What is a Chimney Inspection?

Some of you out there may have heard your local contractors advertising for a free chimney inspection with a chimney sweep.  Dream Team does, and so do many others - it's a smart idea, and makes sure that your chimney is at its safest at all times.  After all, just last week, you read on this blog about the danger that a sweep can prevent.  Inspections can point out serious safety dangers to your home and your family.

There are three levels of inspection, increasing in severity, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in their standard titled NFPA 211.  The NFPA divides the types of inspections three categories, or levels.  A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level II and Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive.

Paraphrasing from that standard and interpretation found online, the levels are pretty much as follows:

Level I
A Level I inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing.  Most likely, unless you're changing an appliance for one of the same type, you're likely to receive a Level I chimney inspection during your annual chimney sweep.  It's limited to the readily available sections of the chimney, accessible connections, and connected appliances.

Your chimney technician does this for several reasons, but the biggest ones are: see that there is no heat-related damage to the chimney or its connected appliances, ensure that the flue is not constricted or blocked in any way (especially by creosote or other buildups), and to ensure that the exterior of the chimney is sound and functioning properly.

Level II
A Level II inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection. It's recommended when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are changing, or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection.

A Level II inspection is required when any changes are made to the system, upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, earthquakes, and severe weather are all indicators that this level of inspection may be needed. A Level II inspection is a more in-depth inspection. 

A Level II inspection includes everything in a Level I inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will also address proper clearances from flammable material in accessible locations.  There are no special tools required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level II inspection. A Level II inspection also includes a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish is needed with a Level II inspection.


Level III 
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level III inspection is recommended.  A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise.  A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection, plus an inspection of concealed areas, to investigate known or suspected problems.

A Level III inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level I and a Level II inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) is needed only when necessary - to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level III inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system. 


It's kind of a dry read, I know.  But by reading through and understanding what it means, you'll learn a little of what your technician needs to do to keep you safe.  After all, you do need a safe home to live in - it's the only kind of home where your family can flourish and a point of pride for you and yours.