| Until recently, the scope of work performed in the inspection or evaluation of a fireplace, stove or other venting system was generally up to the discretion of the chimney service technician. Professional service technicians now have an industry standard that removes much of that "discretion." The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has addressed the minimum chimney inspection standards in its latest publication (NFPA 211) concerning home heating appliances. Inspections are now classified as Level 1 , Level 2 or Level 3 . Each level of inspection covers specific items depending on the individual appliance and venting system. Below is an explanation of the three levels of inspections and what services your chimney service technician should provide for each level. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 inspections - If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. | ||||||||||||||||||
| * Accessible: May require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels or coverings, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or finish. | ||||||||||||||||||
| ** Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels or coverings. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 Inspections – A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required 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, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection. | ||||||||||||||||||
| A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. | ||||||||||||||||||
| There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include 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 shall be required by a Level 2 inspection. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Level 3 Inspections – When a Level 1 or Level 2 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 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. Level 3 inspection – A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 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) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system. | ||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reprinted with permission from the Chimney Safety Institute of America, www.csia.org. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection
So have you been finding lots of deterioration due to the high efficiency furnace units as they gain popularity.
Apr 12, 2007 09:15 AM
Chase Toppers, LLC - Pottstown, PA
To be honest, Bob, we don't currently keep data on the heating appliances our customers use. But it is a good point you raise. The galvanized coating on the standardly used chase covers will disappear faster with longer periods of higher heat and resulting condensation. So I suppose it is plausable that given the right environment and conditions, high efficiency furnace units could possibly shorten the life of a galvanized chase cover. All the better reason to have them all replaced with stainless steel or copper, I say! Thanks for your comment. -Tom
Apr 12, 2007 09:34 AM
Minnesota Home Staging Network~ MN's Top Home Staging Firm - Inver Grove Heights, MN
Great and informative post. Love your logo by the way...very fitting and eye catching.
Al the best,
Beth
Apr 13, 2007 09:20 PM
Chase Toppers, LLC - Pottstown, PA
Thanks Beth! We are kind of fond of our logo too! Thanks for your comments. -Tom
Apr 14, 2007 12:23 PM
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County
Tom,
How often should a homeowner get a chimney inspection? Is there any one thing that a homeowner can look out for that would signal getting an inspection.
Nick
Apr 15, 2007 11:34 AM
Chase Toppers, LLC - Pottstown, PA
Hi Nick,
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually. This would typically be a level 1 inspection, and can be performed by a professional chimney sweep during a visit for an annual cleaning. In addition, here are some other times when chimney and venting systems should be inspected:
- After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake
- Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
- Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances
- Prior to major system repairs
Hope this helps! -Tom
Apr 16, 2007 03:35 AM
Stonehollow Fine Home Inspections & Testing - Stamford, CT
This was a very good post. Thanks Steve Gladstone Your Home Inspector in CT
Apr 29, 2007 03:03 PM
Comprehensive Building Inspections & Consultants - Staten Island, NY
Building Moisture Analyst
Swarthmore, PA
Referral Agent, e-PRO
Excellent post. I will be in touch with you for any chimney inspections I may need done for my clients.
Apr 30, 2007 02:35 PM
Colorado Thermal Imaging - Steamboat Springs, CO
Main Line Inspections, Inc. - Parkesburg, PA
Great post and good information.
http://www.csia.org/pressroom/press-inspection-levels-explained.htm
May 02, 2007 04:50 PM
RE/MAX Realty Champions - Wolfeboro, NH
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information
Laura Moore Godek, PC - McHenry, IL
Main Line Inspections, Inc. - Parkesburg, PA
Laura,
The information is available on the CSIA Website...
http://www.csia.org/pressroom/press-inspection-levels-explained.htm
For a free copy of the brochure "Chimney Inspections Explained for the Homeowner" or for a list of CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, call (800) 536-0118 or visit the CSIA web site at www.cisa.org. The CSIA is located at 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield IN., 46168.
May 29, 2007 11:34 AM
Construction Services Integration - Paoli, PA
Thanks for the post. I also like your other blog on what a chimney cap is. Good info especially that I am reading it now and it is season where fireplaces are used more often.
Dec 21, 2007 02:25 PM
A2Z Home Inspections - Stroudsburg, PA
Stroudsburg PA Home Inspector
Accuracy Assured Home Inspections, LLC - Philadelphia, PA
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information
Howdy Tom
You did give some very good info to read about chimney inspections for sure.
Have a good one
Dale
Jan 13, 2008 05:03 AM
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