Get a Closer Look With Video Scanning & Professional Chimney Inspections
Have you ever tried to see the inside of your chimney? If so, you know it’s impossible for the human eye to truly get a good look at the chimney flue. With a large portion of the chimney system inaccessible, how can you really know whether or not your chimney is in good working order?
Well, the answer is: you can’t. At least not without video scanning and professional chimney inspections. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) encourage homeowners to have their chimneys inspected every year, without fail.
Have you had your chimney inspected this year? If not, then Black Velvet Chimney is here for you. Schedule your next chimney inspection with us by filling out this service request form.
How Does Video Scanning Make a Difference?
Since 1983, we’ve been providing quality, thorough chimney inspections and video scans that meet NFPA 211 standards. Using video scanning technology, we’re able to pick up cracks and damage that the human eye simply can’t see in a dark chimney. In other words, we catch what the eye misses – and with the many dangers and problems that can arise from damaged chimneys, it’s important that damage does not go unnoticed.
A video scan can help us detect problems like:
- Cracks, gaps, or missing flue liners.
- Creosote buildup along the walls of the flue liner or smoke chamber.
- Blockages (like bird nests, twigs, leaves, and other debris).
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The NFPA 211 Levels Of Chimney Inspections
The NFPA 211 standard breaks inspections down into three levels:
- Level 1 is for chimney systems that are being used in the same manner as they’ve always been used and that haven’t undergone any changes in appliance, fuel type, chimney liner, or performance. During a level 1 inspection, all easily accessible portions of the system will be evaluated.
- Level 2 is for chimney systems that have experienced a chimney fire or a severe weather event that could have caused damage, or that have had a new appliance or new flue liner installed. These inspections are also recommended when purchasing a home and when performance issues or related changes have occurred. During a level 2 inspection, all easily accessible portions of the system will be evaluated, but a video scan of the entire flue will also be performed.
- Level 3 is for chimney systems that have serious issues that can’t be resolved or pinpointed with a level 1 or 2 inspection. This level may require the removal of walls or other types of “demo” work, which is why they’re only performed when there’s absolutely no other option.
Why Would I Need a Level 3 Inspection?
Level 3 inspections are more exhaustive, so many folks question how likely it is that they’d need one. Our answer? They’re not super common… but they might be necessary from time to time. You can’t see any hidden dangers or damages through the brickwork, which means even the best camera equipment won’t be helpful. The only way to discover these issues is through a level three inspection.
At the end of an inspection, you’ll receive a full report on our findings, including photographs of our findings and our recommendations for cleanings or repairs. These reports are great for your peace of mind, but they can also be used for real estate transactions and insurance claims.
What Are the Risks of Not Getting a Chimney Inspection?
Skipping a chimney inspection is a gamble not worth taking. Your relaxing fireplace can quickly become a major safety hazard without proper maintenance. Creosote buildup can spark a damaging chimney fire, while blockages can trap smoke and deadly carbon monoxide inside of your home. Missed cracks and damage can lead to water leaks and even structural instability of the chimney itself.
Regular inspections are preventive maintenance for your fireplace and it allows you to catch small issues before they snowball into costly repairs. A quick inspection now can save you a big headache and huge expenses down the line.
How Much Does a Chimney Inspection Cost?
The cost of a chimney inspection depends on several things. We’ll need to factor in the level of chimney inspection required, the size and complexity of your chimney, and how easy it is for one of our chimney technicians to access it. We encourage you to reach out to our customer service team to provide more information for a more accurate price quote.
Keep Your Chimney Safe – Book Your Annual Chimney Inspection Now
Ready to have your Dallas/Fort Worth chimney inspected by a reliable and certified chimney professional? Click here to schedule your next chimney inspection with Black Velvet Chimney. We’re here to help when you need fair, honest, and timely service in DFW!
Our chimney and fireplace services include all kinds of chimney repairs, including work on brick chimneys, wood chases, leaky chimneys, relining issues and more.