Although it is natural to think of the chimney in your home as durable almost to the point of invincibility, this is far from the truth. In order for a chimney to safely vent exhaust and avoid creating fire hazards and sustaining damage from moisture, it must receive routine inspections from professionals with licensing from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Inspections will locate any problem areas where a chimney may need repairs, such as relining, masonry work, or a new crown.
If you are unsure of when your chimney last received an inspection, it’s probably overdue for one. Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., and our certified inspectors will take care of the job, whether you need a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 chimney inspection in Spring Lake Park, MN. We have many decades of experience with handling chimney issues of all kinds.
What do these levels mean?
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) defines three levels of chimney inspection. A Level 1 inspection is the basic check for a chimney that has not experience any major issues, nor is the homeowner planning on making any changes to the chimney or fireplace in the future. A Level 2 inspection is required if the homeowner had made a change in the fireplace or chimney, such as switching to a new fuel type or putting in a new liner. These inspections are also required when property is transferred or the chimney suffers damage from an event such as building or chimney fire.
Do I need a Level 3 inspection?
The third level of inspection is the most thorough. However, you won’t need to worry about determining whether you need one or not, because the technicians will figure this out when performing either a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection. If the inspectors suspect that a chimney may have serious safety issues during a Level 1 or 2 inspection, they will then do a Level 3.
During a Level 3 inspection, the technicians will check all the parts of the chimney to see that it is sound, the flue venting properly, and combustion systems working correctly. The inspection then moves deeper to normally inaccessible areas of the chimney, which sometimes requires removing the crown or parts of the interior chimney wall to check for damage and serious structural problems. This job takes special tools and techniques that are not used during Level 1 and 2 inspections.
If it’s time for a chimney inspection in your home in Spring Lake Park, MN, a Level 3 chimney inspection may not be necessary. Whatever is required to keep your chimney safe and effective, you can trust to 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. to handle it.
Our certified chimney inspectors will start with either a Level 1 or 2 inspection, and then tell you if you need the higher level. Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS