Chimney Inspection
Chimney safety professionals and industry leaders recommend that your chimney be inspected annually. Future Contractors offers comprehensive Level I and Level II chimney inspections for our clients throughout Gaithersburg MD, Germantown MD, Redland MD, Rockville MD, Potomac MD, Washington, DC & surrounding areas. After the initial inspection, our licensed chimney inspector will recommend a course of action, whether that’s necessary repairs or the confirmation that your chimney is okay to enjoy. If there are concerns with the functionality of your chimney, we will provide you with a free estimate and discuss your options for any chimney repairs needed. Contact us for a chimney inspection.
Thorough Chimney Inspections
Our experienced chimney inspectors look for a variety of issues while inspecting your chimney:
- Cracks in the Concrete Crown
- Creosote or Other Hazardous Build-ups
- Loose or Spalling Bricks
- Missing or Deteriorated Mortar
- Nests or Creatures in the Chimney
- Rusted Chase Covers
- Structural Soundness & Functionality
- Water Intrusion
Levels of Inspection
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s 211 (Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances) is the standard upon which chimney professionals base their services. Each level of inspection has a specific scope of work and specific criteria.
Level I Inspection
This inspection is recommended when the chimney and venting system is easily accessible and when the homeowner is planning to maintain its current use. In general, this is the level of inspection performed in most homes. In a Level I chimney inspection, a certified chimney sweep verifies that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as creosote.
Level II Inspection
The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level II inspection. This inspection level is also required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operating malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. The scope of a Level II chimney inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus the inspection of accessible portions of the attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It may also include a performance test such as a smoke test or a pressure test and possibly an interior chimney video inspection if recommended by the certified chimney sweep. Call Future Contractors today for all your chimney inspection & chimney repair needs in Washington DC & surrounding areas.
