​Chimney Inspections - Why are they needed and what type do I need?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, it is recommended that a chimney be inspected once a year to ensure the system is safe.  There are many issues that can begin to transpire with a chimney in a short period of time depending on the type of climate that you live in and the amount of use your fireplace endures.  It is very common for birds to build nests inside the flue or smoke chamber, the interior or exterior of a fireplace can begin to deteriorate, or creosote/soot may begin to build up inside the system making it unsafe to burn.  These are just a few reasons why you should have your system checked regularly by an experienced chimney sweep.  Our company provides a complete Level 1 Chimney Inspection.  We inspect 20 aspects of your fireplace to make sure that your system is in good operating order and it is safe to burn.

What are the different types of Chimney Inspections:

Level 1 Chimney Inspection:
A level 1 chimney inspection is the most common type of chimney inspection.  With a level 1 inspection, our chimney technician will visually examine the interior and exterior portions of your chimney. The visual inspection is performed with a flashlight examining all areas of your chimney and flue that can be viewed without the use of any special tools.
During the inspection, the chimney technician will make sure that the basic structure of the chimney is in tact and there are no visible signs of damage. In this inspection, your technician will also verify that there are no obstructions or combustible materials in your chimney.  In addition, your technician will also let you know if you have an unsafe amount of creosote or soot in your system that could cause your fireplace to smoke or potentially catch on fire.  Although ash is not a catalyst in aiding fires, there are other issues that can arise from having high amounts of ash in your fire box or underneath your grate such as smoking or drafting issues due to air circulation problems.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection:
A level 2 chimney inspection is conducted by running a specialized inspection camera through the interior of the fireplace to inspect for concealed damage to the flue lining, as well as the inspection of the exterior of the chimney.

Level 3 Chimney Inspection:
A Level 3 Chimney Inspection is usually required when the construction of the chimney has potentially unseen defects. The Level 3 inspection could include opening or removing an interior wall to access hidden parts of the chimney. This level of inspection normally occurs when a more serious problem has been identified and a method of repair needs to be determined.

Becoming Familiar With The Areas Of Your Fireplace

1. Height and Clearance:  This is important because of drafting concerns and fire safety.
2. Chimney Cap/Spark Arrestor:  Prevents birds or animals from gaining access inside the system, rain water from entering the system causing deterioration of the flue tiles, rusting of the damper, loosening mortar joints in the firebox, and leaving a wet "sooty" smell/aroma in the room.  In addition, it also prevents sparks from exiting the system causing debris, vegetation or roofing structures within close proximity to the chimney to catch on fire.
3. Crown/Wash:  Typically made out of concrete or mortar and are designed on a slope so it forces the rain water/moisture away from the system.
4. Hearth:  The floor of a fireplace, extending into a room and paved with tile, brick, flagstone or cement.
5. Firebox:  The area where the actual fire is built.  A firebox wall and floor can be made of metal, concrete or brick.
6. Grate: A frame of metal bars that holds the wood/logs while burning. 
7. Facing:  The front of the fireplace that is often a covered by brick, flagstone, mortar, stone or tile.
8. Damper: A pivoted metal plate that is just below the entrance of the smoke chamber that controls the draft or airflow that is allowed to exit the system or prevent a backdraft when not being used.  It is recommended that the damper is closed when the system is not being used so the house is not losing hot or cold air depending on the season.  Gas fireplaces should have a "damper stopper" so the damper is always slightly ajar as this is a huge safety concern.
9. Smoke Chamber:  The smoke chamber is the area that is found between the firebox and the flue. This is often the area where smoke sits waiting to be pulled up the fireplace flue. Smoke chambers are mostly made of brick that is then troweled smooth using a high temp refractory cement.
10. Glass/Screen Doors:  Generally set in front of the firebox protecting sparks from exiting the front of the system and catching furniture, carpet, etc. on fire
11. Tools: Chimney shovel, poker, handlers, gloves, metal bucket.
12. Back Wall:  The job of the back wall is to help force air up into the smoke chamber and to protect the rear wall of the fireplace structure. The back wall is very important and must be kept in good condition to insure safe burning. Loose bricks, cracked concrete and warped or burned through steal are all examples of back walls that are no longer safe and must be repaired.
13. Flue Tiles:  A clay, ceramic, or metal conduit installed inside of a chimney intended to contain the combustion products, direct them to the outside atmosphere, and protect the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.
14. Roof Flashing:  Pieces of sheet metal or the like used to cover and protect certain joints and angles, as where a roof comes in contact with a wall or chimney.
15. Stove Pipe Condition:  Whether you have a stove or a factory built system, the entire flue is checked to make sure that the pipe is in good condition and there are no separations.
16. Smoke Shelf:  A ledge at the bottom of a smoke chamber, so made as to deflect or break downdrafts from the chimney.
17. Installation: As a standard part of any inspection, we check to make sure that the system was installed correctly. Poorly installed systems can lead to system damage resulting is costly repairs and even home fires or death.
18. Fire Extinguisher:  We recommend that all homes have fire extinguishers installed. At a minimum, there should be a Fire Extinguishers installed in the kitchen, garage, bedrooms and near any fire place.  Carbon monoxide sensors are always recommended in any household as well.
19. Smoke Detector:  These devices will alert you when there is smoke inside your home.  This is commonly caused from a fire.  Be sure to check the batteries in your detectors frequently as they will help save lives in the event of an emergency.
20. Fire Escape Plan:  The plan of action that everyone in the household has practiced and will take to ensure everyone remains safe and exits the household in a quick timely manner.

General Masonry Fireplace Diagram

General Factory Built Fireplace Diagram

General Stove Pipe Diagram