Whether your chimney is brand new or centuries old, it is vitally important to your family’s health and your home’s safety that you have it inspected every year.
Professional Chimney Inspections
Whether your chimney is brand new or centuries old, it is vitally important to your family’s health and your home’s safety that you have it inspected every year. No less an authority than the National Fire Protection Association recommends, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”
What is a chimney inspection?
At Bone Dry Roofing, our chimney inspection is a thorough process in which our technicians examine the condition of your chimney structure, flue system, and the basic appliance installation and connections, all to confirm that they are free of obstruction and combustible deposits. The inspection (followed by a professional chimney sweep, if necessary) helps to ensure that your chimney is free from potential fire hazards such as creosote buildup and blockages created by animal nests and other debris.
We offer inspections from the very basic to an extensive inspection with pictures and reports. There is no better way to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your chimney is safe and sound.
Call today to schedule your annual chimney inspection!
Why do you need a chimney inspection?
Each year a significant number of injuries and deaths as well as $200 million in property losses occur due to neglected chimneys. It’s important to have your chimney inspected as soon as you notice any issues. Even if you have not experienced any issues, you should still have your chimney inspected annually to prevent costly repairs.
If you plan to upgrade or change your heating system, you need to find out if your chimney can handle the venting requirements. If you have not used your fireplace in a long time, it’s a good idea to get an inspection. An animal or bird may have built a nest inside your chimney flue without you knowing. Their nest can clog your chimney, posing a serious safety hazard. Winter freezing and thawing can also do major damage to masonry and liner materials over time. Weather damage can eventually affect the structural integrity of your chimney.
When a chimney inspection is required
While it’s best to include a chimney inspection as part of your annual home maintenance plan, there are other times when a chimney inspection is necessary, such as:
- When you buy or sell a home
- When damage has been caused to your chimney or surrounding structure by a storm, fire, natural disaster or other events
- When you are repairing the masonry on your home
- When you have a new insurance policy
- When you are installing a new heating appliance
CHIMNEY INSPECTION TYPES
We follow the NFPA’s inspection levels as defined by NFPA 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances). Below are explanations of the levels of inspections that we offer and the services that are typically performed for each level.
What is a Level 1 chimney inspection?
A Level 1 inspection is the most common type of chimney inspection and is performed on a chimney system that has not had any changes to it. During a Level 1 inspection, the technician will inspect all accessible parts of your chimney.
What is a level 2 chimney inspection?
During a Level 2 inspection, the technician will inspect everything in the Level 1 inspection, plus areas in the attic, basement or crawl space. A video camera might be used to check hidden areas of the chimney structure. A Level 2 inspection is required if your chimney system has suffered damages or has undergone any changes, such as a new appliance or fuel type or relining of the flue. This type of inspection is also required for the sale of a home.
There’s no better time than now to have your chimney inspected
You can count on the masonry experts at Bone Dry Masonry to make sure your chimney is safe so you can focus on enjoying your fireplace. If our inspection of your chimney indicates that your chimney needs repair, we can help! As experts in masonry restoration, chimney sweeping and much more, we can handle whatever chimney repair services you need.
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