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| HEALTHY
HOME SERVICES
Chimney
Inspections |
| As
you can now see chimney inspections is an important service
offered by Steamagic Inc.
Chimney inspections come
in many forms and you should be aware of the
differences. We at Steamagic
follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
recommended inspection procedures. |
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NFPA divides the inspection
procedures into three categories, or levels. The
circumstances which give rise to the inspection determine what
level of inspection is to be conducted. A Level 1
inspection is the most basic level of inspection while Level 2
and 3 inspections are progressively more detailed and
comprehensive. A Level 1 inspection is completed during
each chimney sweeping.
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Level I - This is the recommended level
when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service
is needed and the conditions of use are not changing,
This could include:
 Routine
or annual evaluations of the venting system |
| An
appliance connected to the system is being replaces with
a similar appliance |
| During
chimney sweeping |
Level 1 inspection is limited to
readily accessible portions of the venting system, and
accessible portions of the connected appliance(s) and the
chimney connection. The inspector will check the readily accessible
portions of the chimney, its enclosing structure, and the
flue. A Level 1 inspection includes verification that
the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.
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Level 2- A Level 2 inspection is more
detailed and thorough than a Level 1 inspection and is recommended when conditions of use for the appliance or
venting system are changing, or when a Level 1 inspection
reveals the need for a more detailed inspection. Several
instances where a Level 2 inspection is specifically
recommended include:
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Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type,
input rating or efficiency |
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Prior to a flue relining |
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Upon sale or transfer of the property |
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After an event likely to have caused damage to the
chimney, such as a chimney fire or other sudden event |
A Level 2 inspection includes all of
the requirements of a Level 1 inspection as well as the
following:
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Level 3- The most detailed
inspection is the Level 3 inspection and includes inspection
of concealed areas of the building. Examination of
concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably
suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated
otherwise. In as much as certain portions of a Level 3
inspection require destructive action to the building, the
inspector will discuss these areas with the building owner
prior to the inspection.
A Level 3 inspection includes all areas
covered in a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection, and inspection of
concealed areas to investigate known or suspected
problems.
Frequency of Inspection
NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces
and vents be inspected annually. In addition to this
requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting
systems should be inspected, such as:
| 1. After any unusual, or
sudden occurrence, such as a chimney fire,
lightning strike, or earthquake |
| 2. Prior to purchasing a
home with an existing chimney |
| 3. Whenever changes are made
to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of
connected appliances |
| 4. Prior to major system
repairs |
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Video Scanning
A video scan is where we use a camera system
which is lowered into the chimney (or pushed up from the
bottom). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney
from a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from
the top or bottom. The camera image is viewed on a TV
monitor by the inspector. Video inspections may be
recommended if the customer or sweep suspect certain
problems. Video inspections are often recommended after
a chimney fire or some other form of damage to a chimney, and
are a routine part of a Level 2 or Level 3 inspection.
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| Summary of Inspection Services
You should be aware that even the most thorough inspection
will not reveal all problems. Some areas of a chimney
simply are not accessible due to construction of the
house. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns with
your sweep technician. The recommended inspection
technique will often be based on your comments and
concerns. It is similar to a diagnosis in
medicine. Your doctor probably doesn't do an EKG and
take a full set of x-rays during every visit. However,
if you tell the doctor you have chest pains he will perform
the tests related to that problem. |
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Call Steamagic's Chimney Inspection
Team to set up an appointment today! (708)
460-3000 |
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