Have Your Chimney Inspected Before Winter
Fall is upon us and Northern California winters can be unpredictable and fast-approaching. It’s important to stay ahead of the weather when it comes to your chimney inspection.
Schedule Now and Avoid the Fall Rush
Chimney professionals experience a busy season between September and January. During this time period they receive a high number of calls for emergencies, maintenance, installations, repairs, and consultations. If you wait for the fall rush to schedule your inspection you may be in danger of running into winter and needing repairs. You might even be tempted to hire someone less experienced to make chimney repairs to avoid a wait. This is not recommended. Only a professional has the experience and training to make repairs as well as complete an inspection.
Always Choose a Professional
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections. These inspections should be completed by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) only.
The education, expertise, and attention to detail of a White Glove inspector are second to none. Our inspectors have experience as professional Fire Investigator Consultants in hearth-related structural fires. They can also provide Expert Witness Testimony in such cases. We offer level one, two, and three inspections, as well as providing a detailed report for your convenience.
Chimney Inspections Explained
A chimney inspection is recommended annually, but before scheduling your level one inspection, consider the following factors:
A level 1 inspection is recommended annually when there have been no changes to the chimney system. This inspection is an examination of the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance, and the chimney connection.
A level 2 inspection is recommended if changes have been made to the chimney system. These changes include a changed fuel type, experiencing a problem with the chimney itself, or an event that can affect your chimney system. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior. This includes attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
A level 3 inspection is required when a level 1 or 2 reports concerns. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 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 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.
Chimney inspections and sweeps are important for your chimney’s safety and efficiency and should not be missed. At White Glove we make your safety and comfort our top priority. When you hire a White Glove technician you’ll experience the White Glove difference! Schedule your chimney inspection before winter and contact White Glove today.