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San Diego Chimney Inspections: We Perform Video Chimney Flue Inspections You Can Trust

A fireplace can be a truly wonderful addition to a home, and a great source of enjoyment for the people who live in it. Of course, that’s only true when the chimney is functioning properly, which is why in-depth video chimney inspections are such an important annual investment.

The frustrating thing about the chimney is that dangerous issues and flaws aren’t always obvious – and the consequences of these damages can be serious and frightening. Fortunately for San Diego residents, the team at Weststar Chimneys performs thorough and accurate chimney inspection services.

The only way to accurately know the condition of your flue and fireplace is to have regular chimney inspections performed by certified professionals who’ve had the training to properly check for potential hazards – technicians like us. All Weststar technicians are CSIA-certified and work to stay current with new technologies and standards. With us, you can be confident that you’re getting a thorough and accurate assessment of your San Diego chimney system.

Call or book online today.

 

Living room fireplace

A Video Chimney Inspection Should Be Performed Every Year

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 standard for chimneys and fireplaces indicates that an annual inspection is key to ensuring efficiency and the highest possible level of safety.

If your appliance and venting system haven’t changed (e.g. you haven’t installed a new appliance, changed fuels, or had any damage), we’ll recommend that you have a standard Level 1 visual inspection performed. During this inspection, we’ll check all of the accessible portions of your system (from the firebox up through the chimney crown) for damage and potential hazards using an advanced video scanning system.

Once the inspection is complete, we’ll share the findings with you and recommend the necessary repairs (if any are needed). If repairs are necessary, we’ll explain the situation and go over your options with you. When we leave, you’ll know the status of your chimney system so that you can confidently enjoy it.

Do I Need an Inspection if I Rarely Use My Fireplace?

Fair question, and the answer is yes – even if you rarely use your fireplace, it’s still important to schedule regular chimney inspections. All chimneys, whether used often or not, are exposed to the elements year-round, and many issues can develop over time – issues that aren’t related to how often (or not) you use your fireplace.

Issues like what?

  • Blockages and animal nests. Chimneys can become blocked by debris like leaves, twigs, or animal nests, all of which trigger deterioration and invite other issues into your home. Animals living in your flue can bring on smells and attract pests, and their buildup will be a big fire hazard if you ever do want to put your system to use later on. And any other buildup will block the flue and prevent smoke and other fumes from venting properly too.
  • Structural damage and wear. Over time, weather conditions – like rain and temperature fluctuations – can weaken the chimney structure, causing cracks in the masonry or flue liner. Even if you don’t use the fireplace often, this structural damage can compromise the chimney’s ability to function safely when you do decide to use it. This damage could make other areas of your home (like your roof, attic, or interior walls) more vulnerable too.
  • Moisture issues and water damage. Water is one of the biggest enemies of chimneys – and even an unused chimney can suffer from moisture problems. Rain and humidity can invite issues like a damaged chimney cap, broken down brickwork, flashing deterioration, and more – all of which can extend to the rest of the chimney and eventually cause damage within your home.
  • Hidden internal damages. Many chimney problems, such as deteriorating flue liners or blockages, aren’t noticeable without an inspection. These issues, if left untreated, can worsen over time and become more expensive to repair. It’s best to spot them early, so that you can treat them right away…before they spread any further.

All of these things not only put your home at risk when you want to light a fire, but can also impact the value of the home if and when you sell down the line (during which time a level 2 inspection will be completed).

Blockages, damaged flue liners, or creosote buildup can lead to dangerous situations where smoke, carbon monoxide, or fire escapes into your home…it’s not worth taking any chances. A professional chimney inspection is always a good investment.

Are There Different Levels of Chimney Inspections?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlight three levels of inspections:

Level 1 Chimney Inspection

This is the most basic type of inspection and is recommended for chimneys that have been regularly maintained, used appropriately, and haven’t undergone any significant changes. A Level 1 inspection is typically done annually and focuses on visible portions of the chimney.

Note: While level 1 inspections don’t typically use video equipment, our sweeps use them in every inspection we perform.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • Our technician will visually inspect all accessible parts of the chimney, including the exterior, interior, and any chimney connections.
  • They will check the chimney structure, flue, and basic components (damper, chimney cap, etc.) to ensure everything is in good condition.
  • They will identify issues like creosote buildup, blockages, or minor cracks in the masonry – and make necessary recommendations based on their findings.
  • They will use video equipment to get a further look into your flue.

If your chimney has been well-maintained and there have been no significant changes to the system (such as changing fuel types or installing a new appliance), a Level 1 inspection is usually sufficient.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection

A Level 2 inspection is more exhaustive and is required if there has been a change to the system (like converting from wood to gas), if the home is changing ownership, or if an uncontrollable hazardous event (like a chimney fire or an earthquake) has occurred. It includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, as well as the removal of some doors or panels to get a more in-depth look. The technician will also use video equipment to get a closer look internally.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

  • One of our technicians will inspect all areas covered in a Level 1 inspection.
  • They’ll examine areas of the chimney that may not be readily accessible (attics, basements, crawl spaces, etc.).
  • They’ll use specialized tools, like a video camera, to inspect the interior of the chimney flue.

Book one of these after big storms or natural disasters, after chimney fires, after any major changes are made to the system, and when buying/selling a home.

Level 3 Chimney Inspection

A Level 3 inspection is the most comprehensive and is only performed when serious issues are suspected – issues that can only be uncovered with an intrusive investigation. This level of inspection involves removing parts of the chimney – or sometimes parts of the surrounding wall – to thoroughly assess potential hazards or structural damage.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

In addition to the steps included in Levels 1 and 2, a Level 3 inspection may require the removal of chimney components like the chimney crown, interior wall panels, or other building materials to gain access to areas that are suspected of having severe damage.

  • In addition to the steps included in Levels 1 and 2, our tech may need to remove chimney components (like the chimney crown) to gain full access to affected areas.
  • We may need to remove interior wall panels or other building materials around the chimney.

These will only be needed if a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection reveals significant problems that require a more in-depth overview.

What Causes Chimney Fires?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) notes that nearly all chimney fires are preventable. Fires often result when:

  • chimneys are blocked or clogged by debris (nests, leaves, etc.)
  • thick deposits of highly combustible creosote (particularly glazed creosote) develop on the flue walls
  • damaged flue liners allow heat to transfer to nearby building materials

These instances can all be avoided with preventive maintenance, including an annual chimney and fireplace inspection.

If you have chimney inspections performed regularly in your San Diego home, you’ll have a much greater chance of locating blockages and damage before a chimney fire can result. Inspections are small investments that bring big rewards – namely, peace of mind and confidence when using your system.

Take the Right Steps – Book Your Appointment Today

Take initiative by scheduling your annual chimney inspection today. Call Weststar Chimney Sweeps at 619-338-8116, or make an appointment online!

 

If our thorough chimney inspection indicates you need any kind of chimney repair,  the experts at Weststar have the qualifications to do the job.  Call on us for every chimney and dryer vent service.