Chimney Inspections for CT Homeowners... How often should your chimney be inspected?

The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard and takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

An inspection is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property, per CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Each year unsafe fireplaces & chimneys cause significant numbers of injuries and deaths, and account for more than $200 million in property losses.

For safe and efficient operation, your fireplace & chimneys should be inspected and serviced annually.chimney-inspections-ct

When you call the chimney professionals at Strictly Chimneys llc, our technicians will verify that your fireplace & chimneys are free of obstruction and combustible deposits. Your fireplace & chimney system are an important part of your home heating system. Make chimney inspection a regular part of your home maintenance schedule. Depending on the issue, this is a brief explanation for the 3 levels of inspection:

Level I Inspection:

This inspection is recommended when your fireplace, chimney, and venting system are easily accessible and when you are planning to maintain its current use. In general, this level of inspection is performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection our technician will verify that your fireplace & chimney structures are sound, free of obstructions, and combustible deposits, such as creosote.

Level II Inspection:ct-chimney-inspections-strictly-chimneys

The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel you are 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 your fireplace & chimney. The scope of a Level II inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of your attics, crawl spaces and basements.

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 your fireplace & chimney structure as well as its flue. Level III inspections are generally necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to the fireplace, chimney, building, or where a hazard is detected and suspected.

For more information about chimney inspections be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Give us a call at (860) 829-0128 or use the convenient contact form for a Chimney Inspection consultation for your home!

   

 

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