Chimney & Fireplace Inspections

At America One Chimney Sweeps in Clifton, VA, we’re your local chimney sweeps here to provide thorough level 1, level 2, and level 3 chimney inspections with every chimney sweep to ensure that your fireplace and chimney meet all safety standards.

Once the cleaning process is complete, our technicians will go ahead and perform an extensive inspection of the entirety of your chimney and fireplace. They will search for cracks, smoke staining, design flaws, and improper strapping.

Additionally, they’ll make sure that your flashing— which protects against structural damage caused by both water and wildlife—is in good condition. Lastly, they’ll inspect the firebox for any cracks, exterior movement, or design flaws to make sure that no smoke or heat can escape throughout the rest of your house, creating possible grounds for in-home fires to occur.

Our technicians take care to ensure that they protect your home and use drop cloths and vacuums to capture soot and creosote during the sweeping process. In some cases where there is baked on glazed creosote present, we will recommend performing a mechanical cleaning.

Getting your chimney inspected regularly is vital to ensuring that there are no problems with your chimney. Problems  that pose a danger to your home and family and need to be fixed as quickly as possible. Our standard chimney inspection is a Level 1 inspection which is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended once a year.

We 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 obstructions and combustible deposits. basic package that includes a rooftop inspection if possible.

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. A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. 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 are examples that would trigger this type of 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 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.

Contact us at America One Chimney Sweep in Clifton, VA to schedule your chimney and fireplace inspection today!