Chimney Inspections

Every major system and appliance in your home should be checked on a regular basis, which extends to appliances like your HVAC unit, furnace, and water heater. If your home is outfitted with a chimney, it should also be inspected regularly to ensure that it’s clean and free from obstructions. Along with poor airflow, a damaged or unclean chimney can also result in chimney fires and other hazardous issues, which is why chimney inspections are essential.

What Is a Chimney Inspection?

A chimney inspection is an assessment of the venting system as well as the chimney. The purpose of this inspection is to determine what condition the chimney is in and if the chimney is safe to use.

Do I need a Chimney Inspection?

Chimney inspections are essential if you want to keep yourself and your family safe. During an inspection, our experienced professionals will check for flue blockages, creosote buildup, damage, cracks, leaks, and similar issues that might increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fires.

When a chimney is damaged, the airflow worsening isn’t the only issue you’ll need to contend with. Lighting a fire in the fireplace below can put everyone in your home in danger. Scheduling a regular inspection will also allow damage to be detected early on, which reduces the cost of repairs.

What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

There are two levels of inspections that could be applied to your chimney. A level one chimney inspection is needed if your venting system or appliance hasn’t recently changed and you plan on continuing to use this system in the same manner as you always have. This is the most basic inspection level.

Our technicians will examine the accessible portions of the chimney interior and exterior as well as the chimney connection. The flue and chimney structure will also be inspected for soundness. During the inspection, we’ll be able to verify that no obstructions can be found in the chimney.

A level two chimney inspection is necessary if changes have recently been made to any component within the chimney system. Possible changes include changing the fuel type you’re using, changing the material or shape of the flue, or replacing the chimney with one that has a different input or rating.

Level two inspections are also required when selling or transferring your property. You should consider obtaining a comprehensive level two inspection following a chimney fire, building fire, or earthquake. This type of inspection covers everything in a level one inspection while also including a visual inspection of the internal joints and surfaces throughout your chimney.

How Often Should a Chimney Be Checked?

Your chimney should be inspected annually. If your fireplace is used on a regular basis, more frequent cleanings may be necessary. In the event that soot levels have built up to around 1/8-inch of soot, an inspection is recommended.

What Does a Chimney Inspection Include?

At Powers Chimney & Masonry, our chimney inspection services are customized to suit your needs. Regardless of the condition, your chimney is in, we never cut corners. Whether you select a level one or level two inspection, all of our chimney inspections are thorough.

Areas We Service

At Powers Chimney & Masonry, our chimney inspection services are available to residents throughout:

• Seattle
• Arlington
• Everett
• Edmonds
• Mercer Island
• Bellevue
• Kirkland
• Woodinville
• South Snohomish
• North King County

Has it been a long time since your chimney was last inspected?