection could include the removal of chimney components, such as sections of the interior wall or the chimney crown. Chimney technicians don’t take this level of inspection lightly and will only recommend it if they cannot determine the scope of damage or the best repair method without it.
Schedule Your Annual Chimney Inspection
To ensure your chimney and its components provide safe enjoyment for you and your family, you should schedule a Level 1 inspection and chimney sweep in Marietta once every year. Inspections not only detect dangerous deposits and obstructions, but they also ensure the soundness of the entire system, including chimneys, fireplaces, flues, and vents. One of the key benefits of regular chimney inspections is catching issues like water intrusion early, many of which can be easily resolved by replacing a chimney cap or applying waterproofing. When done in the early stages, you can protect your masonry and flue lining, but if water leaks into the chimney for a long period of time, you could be dealing with major structural damage later on.
For the best service, work with the number one chimney sweep experts in the Atlanta metro. Atlanta Chimney Doctor brings 30 years of expertise to every job. Get in touch and request service here or call 678-525-7943.