Chimney Inspections & Certifications in Woodbridge, VA
That crackling fire provides welcome warmth and light to your home on the coldest and darkest of days. However, fireplaces and chimneys can be dangerous unless kept scrupulously clean. This is why The Chimney Doctor NOVA Inc. recommends chimney inspections and certifications in Woodbridge, VA.
As far as chimney inspections go, the rule is to have your chimney inspected at least once each year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends you hire a professional sweep to do the job. Our sweeps get up into your venting system to remove the creosote, which is that black, sticky stuff that covers the inside of your chimney. Creosote is made up of everything that doesn’t burn up immediately in the venting system. It’s a highly flammable substance that puts your hearth and home at risk.
Chimney Inspection Levels
The National Fire Protection Association's 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances) is the standard upon which chimney sweeps base their services. This standard classifies chimney and venting system inspections into three levels: Level I, Level II or Level III.
Level I Inspection
This inspection is recommended when the chimney and venting system is easily accessible and when the homeowner is planning to maintain its current use. In general, this is the level of inspection performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection, a certified chimney sweep verifies that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as creosote.
Level II Inspection
The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level II inspection. This inspection level is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. The scope of a Level II inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of the attics, crawl spaces and basements. It may also include a performance test such as a smoke test or a pressure test, and possibly an interior chimney video inspection if recommended by the chimney sweep.
Level III Inspection
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without access to concealed areas, a Level III inspection is recommended. This type of inspection confirms the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Level III inspections are generally necessary when investigating an incident that has caused damage to a chimney or building, or where a hazard is detected and suspected. Both the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent fire and carbon monoxide poisonings.
Chimney Certifications
Are you buying, selling, or renting a home? For the sale of a property, rental agreement, or insurance purposes, we offer chimney inspections and certifications. We work with home buyers, home sellers, and REALTORS®. The inspection is pass/fail and includes recommended repairs, if needed.
This is essential information for prospective home buyers. You want to make sure the chimney is clean and in fine repair before you buy. Otherwise, you could risk your property and safety should a fire occur.
Insurance companies require chimney certifications before they’ll agree to insure your property. Be sure to hire a sweep who has certification. This professional has studied proper cleaning techniques and has demonstrated knowledge through tough tests. Such certification gives you confidence that a skilled sweep is performing your service.
Call us for a free estimate on chimney inspections and certifications.
