We Provide Chimney Inspections in and Near Columbus, Canal Winchester, Pickerington & More

If you live in the Canal Winchester, Pickerington, Pataskala, or New Albany area, and need a quality chimney sweep to inspect, sweep, and repair your flue, look no further. We’re here to help. You can give the Blackburns team a call or you can reach out online today. Get your next chimney inspection service on the books today.

What’s the Chimney Inspection Process Like?

At Blackburn’s Chimney, we follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended inspection procedures.

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

A Level I inspection 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 could include:

• Routine or annual evaluations of the venting system
• An appliance connected to the system is being replaced with a similar appliance

A Level I inspection is limited to readily accessible portions of the venting system, and accessible portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection. The inspector 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

A Level II 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 include:

• During chimney cleaning or sweeping
• Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency
• Prior to a flue relining
• Upon sale or transfer of the property
• After an event likely to have caused damage to the chimney, such as a chimney fire or other sudden occurrence event

A Level II inspection includes all of the requirements of a Level I inspection as well as the following:

• Inspection of accessible areas of attics, basements, and crawlspaces
• Accessible areas of the chimney exterior and interior
• Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection
• Video scanning, or other thorough inspection, of the flue interior
• Evaluation of the flue lining to determine that its material and sizing is appropriate for the appliances being served
• Proper clearance to combustibles in the accessible areas listed above
• 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 of 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, and inspection of concealed areas to investigate known or suspected problems. 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.

How Often Should My Chimney Be Inspected?

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:

1. After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake
2. Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
3. Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances.
4. Prior to major system repairs
5. Video Scanning.

A video scan is where we use a camera system which is lowered into the chimney (or pushed up from the bottom). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney from a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from the top or bottom. The camera image is viewed on a TV monitor by the inspector. Video inspections may be recommended if the customer or sweep suspect certain problems.

When Are Additional Chimney Inspections Needed?

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:

1. After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake
2. Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney
3. Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances
4. Prior to major system repairs

What Is Chimney Video Scanning?

A video scan is where we use a camera system which is lowered into the chimney (or pushed up from the bottom). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney from a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from the top or bottom. The camera image is viewed on a TV monitor by the inspector. Video inspections may be recommended if the customer or sweep suspect certain problems. Video inspections are often recommended after a chimney fire or some other form of damage to a chimney, and are a routine part of a Level II or Level III inspection.

What’s the Difference Between Chimney Sweepings & Chimney Inspections?

While these two services usually go hand in hand, they are two distinct things.

• Chimney sweepings are done to remove soot, creosote, and debris (like leaves, animal nests, etc.) from the flue. The focus is clearing the chimney to reduce fire risk and improve efficiency. A chimney sweeping utilizes brushes, vacuums, and tools to clear the interior of the chimney.
• Chimney inspections are done to check the condition of the chimney and fireplace system, focusing on safety and structural integrity. We’ll look for cracks, blockages, damage, or code violations.

Think of like this: Sweeping involves clearing out the bad stuff, while inspecting is more about diagnosing issues and prevention.

For Local Chimney Services Near You, Trust Us

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 as our standard. We’re happy to stop by your home, address any specific concerns, then give your chimney a thorough look-over, so that we can detect – and address – any issues.

Call today or reach out online to get started.

Did you know that installing chimney caps and guards is another part of our chimney services?