by Billy Sweet | Apr 27, 2018 | Chimney Inspection
Every chimney should be inspected regularly. It’s required every year, but may happen more often if you schedule routine chimney sweeps with a certified chimney professional. The more your chimney system is seen and serviced by a professional, the more efficient it will be, and the longer it will last.
Chimney Inspections
CSIA chimney inspections are the industry standard. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has been around since the 80s, and together with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), agree that chimneys should be serviced and inspected annually in order to be safe and efficient. There are three levels of inspections:
Level One – This inspection is scheduled annually when no changes have been made to the system, and it’s been used as it has been in the past. It includes all the readily-accessible portions of the chimney system, and a visual inspection of the exterior.
Level Two – This inspection includes everything in a level one, plus accessible portions of the chimney system like that in crawlspaces, attics, and basements. This inspection includes a video scan of the entire interior of the chimney system. A level two inspection is required when land is sold or transferred.
Level Three – This inspection is required when a hazard is identified in a level one or two inspection. It may include the removal of components of the home or chimney in order to gain access to the hazard in question.
Video Scan Inspections
Do you have to have a level two inspection in order to have a video inspection? Not at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep! We believe the only way to assess your chimney is to see it. That’s why we inspect with a video scan every time. Our technicians use the Chim-Scan® camera system and Wohler Vis2000-Pro to insure your chimney gets a proper inspection. With these cameras we can locate problems big and small–from leaks and voids to glazed creosote and structure problems.
We don’t expect you to take our word for it. We document our findings, and offer visual proof for your personal records as well as for your insurance company. With all of our footage and recommendations, you will be fully informed to make a decision about necessary repairs to your chimney system. You might also like this information before deciding to buy and install a new appliance or sell or rent your home.
If you’re in the Boston, North Shore, or Portland area, Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep can service your chimney, assessing the flue from top to bottom with our video scan equipment. We can also make sure you’re ready for spring, with a watertight chimney cap and flashing, waterproof masonry, and a leak-free system from the inside out. Don’t wait another day before calling and scheduling your video inspection.
Call 617-469-4528 or make an appointment online.
by Billy Sweet | Aug 13, 2015 | Chimney Video Inspection
During a routine chimney inspection, it is difficult to understand fully what takes place as your chimney sweep explores the inner and outer cracks and crevices of your fireplace. Here at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, we don’t depend solely on a flashlight and a gut feeling like many sweeps do. We use the most updated technology available: a full video inspection of the innards of your chimney to ensure it is in the best shape it can be in for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
Why is a video inspection needed?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a level one inspection of a chimney requires not much more than common tools and a flashlight to look at the basic structure and condition of your chimney. It is a straightforward exam at first glance. Looking for cracks that may have developed due to temperature and water level fluctuations in the masonry, as well as any excess condensation or creosote buildup is all part of the normal examination. The reason for a video inspection is simple: The camera can look at areas of your chimney that a flashlight, and therefore human eyes, are not able to. Using the Chim-Scan camera system and Wohler Vis2000-Pro, cracks and leaks, as well as presence of excess soot or other debris, are easily identified and addressed, whereas a flashlight’s beam may not make fully aware the issue.
When should I get it inspected?
Now is the time. The status of your chimney is very important to us and it is necessary to get it swept and inspected before it becomes starts being of use in the cooler months. Leaving buildup and cracks from the previous seasons can be a safety hazard as well as harmful to your chimney’s lifespan in the long-term.
Regardless of the nature of the appointment with us, we will inspect every chimney with our camera system because we want everyone to have peace of mind when it comes to the safety of the entire family. Testing for carbon monoxide is a standard practice for us, and one that we will do free of charge at every inspection. We care about your safety and we will go the extra step, every time.
by Billy Sweet | Oct 18, 2023
Schedule Your Level 2 Real Estate Chimney Inspection With Our Experts Home inspectors have an important – and necessary – job. Here’s the thing, though… Home inspectors don’t specialize in chimney systems or fireplaces. They may have a...
by Billy Sweet | Jun 27, 2019 | Chimney Video Inspection
Of all the services that keep your chimney system working properly and safely, video scanning may be the most important. With a video scan, a professional gets an up-close view of the interior of the chimney system. The days of checking the flue with a flashlight and mirror to determine hazards are over. With video technology, we are now able to properly inspect the chimney tin the Boston, North Shore, and Portland areas. If you reside in the area, we can help.
The Importance of Chimney Inspections
Chimney systems need to be inspected annually in order to be safe and efficient, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The most thorough inspections include a video scan. In fact, they are required for a level two inspection. A level 2 inspection is necessary when:
- changes have been made to the system,
- a natural disaster has affected the system
- selling or buying property
You don’t have to schedule a level two inspection to have your chimney scanned, however. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep uses video technology with every single inspection. This keeps our customers, friends, and neighbors safe.
Benefits of a Video Scan
At Billy Sweet, we utilize two video camera systems, the Chim-Scan, and the Wohler Vis2000-Pro, both with their own unique strengths and features. Our techs are trained and experienced using both video systems to access the flue, and can easily identify hazards such as leaks, voids, debris, and damage. These findings will be used to plan necessary repairs, to validate chimney safety, and to disclose to prospective homebuyers. No matter the reason, this video scan inspection will result in a detailed report of the findings and an explanation for all recommended changes or repairs.
Our video scanning equipment also helps Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technicians to document every job, before and after. This allows us to check work, show the homeowner progress and completion, and keep records for future appointments. We put the safety and comfort of our customers above all else, and part of the trust we value in our customer relationships is due to the honesty of our work and diagnostics. Our customers can count on us because we count on industry tools like video technology to give honest answers with documented reason.
Schedule An Appointment With Us
If you suspect a problem with your chimney system, you may benefit from a chimney video scan. Schedule now and you can avoid the fall rush and have any necessary repairs completed before burn season. Every chimney system should be inspected annually, so if you haven’t scheduled an inspection in the last 12 months, now is the time.
Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today at 617-469-4528 or schedule online.
by Billy Sweet | Nov 15, 2018 | Chimney Inspection
If you’ve gone 12 months with no chimney inspection, you need to have it checked after a flue fire, if you’re looking to make updates for sale or refinance, or are selling the property. There are many reasons to have a chimney inspection–the first and most important reason is for chimney safety. The most safe and efficient chimney systems are those that are cleaned and inspected regularly.
When to Schedule an Inspection
Your chimney should be inspected by a professional every 12 months for safety and efficiency according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These important diagnostic appointments prevent dangerous creosote buildup, hazards, damaged parts, and more.
Scheduling in the spring – Many homeowners choose to schedule their inspection in the spring in order to diagnose winter damage and to prevent leaks through the wet and humid months of spring and summer. An inspection in the spring means your chimney is clean and safe for another year, and you get the bonus of a well-working system through the summer so that conditioned air doesn’t escape, and animals don’t creep in.
Scheduling in the fall – It can be difficult to get an appointment during the fall due to the busyness of chimney professionals at this time. However, an inspection in the fall insures your system is safe and ready for burn season. Don’t leave it up to chance. If you have any reason to schedule an inspection, do so before you light the first fire of the season.
Levels of Inspection
CSIA inspections are completed at three levels to allow homeowners the best results. You can schedule an inspection according to your needs, spend less, and get the detailed look necessary for you chimney’s safety.
Level One – The inspection scheduled annually when no changes have been made to the system and there have been no problems with the system. A level one inspection includes all the readily accessible portions of the chimney, fireplace, appliance, and chimney connections. The technician looks for basic soundness during a level one inspection, and if a hazard is detected, further assessment will be scheduled.
Level Two – When there is a problem with the system, changes made to the system, or when it has sustained possible damage during a fire or other natural occurrence (storm, earthquake, etc.). A level two inspection is also required when a property is sold or transferred. A level two inspection includes all accessible parts of the system by way of panels and doors and may include portions in attics and basements. A level two inspection with Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep also includes a detailed scan of the system using a Chim-Scan closed circuit video surveillance system.
Level Three – This inspection is required when a hazard is detected in the system and will require removal of portions of the system to gain access to the hazards. This may mean removal of components such as brick, crown, and even walls and other materials. A level three inspection will likely result in repairs to the affected portion of the chimney.
Call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today and get on the schedule this fall so that your chimney is safe and efficient this burn season.
