Chimney Inspections

Level 1 Chimney Inspection

A level 1 chimney inspection is generally considered limited to visible areas of the chimney that don’t require tools or ladders. This may be the exterior of the chimney (partially visible from both the inside and outside of the house) as well as the inside of the chimney under some conditions.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

A level 2 chimney inspection is a more involved inspection that will include all portions of a Level I Inspection, as well as accessible areas of the chimney structure, including areas within accessible attics, basements and crawl spaces. Common hand tools and ladders are generally used, and will include examination of the chimney interior by video scanning or other comparable means of inspection. The inspector should also determine that the flue is properly sized for the appliance venting into it.

Level 3 Chimney Inspection

A level 3 chimney inspection includes all portions level 1 and 2 inspections, as well as examination of non-accessible areas of the chimney structure that are reasonably suspected of containing hazards. Non-accessible areas are those areas that cannot be reached without damage or destruction to the chimney, building or building finish, or areas that would require special tools to reach. Examination of non-accessible areas should be limited to suspect problem areas. In as much as inspection of these non-accessible areas will likely result in damage to the building, the inspector and homeowner should discuss these details beforehand.