Chimney inspections are an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy home while you enjoy your fireplace.

In an effort to quantify the safety of your chimney and fireplace, and to ensure that they do not slip to below-standard safety levels, the National Fire Protection Association has established new codes regarding home heating appliances, which can be broken down into three levels.

This inspection level is acceptable for systems that are used regularly and under similar conditions each time. Our technicians will inspect the easily-accessed areas of the chimney exterior, interior, and accessible components of the chimney connection. We’ll also check for combustible deposits and obstructions.

This level of inspection is required for the following circumstances:

• You have made material changes to your system.
• You have changed the fuel type your system uses.
• You have replaced appliances or other parts of your system.
• You are buying, selling, or transferring property that contains a chimney.

This inspection will include the requirements of a Level 1 inspection, as well as a visual or video inspection of the inside of your setup to examine internal surfaces and flue liner joints. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces will be examined in addition to the chimney itself.

If you or your technician suspects that there is a hidden hazard in your chimney setup, this level of inspection will be required. It will entail all aspects of Level 1 and 2 inspections, and also includes obtaining access to concealed areas of the chimney or flue. Special tools will be used, and it may also require removing or destroying some permanent portions of the chimney or structure surrounding it.

We often perform chimney inspections at the same time we perform cleanings so that you can rest assured that your chimney and home are safe and healthy for another year. In this case, you can expect that we will:

• Clean the chimney and flue from top to base, thus removing any blockages.
• Inspect interior flues and connections for signs of deterioration.
• Ensure that your cap and damper are secure.
• Inspect exterior chimney for loose bricks, cracks, and separations.
• Clean up all debris, dust, soot, and ash from the property.

Our service technicians are careful, respectful, and thorough. Your chimney will be in good hands when you call BE Prime Chimney for a chimney inspection and cleaning.