It’s easy to overlook things during the hustle and bustle of spring. It’s the most common time for families to embark on remodels. Remodeling such as DIY projects and spring cleaning are the most common. One thing you don’t want to forget? The annual maintenance of important aspects of your home, like your cars and your chimney. You can avoid a conflict by scheduling now. If you start the year with a chimney inspection, your chimney will be all set for one year. You won’t have to worry about it through busy spring. Even through the warm and humid summer it’ll be ready for your first fire in fall!
Why You Need a Chimney Inspection
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual chimney inspections. This is for the highest level of safety and efficiency. At these appointments a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) will thoroughly assess your chimney system from top to bottom. In addition, they will check for soundness and possible damage.
Why should have your chimney inspected annually? Well, because a lot can happen with your system in a year. This is especially true if it’s not properly maintained. Some other reasons you should schedule an inspection include:
- If you just purchased or are selling the home.
- You changed the fuel type or installed a new appliance.
- Storm damage, such as a hurricane or tornado.
Three Levels for Thoroughness
If you have been using your chimney in the same way as last year and have made no changes, you’ll need a level 1 inspection. This is when your chimney sweep will examine all the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior. He will look for basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue, as well as appliance and installation connections. The technician will also check for flue obstructions and combustible deposits. This is not a chimney sweep. In order to have a professional clean your chimney, you should schedule a chimney sweep.
If your technician finds an issue during a level 1 inspection, he will schedule a level 2 inspection. This is when the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior are assessed. These include attics, crawl spaces, and basements. This inspection addresses proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. There should be no special tools required to gain access to certain areas. In addition, this inspection should include a video scan of the entire interior of the chimney for thorough assessment.
If your chimney sweep determines a concern with a level 2 inspection, he should embark on a level 3 inspection, or schedule it for a future day. It will include everything covered in a level 1 or 2 inspection, as well as removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. This is in order to gain access to areas of concern. By the end of a level 3 inspection you should have a thorough report of all damage and necessary repairs for your entire system.
Added Bonus for New Year Scheduling
If your chimney sweep discovers a problem and your system needs a necessary repair, you can even use your tax refund to cover the payment! Thus avoiding use of emergency funds or high balance credit cards.
To get the year started right and schedule your annual chimney inspection, call West Texas Chimney today or request an appointment online!
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