| The
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 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:
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After
any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney
fire, lightning strike, or earthquake. |
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Prior
to purchasing a home with an existing chimney |
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Whenever
changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement
of connected appliances prior to major system repairs. |
Level 1 Inspection -
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.
We include a Level 1 inspection during every cleaning.
In
a Level 1 inspection, our 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 deposits.
Level
2 Inspection -
A
Level 2 inspection is required when any changes
are made to the system. Changes can include a changes 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 operating 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 then a Level
1 inspection.
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. demolitions 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 Inspection -
W
hen a Level 1 or a Level 2 inspections 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 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 2 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.
Video
Inspection:
Using a state of the art video inspection equipment, we
can inspect the interior of your chimney for possible
cracks in flue tile, gaps in mortar joints, missing bricks
and any other problem we feel may be present.
This service is especially important after a chimney fire.
We were called upon many times by local insurance company's
to video chimneys after Hurricane Fran. Using the
Chim-Scan™ video scanner we are able to see the images
on a B&W monitor and record the images by photo or
send the video feed to a VCR, for insurance claims if
needed.
For more information about this and all our services call
MCP at 301-774-4500 |
High
tech way to look inside your chimney |
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