INSPECTIONS
The NFPA divides the inspection procedure into three categories or levels. The
circumstances, which give rise to the inspection, determine what level of inspection is to be
conducted. A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection, while Level II and
Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive. A Level I
inspection is completed during each chimney cleaning or sweeping.
LEVEL I Inspection
This is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued
service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing. This may include:
o Routine or annual evaluations of the venting system
o An appliance connected to the system is being replaced with a similar appliance
o During a chimney cleaning or sweep
This inspection is limited to readily accessible portions of the venting system and accessible
portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection. The technician will
check the readily accessible portions of the chimney, its enclosing structure and the flue. A
Level I inspection includes verification that the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.
LEVEL II Inspection
This level of inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection and is the
recommended inspection when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are
changing or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection.
Several instances where a Level II inspection is specifically recommended may include:
o Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency
o Prior to a flue relining
o Upon sale or transfer of the property
o After an event likely to have caused damage to the chimney such as a chimney fire
or other sudden occurrences events
A Level II inspection includes all of the requirements of a Level I inspection, as well as the
following:
o Inspection of accessible areas of attics, basements and crawl spaces
o Accessible areas of the chimney interior and exterior
o Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection
o Video scanning or other thorough inspection of the flue interior
o Evaluation of the flue lining to determine that its material and sizing is appropriate
for the appliances being served
o Proper clearance to combustibles in the accessible areas listed above
o Proper construction and condition of the chimney system in the accessible areas
listed above
While the Level II inspection is a rather thorough inspection and requires access to many
areas of the building, it does not require removal or permanent parts of the building, such
as siding, chase covers or wall coverings.
LEVEL III Inspection
A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes
inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas
will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated
otherwise.
A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection. In as
much as certain portions of a Level III inspection require destructive action to the building,
the inspector will discuss these areas with the building owner prior to the inspection.
FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS
The NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually. In
addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting systems
should be inspected, such as:
* After any unusual or sudden occurrence event such as a chimney fire, lightning
strike or earthquake
* Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
* Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of
the appliances
* Prior to any major system repairs
You should be aware that even the most thorough inspection would not reveal all
problems. Some areas of a chimney simple are not accessible due to construction of the
house. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns with your service technician. The
recommended inspection technique will often be based on your comments and concerns.
Our technicians are trained to perform the appropriate level of inspection based upon the
use of the chimney and any performance problems or safety concerns using the NFPA 211
(it’s latest publication) as our standard.
The NFPA divides the inspection procedure into three categories or levels. The
circumstances, which give rise to the inspection, determine what level of inspection is to be
conducted. A Level I inspection is the most basic level of inspection, while Level II and
Level III inspections are progressively more detailed and comprehensive. A Level I
inspection is completed during each chimney cleaning or sweeping.
LEVEL I Inspection
This is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued
service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing. This may include:
o Routine or annual evaluations of the venting system
o An appliance connected to the system is being replaced with a similar appliance
o During a chimney cleaning or sweep
This inspection is limited to readily accessible portions of the venting system and accessible
portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection. The technician will
check the readily accessible portions of the chimney, its enclosing structure and the flue. A
Level I inspection includes verification that the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.
LEVEL II Inspection
This level of inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level I inspection and is the
recommended inspection when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are
changing or when a Level I inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection.
Several instances where a Level II inspection is specifically recommended may include:
o Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency
o Prior to a flue relining
o Upon sale or transfer of the property
o After an event likely to have caused damage to the chimney such as a chimney fire
or other sudden occurrences events
A Level II inspection includes all of the requirements of a Level I inspection, as well as the
following:
o Inspection of accessible areas of attics, basements and crawl spaces
o Accessible areas of the chimney interior and exterior
o Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection
o Video scanning or other thorough inspection of the flue interior
o Evaluation of the flue lining to determine that its material and sizing is appropriate
for the appliances being served
o Proper clearance to combustibles in the accessible areas listed above
o Proper construction and condition of the chimney system in the accessible areas
listed above
While the Level II inspection is a rather thorough inspection and requires access to many
areas of the building, it does not require removal or permanent parts of the building, such
as siding, chase covers or wall coverings.
LEVEL III Inspection
A Level III inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes
inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas
will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated
otherwise.
A Level III inspection includes all areas covered in a Level I and Level II inspection. In as
much as certain portions of a Level III inspection require destructive action to the building,
the inspector will discuss these areas with the building owner prior to the inspection.
FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS
The NFPA recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually. In
addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting systems
should be inspected, such as:
* After any unusual or sudden occurrence event such as a chimney fire, lightning
strike or earthquake
* Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
* Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of
the appliances
* Prior to any major system repairs
You should be aware that even the most thorough inspection would not reveal all
problems. Some areas of a chimney simple are not accessible due to construction of the
house. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns with your service technician. The
recommended inspection technique will often be based on your comments and concerns.
Our technicians are trained to perform the appropriate level of inspection based upon the
use of the chimney and any performance problems or safety concerns using the NFPA 211
(it’s latest publication) as our standard.
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| Useful Links: Chimney Safety Institute of America National Chimney Sweep Guild Wood Heat Info 5-day Forecast for Concord , NC |
| Office: 704-782-7213 Fax: 704-782-7299 |
| The Chimney Doctor, Inc. |
