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We
recently upgraded our chimney inspection capabilities with a new color
Chimscan video camera. This state-of-the-art camera can
uncover dangerous chimney conditions that might have slipped past our old
camera.
While
we still do Level 1 visual inspections without using the video camera, there
are situations where the added expense of conducting a remote
camera assisted Level 2 inspection is necessary. The National Fire
Protection Association's code NFPA
211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning
Appliances) recommends a Level 2 chimney inspection in the following
situations:
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A new heating appliance is
added or there is a change in fuel.
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After an operating
malfunction or external event that is likely to have damaged the chimney.
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Upon the sale or transfer
of a property.
The following sections (Source:
Chimney Safety Institute of America's web site) explains the three
different types of chimney inspections as defined by the
National Fire Protection
Association.
| LEVEL
1 INSPECTIONS |
| If
your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to
use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a
minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney
under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the
continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, your
chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible*
portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible** portions of
the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be
looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as
well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician
will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible
deposits. |
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| *
Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation,
inspection, maintenance or repair without the use of tools to open or
remove doors, panels or coverings.
** Accessible: May
require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels or
coverings, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or
finish. |
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| LEVEL
2 INSPECTIONS |
|
A
Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system.
Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of,
or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition
of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency.
Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer
of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that
is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney
fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that
this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more
in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection.
A
Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the
accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including
attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances
from combustibles in accessible locations.
There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to
open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A
Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video
scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and
joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or
destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building
structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection. |
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When a
Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation
cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the
chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection
addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of
the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of
permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be
required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection.
Level 3 inspection – 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. |
