Is Your Fireplace, Stove, Or Insert Ready For Winter? Know For Sure By Scheduling A Level 2 Safety Inspection Every Year
As career firefighters, nothing matters more to us than keeping our neighbors in Montgomery County, MD and the surrounding communities safe. That’s why we started this chimney sweep company in the first place! We don’t just want to put out fires, we want to prevent them.
But we know that, in order to do that, ongoing maintenance and regular checkups are key. That’s why we follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 standard, which states that all chimney and venting systems should be inspected every single year, regardless of use.
Here’s what annual inspections can do for you and your family:
- reveal chimney and fireplace damage
- reveal structural problems
- reveal dangerous clearance to combustible issues
- reveal chimney leaks
- reveal blockages and other threats that could cause a chimney fire or carbon monoxide problem
- reveal fireplace, stove, or insert performance problems
But they don’t just reveal problems, they also provide peace of mind. When you know that you’ve done your part and had your chimney system professionally inspected before that first fire of the season, you can be confident that your chimney and fireplace are ready to keep your home cozy all winter long.
So what does a level 2 safety inspection entail and when (other than annually) should you schedule one?
What Does A Level 2 Safety Inspection Include?
Level 2 safety inspections are comprehensive evaluations of the entire chimney system and the attached appliance. We’ll:
- check the exterior of the chimney for damage or missing components
- check the fireplace, stove, or insert for damage, creosote buildup, and broken components
- check the fireplace damper for damage or issues
- check the smoke chamber for creosote, cracks, damage, or design problems
We’ll also use our specialized video scan equipment to see the chimney flue liner, from top to bottom. We snake the camera into the chimney and slowly cover the entire flue, checking for blockages, creosote buildup, cracks, liner deterioration, or other concerns. When we’re done, you’ll be given an inspection report, which will detail all of the things we did, all of the things we found, and all of the recommendations we have for your system.
When Should You Schedule A Level 2 Safety Inspection?
So you’ve been good about keeping up with level 2 safety inspections every year, but when else should you schedule this type of inspection? Good question. The NFPA recommends these inspections:
- when you’ve noticed a problem with your appliance
- when you’re relining your chimney flue
- when you’re installing a new hearth appliance
- when you’re changing from one fuel source to another
- when you’re buying/selling a home
- when you think you’ve had a chimney fire
- when you think your chimney may have been damaged by a severe weather event
Still need one more reason to make level 2 chimney safety inspections a priority in your home? Many manufacturer warranties — for example, chimney liner warranties or fireplace insert warranties — are voided if the chimney isn’t inspected annually. By scheduling an inspection each and every year, you’ll enjoy the confidence of knowing that, should something go wrong, the manufacturer of your hearth appliance or chimney product will honor the warranty.
Scheduling Is Easy — Just Call Us Or Reach Out Here On Our Website!
Help us reduce the number of chimney fires in our area and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can safely enjoy a fire in your fireplace or stove — call Traditions Chimney Sweeps at 240-801-5626 and schedule your level 2 safety inspection today. You can also request an appointment online right here.
If you’re buying a home, be sure to ask our sweeping and inspection crews about doing a real estate inspection to get you off to the right start.
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