Chimney Inspections
Comprehensive Chimney Inspections in Delaware
When it comes to house maintenance, your chimney might not top the priority list. However, even if you don’t have a fireplace for wood-burning fires, your heating system’s chimney needs regular maintenance. ChimneyTEK of Delaware offers chimney inspections for Delaware homeowners that bring peace of mind that your property is safe and carbon monoxide generated from any heat source is efficiently vented out of the home.
What Is a Chimney Inspection?
A chimney inspection is a focused look at the structure and includes taking note of the chimney’s interior and exterior. Inspections are used as a safety precaution to uncover issues before they become dangerous, and they’re a diagnostic tool to identify problems if homeowners notice a change in how the chimney is operating, such as noticeable drafts or water leaks. Sometimes, they’re confused with chimney sweeps, but cleaning and removing soot and creosote buildup inside the flue is a separate job.
An Inspection Designed to Meet Your Needs
We offer three different levels of chimney inspection. The one that is right for you depends on the reason for your service call.
- Level One – This is a basic inspection included in routine annual maintenance. A level one inspection is standard if you’ve reported no change in the chimney and haven’t noticed any performance issues.
- Level Two- These are relatively common and include a more in-depth chimney analysis. It’s a non-invasive approach using special equipment to get an inside look at the chimney without taking it apart.
- Level Three – This comprehensive inspection can involve removing part of the chimney for a closer look. Level three inspection are usually only required for when we cannot determine if the system is suitable for use from a level 2 inspection so we will need to access certain parts of the chimney for further investigation.
When Should I Call for a Level Two Inspection?
Since level one inspections are standard with most sweeping and maintenance jobs and level three inspections are only required in extreme cases, homeowners often wonder when they should consider a level two inspection. Keep these instances in mind and call for a level two inspection if they apply to your home:
- Changing Fuel Sources – If you’re changing fuel sources, such as converting from oil to gas or installing a new fireplace insert, it’s a good idea to have a level two inspection.
- Property Transactions – A level two inspection is a good idea when buying or selling a home. Sellers can provide confidence to potential buyers and have issues fixed before home inspections, or, if you’ve just moved into a new home, you can have peace of mind the chimney is safe with an inspection.
- Water Intrusion – A level two chimney inspection is required for any external event likely to have caused damage to the chimney such as water intrusion. Some signs of this might be white effervescent on outside of the chimney, falling or crumbling brink inside the fireplace.
- Catastrophic Events – a Level 2 chimney inspection is required for any catastrophic event such as a Chimney fire or earth quake, hurricane, etc.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Today
Schedule a chimney inspection with our team to ensure your fireplace structure and chimney are safe and sound. The National Fire Protection Agency recommends inspecting the system at least once a year. We’re here to provide you with a trusted, local option to perform this essential task for your property. Contact us today.