Fireplace and Chimney Inspection and Certification
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Experienced Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors
Universal Chimney has extensive experience performing inspections and certifications for a U&O or a home sale.
All inspections are based on the National Fire Protection Association 211 code for safe-functioning chimneys.
Below is an explanation of the three levels of inspections and what services your chimney service technician should provide for each level as defined by the NFPA 211.
Level One Chimney Inspection
If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a level one inspection is a minimum requirement. A level one inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.
In a level one inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection.
Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
Level Two Chimney Inspection
A level two inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e., relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency.
Additionally, a level two inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property, or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.
A level two inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a level one inspection. When a level one or level two inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a level three inspection is recommended.
A level three inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a level three inspection.
A level two inspection includes everything in a level one inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles inaccessible locations. There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels, or coverings in performing a level two inspection.
A level two inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a level two inspection.
Level Three Chimney Inspection
A level three inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a level one and a level two inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary.
Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a level three inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.
Inspection Definitions:
- Accessible: May require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels, or coverings, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or finish.
- Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance, or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels, or coverings.
- Fireplace Dampers: Fireplace flue liners with cracks and open mortar joints can be dangerous when combined with any creosote buildup. A quick video inspection will assure that the fireplace is a tight system. In the case that these concerning cracks and holes are found, we can offer a great repair rather than an expensive new liner.
Universal Chimney specializes in FireGuard by Firesafe Industries resurfacing flue repair. The patented FireGuard pure ceramic system is certified, listed, and labeled to the previously published U.L. Subject 2425 by Guardian Fire Testing Laboratory Inc. (ISO 17025).
FireGuard system is specifically designed to correct open mortar joints, misaligned flue liners, and fractures within flue liners.
Please refer to the manufacturer website
for additional information or call us for a FREE estimate.
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