You spent all winter dealing with your fireplace, and when summer arrived you heaved a sigh of relief. Right?
Chimney Inspections
Many homeowners would prefer to not think about their fireplace and chimney during the off-season, but it’s actually the best time to think about it! If you choose to schedule your annual chimney inspection during the summer, you can rest assured knowing that it’s ready for burn season. A CSIA Chimney Inspection is a thorough assessment of the entire chimney system categorized into three levels, depending on the circumstance.
Level 1 – Required annually when nothing has changed in the last year, and nothing is expected to change (fuel type, installations, etc.). It includes all readily accessible portions of the chimney system. This inspection does not require specialty tools.
Level 2 – Required before the sale or transfer of property, if a malfunction occurs, or if outside forces affect the chimney (tornado, earthquake, fire, etc.). It includes all readily accessible portions of the chimney system as well as accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior. This also includes attics, crawl spaces, and basements, and will address proper clearances from combustibles.This inspection does not require specialty tools.
Level 3 – Required if a level 1 or 2 inspection suggests a serious hazard. It includes everything included in a level 1 and 2 inspections, in addition to hidden areas where necessary. This inspection requires tools to remove portions of the chimney or building structure in order to gain access to the suspected problem.
Avoid the Fall Rush
When you schedule your inspection during the summer, you miss the fall rush. The fall rush is the time between October and January when chimney sweep companies are busy, making it difficult to get appointments when you need them. You may even be left in the cold, unable to use your fireplace when the temperature drops. Eliminate the risk by scheduling now.
More Time for Repairs
If your chimney sweep discovers a problem with your level 1 or level 2 inspection, you’ll need to also have a level 3 inspection. A level 3 inspection requires the removal of components of the home and chimney (ceiling, walls, masonry) in order to gain access to the hazards. This type of investigation can take time. Once the problem is diagnosed, a report and a repair plan is made, the repairs themselves will take time. You may need to get your homeowner’s insurance involved, and the claim process can take a few days or more.
If you wait until the fall or even winter to schedule your inspection, you might need repairs during burn season. That means no fire, and a busy chimney sweep. Winter repairs also mean that money is tight due to holidays and travel. This can all be avoided when you schedule during the summer.
Call a professional to discuss the best summer plans for your chimney. At West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions, we put your safety and comfort first, so clean and safe chimneys are at the top of our TO DO list this summer. You can call a West Texas chimney expert at (806) 358-0817 or request an appointment using our online form.
Recent Comments