The Chimney Safety Institute of America or "CSIA" is the leading supplier of information and training surrounding chimney cleaning and construction. They have an extensive library of information on their website. The NFPA writes the rules.
Customer Responses:
We cannot count how many times we have gone out to do a cleaning and the customer has said, "Wow, you guys really took your time and did a lot more than the last guy" The reason we get this is because so many companies send out somebody to do a fast clean, they sweep and move on. Sometimes they leave the glazed, hard deposited creosote behind. In fact, one customer had his chimney swept by a guy 2 years in a row. His sweep would run the brush and leave, never using the tools or chemicals needed to remove the glaze he was inefficient woodstove was depositing in his flue. Unfortunately, we did not meet him until after the chimney fire. He didn't understand why he had experienced a fire with his sweeping history. Simply put, the chimney sweep never did his job.
Sunfire Technicians are here to assure you that this story is never your story!
Whats included at your scheduled cleaning?:
We perform a level one inspection at each cleaning we do! That takes a considerable amount of time to guarantee YOUR family's safety. What's it cost??? Nothing extra! We do the inspection and the cleaning at the same time, for no extra charge.
While we inspect and clean the chimney, we may find a need to extend our inspection to a level two inspection. If so, most times the camera equipment is already on the truck and the cost is extremely reasonable. We keep costs down for you whenever we can.
Here is the CSIA's summary of chimney inspections:
Chimney Inspections Explained:
Until recently, the scope of work performed in the inspection or evaluation of a fireplace, stove or other venting system was generally up to the discretion of the chimney service technician. Professional service technicians now have an industry standard that removes much of that "discretion." The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has addressed the minimum chimney inspection standards in its latest publication (NFPA 211) concerning home heating appliances.
Inspections are now classified as Level 1 , Level 2 or Level 3 . Each level of inspection covers specific items depending on the individual appliance and venting system. Below is an explanation of the three levels of inspections and what services your chimney service technician should provide for each level.
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.
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.– 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. 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.
Level 3 Inspections
– 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.
Inspection Definitions
* 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.
** 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.
