Chimney Inspection Facts
You have most likely heard that you must have your chimney professionally swept and inspected every year, but do you know why? Knowing what happens during a routine chimney maintenance appointment can help you understand why you need to schedule it. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has been providing professional chimney maintenance services to residents of the Austin area. We would like to tell you more about what we do when we sweep and inspect chimneys.
Creosote Removal
When you have a wood-burning fireplace, creosote is a fact of life. During the combustion process, this natural compound forms as a residue that sticks to the inner chimney walls. Over the winter, a large amount of creosote can accumulate inside your chimney, and this can cause blockages. Creosote is also highly flammable. If the internal temperature of your chimney gets hot enough, it can ignite the deposits of creosote. This will start a chimney fire. You can count on Atlas Chimney to remove every bit of creosote that has accumulated inside your chimney.
Levels of Inspections
To set the standards for chimney professionals, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed three levels of chimney inspections. When you have your annual chimney inspection, it is a Level One, which, according to HouseLogic, is just a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without special tools.
A Level Two is needed if you have experienced a weather event like a tornado or an earthquake. You might also need it if you have made any changes to your fireplace, or if you have bought a house. This level of inspection includes the same as the basic level as well as a check of the attic, basement, and crawl space. It also includes a video scan of the interior of your chimney.
The third level of chimney inspection is the most serious and can require the destruction of your chimney. A Level Three inspection is required when a problem is not able to be found in a Level Two inspection. Since this level of inspection is very expensive, Atlas Chimney will give you written and photographic evidence of the reasons why this level of inspection is needed.
Contact Us
Keep your chimney working safely and efficiently by scheduling your annual chimney inspection with Atlas Chimney. Contact us today for our professional chimney maintenance services.