Our Company Blog

We Provide Chimney Video Inspections

Your chimney may look great on the outside. However, on the inside, there could be hazards lurking that could put the safety of your family and home at risk. Although chimney professionals have the training and knowledge to assess the interior of a chimney, it is also challenging for them to see exactly what is going on inside the flue.

Over the years, we have been providing the Austin area with high-quality professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services. At Atlas Chimney, we also have closed-circuit video recording included in our chimney inspections. This allows us to get an up-close look of every inch of the interior of a chimney when looking for damage or issues that could cause your chimney to malfunction. We would like to tell you more about our chimney video inspection service.

How do chimney video inspections work?

In order to get an up-close look at the inside of your chimney, Atlas Chimney uses the Chim-Scan Closed Circuit Internal Evaluation System. It is specifically designed to operate inside chimneys, air ducts, and other venting systems. After our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney professionals sweep your chimney, we will insert the camera system into the flue.

The camera system gives us a better visual of the interior of your chimney on a TV monitor, and this also allows us to spot damage to the liner, wall, or other components that could lead to potential hazards. As we are inspecting your chimney with the Chim-Scan, the system is recording everything, and we will give you a copy of this recording upon completion of our service.

Which levels of chimney inspections include a video recording?

You can expect Atlas Chimney to use our Chim-Scan system for all Level 2 or Level 3 inspections. These levels require a video recording because they are used in situations where chimney damage is usually present, especially after a chimney fire or extreme weather events. The recordings can be given to your home insurance agent for any relevant claims. You also need a Level 2 chimney inspection when you are buying or selling a home, or when you have made changes to your chimney system. We can even include our video recording services for the basic Level 1 inspection if you request it.

Do you need the peace of mind that there is absolutely no damage to the interior of your chimney? Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to schedule a chimney video inspection. We are always here for any of your professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs!

A Home Inspector Is Not a Chimney Expert

You believe that you have found the house of your dreams. You want to make an offer, but you will need to schedule a professional home inspection before the sale is final. This is necessary to ensure that all of the systems in the home are working properly and safely. Receiving a thumbs up from the inspector may lead you to think that you will not have to worry about taking care of repairs. However, Atlas Chimney would like to tell you why you should consider getting a second opinion. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified technicians have the experience and training to spot chimney damage and other problems. We would like to tell you more about the importance of a professional chimney inspection while buying a home.

Why do I need a professional chimney inspection in addition to a home inspection?

While the home inspector you hire will be able to tell you about foundation problems and electrical and plumbing issues, there are certain areas outside of his or her expertise, according to Trulia. Although your home inspector will most likely shine a flashlight up the chimney, he or she will not be closely examining the interior. A professional chimney technician will perform a Level 2 inspection. Level 2 inspections use a special video camera to closely examine every inch of the chimney. This not only ensures that possible problems will be found, but it also provides photographic evidence.

What does a Level 2 chimney inspection include?

Several decades ago, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed three different levels of professional chimney inspections. The most basic Level 1 inspection includes checking out the readily accessible parts of the chimney. This checks the soundness of the structure and makes sure the chimney is clear from obstructions. A Level 2 inspection involves a closer examination of the chimney and includes the attic, basement, and crawl space. Real estate transactions and changes to the system require Level 2 inspections. They are also required after a malfunction of the chimney such as a fire or an external event like an earthquake or tornado. A Level 3 inspection is necessary for further investigation to diagnose a possible hazard. This may involve the removal of a chimney wall or even the destruction of the entire structure.

Considering buying a home? Don’t forget to contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule a professional chimney inspection to be sure the chimney will work safely and efficiently.