What to Expect During a Chimney Inspection

Your home is a place of warmth and pride. Your fireplace should take part in that feeling. Fireplaces provide warmth and comfort throughout the fall and winter months through housing an open fire. Just like any other part of the home, your chimney and fireplace system will require regular maintenance. Regular maintenance and upkeep will ensure that the chimney and fireplace system are functioning properly and safely.

A sweep and inspection are important to uncover the hidden secrets of the chimney system. Performing these steps uncovers needed to be repairs, remove any blockages, and flammable materials. With that being said, there are a few questions to answer.

The Three Levels of Chimney Inspections

Level 1:

A Level 1 chimney inspection is the standard base inspection. The chimney technician will examine the chimney to ensure that there are no structural issues, obstructions, or damage to the chimney system. This inspection covers the easily accessible areas of the chimney exterior, interior, and connections. A Level 1 inspection does not require specialized tools.

Level 2:

Level 2 inspections are required when a change occurs within the chimney system. Such changes can include change of fuel type, shape or material in the flue (such as lining). Adding or replacing an appliance will also require an inspection. Also, this level is mandatory when selling or transferring a property. Malfunctions and damage caused by external factors such as extreme weather or building or chimney fires also call for a Level 2 inspection.

There is no need for specialty tools to perform a Level 2 inspection. However, it does include an internal visual inspection performed with video scanning or other means.

Should A Brick Chimney Be Sealed?

Growing up in southern states, you learn to always keep an umbrella or a rain jacket on you at all times. Between Mobile, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida, there is more rain here than in Seattle, Washington. Mobile to around the Tallahassee are in the direct hurricane territory. In the south, the only people who love the rain are the farmers. Precut boards are given to homeowners to cover each window. Also, there are sand bags for purchase at the local stores to keep water from entering the structure.

Homeowners here have come accustom to the weather conditions and now how to take care of their homes. Chimneys are left to wither away, but taking the steps to maintain the condition could save your chimney. Below are the types of chimneys.

Masonry

Masonry chimneys, or brick chimneys, are constructed of a variety of masonry and metal materials. The materials include mortar, brick, concrete, concrete block, stone, flue tile, steel and a cast iron. All masonry chimneys will contain combinations of the materials, or possibly some of them. Most of the martials are affected by direct contact with water or water penetration.

All the materials, except the stone, deteriorate faster as a result  of prolonged contact with water. Typically masonry materials deteriorate quickly when exposed to repeatedly freeze-thaw stages. This is where water has penetrated the materials that froze and expands causing stress. Also, water in the chimney can cause rust on the steel and cast iron. Rust weakens or destroys the metal parts.

Prefabricated

Prefabricated chimneys are built prior to installment or the development of the home. These are becoming to be the most common method of adding a fireplace into a home. Prefab chimneys function similar to masonry chimney, but cost much cheaper. There is a major design difference between the two.