Winston’s Chimney Service has been serving the Northern Virginia area since 1978, and we can assure you that we know our stuff when it comes to any and all of your chimney maintenance and repairs. If you’ve owned a fireplace for a while, then you likely know that annual inspections are vital for ensuring everything runs safer and more efficiently month after month. If your due for your inspection, call right away. Our team is CSIA certified and ready to serve you!
Now, many don’t realize that there are actually three levels of inspections, and what you need may vary based on your current setup. Fortunately, our staff is qualified to perform them all! Learn more about each one below, then contact our crew for an appointment. With fall right around the corner, there’s no time to lose!
Level One Inspections
Are you using the same fireplace that you’ve had for years? Have you regularly maintained it? If so, then a level one inspection should be all you need. If your system hasn’t faced any major damages or undergone any reconstruction work, then we just need to take a look at all the easily accessible parts of your chimney to ensure that everything is still running fine.
If you need a level one inspection, you can count on us to check for any buildup or obstructions, along with any damages that could threaten the structural soundness of the chimney. Once we’re done looking things over, we’ll either give you the okay to use your fireplace this season or we’ll make suggestions for further repair work or sweepings. In no time, you’ll be all set and ready to go [http://www.csia.org/inspections.html]!
Level Two Inspections
Level two inspections include all of the components of a level one inspection, only with the addition of a few extra steps. For example, scanning and video equipment will be used to inspect the flue and interior parts of the chimney. Level two inspections guarantee a thorough and in-depth look at everything, so you know whether or not everything is running fine before lighting any fires.
When is a level two inspection necessary? You’ll need one before buying or selling a home, after undergoing any significant changes to your chimney system or fuel type, after a major malfunction has occurred, or if you’ve been through a major storm or natural disaster that has caused extensive damage. You’ll also need one if you’ve recently experienced a chimney fire.
Level Three Inspections
If we’ve done a level one or two inspections, and we still feel that a further look into the system is necessary, then we’ll perform a level three inspection. We’ll have to remove certain parts of the chimney to gain easier access to potential hazards and, in certain cases, this warrants the destruction of certain chimney parts.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to help with it all, and we’d love to get you all set up for the holidays that are fast approaching. Talk to our team today!
