Fireplaces are often appreciated on colder Chicago days. On the other hand, chimneys are more often than not, out of sight, out of mind. But did you know that, according to the most recent statistics, there are more than 25,000 chimney fires in the United States each year alone.
This is why it’s essential to contact a trusted chimney inspection company like Air Flows Chicago for a professional inspection and cleaning. Based on the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) classifications, there are three levels of chimney inspections that trusted pros like the ones from our team base their work on, which we go over below.
Level 1
Level one is the most common type of chimney service involving an inspection. If you’ve recently used your fireplace for the past month or so without any noticeable issues, this is the level of inspection that’s typically recommended. If you’re relatively diligent about cleaning and caring for your fireplace and connecting parts, a level one inspection should be all you need. With this type of inspection, one of our technicians will use a flashlight to perform an examination that involves:
• Looking at all visible areas that can be inspected without special tools
• Examining any openings with essential tools like a screwdriver or pliers
• Checking parts of the chimney exterior and interior surfaces
Essentially, all accessible and connecting parts are checked with a level one inspection.
A technician will also make sure there are no obstructions in your chimney or combustible materials.
Level 2
Even if you’re good about cleaning your fireplace, you may need a second-level inspection if you have plans to change the type of fuel you use. This is also the inspection level to contact Air Flows Chicago if you’ve had any accidents or other types of external damage like a strong storm that could have affected your chimney.
We also recommend this type of inspection you’ve had a building fire. Additionally, this is the type of inspection you’ll need to have done if you’re planning to sell your property. Even if you’ve already done some initial cleaning on your part to assess the damage or get a better view of things, it’s best to let our technicians conduct a thorough inspection. A second-level inspection often involves or may involve:
• Everything that’s done with the first level
• Checking out your attic, crawlspace, or other accessible areas around where your chimney is located
• A video camera inspection, if necessary, to look at the flue and other structures to check for cracks or other flaws
While a second-level inspection is more detailed, it shouldn’t require removing any parts of your structure. If there are any structural issues discovered, we’ll let you know what additional steps should be taken.
Level 3
As you might have guessed, a third-level inspection is the most comprehensive type of chimney inspection that can be done. This type of inspection typically involves:
• A visual inspection
• A look at adjacent areas – e.g., attic, crawlspace, etc.
• A video inspection of hard-to-reach areas that still need to be examined
• An inspection of concealed areas
With this level of inspection, certain parts may need to be removed. For instance, the crown or specific interior components may need to be removed to do a more in-depth inspection.
Schedule a Chimney Inspection Today
Air Flows Chicago provides first-rate chimney service throughout Chicago and nearby areas. We’ll deliver the results you’ll need to get the added peace of mind you deserve. Don’t forget to ask about our related chimney services. These include fireplace cleaning and chimney cleaning.
Contact us online, or give us a call today at (866) 494-6778 to schedule a chimney inspection.
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Overall, there are plenty of reasons to consider hiring us for your commercial air duct cleaning needs in Chicago. We offer rock-solid experience with the reputation that should put your mind at ease. You can call us at (866) 494-6778 to schedule a visit.
