Level 2 Chimney Inspection for home buyers

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

Protect your home from hazards by inspecting your chimney

What is Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

A level 2 chimney inspection is conducted by running a inspection camera through the interior of the fireplace and chimney to inspect for concealed damage to the flue liner, as well as the inspection of the exterior of the chimney.

Why Level 2 Chimney Inspection is performed?

A level 2 chimney inspection is conducted by running a inspection camera through the interior of the fireplace and chimney to inspect for concealed damage to the flue liner, as well as the inspection of the exterior of the chimney.

Who performs Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

These Inspection Standards are recognized throughout the United States by the Fireplace and Venting Industry as “The Industry Standards”. Based on this fact, the inspector is professionally and legally obligated to abide by these standards. These standards are recommended in the best interest of all parties.

Because the Chimney Business is not regulated in US, any Home Improvement company can perform Level 2 Inspection. CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) recommends that only Certified CSIA Companies perform the inspection because they are professionally trained to do so.

When do I need a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

Level 2 Inspection is indicated when verification of the suitability of the chimney for new or changed conditions of service is needed, or when a Level I inspection is not sufficient to determine the serviceability of the chimney is needed.

Also, Level 2 Chimney Inspection is highly recommended when there is a transfer of property, to make sure that new homeowners are fire-safe and carbon monoxide safe once they move into the house.

Level 2 inspection shall be conducted upon:

Upon a sale or transfer of the property
Prior to relining of a flue or replacement of flue lining
Addition or Removal of one or more connected appliances.
After a chimney fire, weather or seismic event, or other incident likely to have caused damage to the chimney

Level 2 inspection shall include all accessible portions of the chimney

  • exterior and interior
  • including areas within accessible attics
  • crawl spaces
  • accessible portions of the appliance
  • and all other chimney connections
Level 2 Chimney Inspection.Camera Inspection.Inspected by  1 Hour Chimney

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) (http://www.cpsc.gov/library/fire07.pdf),  there are 26000 residential fires and 20 deaths per year related to chimneys. In addition, there are $6.4 Billion in residential structure fire property losses per year.

It is imperative that prior to moving to their new home, general buying public insures that their chimneys are SAFE. Home inspectors (according to American Society of Home Inspectors – ASHI) are NOT required to inspect interior flues of chimneys nor are they qualified to do so. Home inspectors disclaim the internal elements of the chimney for the simple fact that it is inaccessible and cannot be viewed during a routine VISUAL HOME INSPECTION. Since they cannot see it, it falls outside the scope of their inspection.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection.Camera Inspection.Inspected by  1 Hour Chimney
Do Chimney Liner gaps and cracks really matter?
Yes, these small gaps and cracks make a difference. They can allow heat from the flue liner to get transferred to the bricks. Then bricks can then transfer that heat to the wood structure. When that happens, the wood goes through a process called Pyrolysis, wherein the ignition point of the wood drops significantly. This happens over a long period of time, and can eventually lead to a structure fire.

The portion of NFPA 211 that is most often cited during level 2 chimney inspections is section 14.9, which states the following:

“If the flue liner in a chimney has softened, cracked, or otherwise deteriorated so that it no longer has the continued ability to contain the products of combustion (i.e., heat, moisture, creosote, and flue gases), the liner shall be either removed and replaced, repaired, or relined with a listed liner system or other approved material that will resist corrosion, softening, or cracking from flue gases at temperatures appropriate to the class of chimney service. “

If a chimney flue liner has missing mortar at the joints or cracked tiles, it does not meet this standard of safety, and the chimney is deemed unsafe for use.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection.Camera Inspection.Inspected by  1 Hour Chimney
While a chimney may have been built “to code” at the time that it was constructed, we don’t put our blessing on chimneys that don’t meet today’s standards for safety. There is no “grandfather” clause for safety.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection.Camera Inspection.Inspected by  1 Hour Chimney
The byproduct of enjoying a crackling flame is creosote buildup (the major cause of chimney fires) and soot, which can restrict air flow and damage the fireplace chimney. The chimney for the heating flue, gas or oil, can become blocked by a bird’s nest or other debris. Furthermore both Fireplace and Heating Flue liners can be damaged to the point that they can be very dangerous.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection.Camera Inspection.Inspected by  1 Hour Chimney
If you buy a home, please follow the NFPA’s advice and get a Level 2 inspection.
1 Hour Chimney is Certified by Chimney Safety Institute of America since 2003.

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