Frederick MD Chimney Inspections | Real Estate & Damage Inspections | Licensed Chimney Inspector
Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps of Frederick, MD, provides professional chimney inspections for our customers in Hagerstown, MD, Thurmont, MD, and other local Maryland communities.
If you use your fireplace regularly and it’s been more than a year or so since your last thorough chimney inspection, now is the perfect time to call us for a safety checkup. With certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), our experienced & licensed chimney inspectors will find early signs of damage and make any repairs necessary to keep you and your family safe and comfortable.
CSIA-sanctioned chimney inspections cover three levels, each designed to address specific issues. Most of the time, a basic Level 1 inspection is all that’s necessary for most homeowners. Here’s a little about all three types of inspections.
Level 1 Chimney Inspection
This inspection is performed when nothing has changed in your fireplace/chimney system (i.e., same appliance with the same venting component) and there are no obvious signs of damage.
Your inspector will closely examine all accessible areas of the interior and exterior chimney, the heating appliance, components such as dampers and chimney caps, and the connection between the appliance and the chimney or vent pipe.
If any signs of damage or excess wear are present, or if we spot flue obstructions or flammable creosote buildup, we’ll make recommendations on how to solve the problem quickly and at the least cost to you. An annual Level 1 chimney inspection is a great way to keep your chimney in tip-top shape, year after year.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
This inspection is more involved than a Level 1 and is performed for three different reasons:
- You’re replacing the heating appliance connected to the chimney or vent – such as adding a gas fireplace insert to a wood-burning masonry fireplace
- The home is being sold (note that a professional chimney inspection is different from that performed by the average home inspector)
- There has been an operational malfunction, or something has happened that likely has caused damage such as a chimney fire, an earthquake or a major weather event
Level 2 inspections don’t require specific tools for removing doors, panels or coverings. Video-scan technology often is used to help the inspector zero in on hard-to-see areas.
Level 3 Chimney Inspection
If a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection indicates a hidden problem that requires special equipment to be able to access, a Level 3 inspection is performed. Removal of chimney components, sections of the flue and/or surrounding areas of the home’s building materials may be necessary to allow the inspector to determine the location and extent of the problem.
Fortunately, it’s unlikely Level 3 Chimney inspections will be necessary if you schedule yearly Level 1 inspections and keep your appliance and venting system well-maintained.
Chimney inspections along with professional chimney sweep services are the best recipe to keeping your heating system running safely and at peak efficiency. Along with our industry certifications, Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps is a proud member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. When we work on your chimney, the job is going to be done right the first time.
When it’s time for your next chimney inspection, call the pros you can trust at (301) 695-6991.
