Inspection

What Is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

If you have experienced a chimney fire or major damage to your chimney due to a lightning strike, a severe storm or an earthquake, you should have your chimney inspected by a professional in order to assess the amount of damage done.

In these instances, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a Level 3 Chimney Inspection completed by a certified chimney professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN.

A Level 3 Chimney Inspection is the most comprehensive type of chimney inspection. It means you have serious structural problems with your chimney system.

During a Level 3 Chimney Inspection, the technician will conduct a basic Level 1 Inspection of your chimney structure, examining all readily-accessible portions of your chimney’s interior and exterior, and will perform a Level 2 Inspection, inspecting accessible areas of chimney’s interior and exterior while looking for damage and other issues. But, as part of a Level 3 Inspection, the technician will also access concealed areas of your chimney or flue to look for hidden problems. Also during a Level 3 Inspection, the technician may need to remove specific components of the chimney and your home in order to gain access to your chimney to see what damage has been done. When necessary, this in-depth inspection may require the removal of:

Drywall adjacent to the chimney.
Exterior walls surrounding the chimney.
The chimney crown.
Interior and exterior chimney walls.

However, before any destructive action is taken to your home, the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service will explain what needs to be done before they do their inspection. Also they will talk with you about the reconstruction of your chimney and provide you with a job estimate for your review.

If you think your chimney has serious structural issues, for your safety, don’t delay in calling T.J.’s Chimney Service at 317-455-5310 to schedule your Level 3 Chimney Inspection.

What Is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

chimney-444241_1280 If you use a chimney to vent a fireplace, wood stove, water heater, furnace or boiler that burns wood or fossil fuels, it’s critical that you perform regular chimney inspections and maintenance for the safe operation of your system. However, the type of chimney inspection you need depends on a number of factors.

Are you buying or selling a home that has a chimney?
Have you had a building fire?
Have you had a chimney fire?
Has an earthquake or strong storm damaged your chimney?
Have you had an operational malfunction with your chimney?
Are you making changes to your heating system, such as changing the fuel type that’s burned, or adding/replacing an appliance with a new appliance that is different from your current equipment or has a different input rating or efficiency?
Are you re-lining your flue?
Are you making changes to the materials that your chimney is made of?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you have a Level 2 Chimney Inspection completed by a certified chimney professional, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, IN.

A commonly recommended inspection level, a Level 2 Inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 Inspection. However, in addition to everything that is done during a Level 1 Inspection, the chimney professional will:

Clean the flue system before his visual inspection.
Inspect all the accessible portions of the chimney’s exterior and interior, including attics, crawl spaces and basements.
Make sure there are proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
Look for damaged masonry and cracks in the flue liner as well as other issues that may affect the safe usage of the system. If damage is found, it should be repaired.

During his inspection, the chimney technician may use still photography or video scanning equipment to examine the internal surfaces and joints of the flue liner. Other than a screwdriver, pliers and a flashlight, he shouldn’t need any other special tools to open doors, panels or coverings. So you don’t have to worry about any damage to permanently attached portions of your chimney, the structure or the finishes.

For your safety, ensure that your chimney is in good shape and operating as it should, by scheduling a chimney inspection with the professionals at T.J.’s Chimney Service. Call 317-455-5310 to make your appointment.

9 Signs Your Chimney Needs an Inspection

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

building-219901_1280 Your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to your home. But if it’s not maintained properly, it can become a source of danger to your home and family. An improperly maintained chimney can lead to a fire that starts inside your chimney, causing damage to your home and belongings – and, possibly, even injuries or death to you and your family members.

Here are some signs that you need to schedule a chimney inspection with a professional chimney sweep, like those at T.J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, Ind. – regardless of how often you use your chimney:

You notice smoke flooding into your home when you light a fire in your fireplace.
A layer of soot has built up on your furnishings.
Dark smoke is constantly flowing from your chimney – a sign of creosote issues.
You hear chirping or animal noises coming from your flue. Or, you can see debris used for nest making, such as twigs, grass, etc., in your fireplace.
You smell a foul odor coming from your fireplace.
You’ve had a fire in your chimney. A chimney fire can melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse, warp metal flues, and damage the outside masonry materials.
Your chimney has sustained storm or wind damage, such as cracks in the chimney, brick pieces or full bricks have come loose, damage to chimney caps, or metal chimneys have warped, buckled or become detached.
You notice cracks in the masonry or mold accumulation, especially following winter.
You’ve moved into a new home that has a chimney. Unless the previous homeowner indicated when they last had the chimney inspected, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection to check for chimney issues yourself.

If you see any of these signs or it’s been a year since your last chimney inspection, call T.J.’s Chimney Service at 317-455-5310 to schedule your chimney inspection appointment. An inspection typically takes less than 2 hours. Our chimney professionals will thoroughly examine your chimney and fireplace – giving you peace of mind that your home and family will be safe the next time you light a fire.

When Should You Repair or Replace Your Chimney Cap?

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

stork-675308_1280 When was the last time you or a professional chimney sweep – like those at T. J.’s Chimney Service – inspected the chimney cap covering your chimney or flue? Last year? A few years ago? Never?

A chimney cap is the rectangular or round device that fits onto the top of your chimney or flue. Chimney caps have a flat, rounded or peaked roof on top and mesh screens around the sides. They can be made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper or aluminum. Depending upon the style of the chimney cap you have installed and the material it’s made from, chimney caps can last from a few years to a lifetime.

Some signs that it’s time to repair or replace your chimney cap include:

Your chimney cap has blown off or loosened during a storm or strong winds.
The top of your chimney cap is warped and is pulling away from the sides.
The chimney cap or mesh screen is heavily rusted.
There are holes in the screens or the screens are separating from the rest of the cap, enabling birds and animals to get in.
Creosote has built up on the screens.
The turbines on a draft-enhancing chimney cap are clogged or have stopped turning.
You’ve had a chimney fire that’s warped and damaged the chimney cap.
Water is leaking in around your flue.
Debris has gotten in and clogged your flue.

If any of these conditions exist, the professionals at T. J.’s Chimney Service, located in Greenfield, Ind., can inspect your chimney cap and flue and evaluate the situation. They can give you a recommendation on whether your chimney cap can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

However, don’t worry. Our professionals can offer options based on your needs and budget. New chimney caps range in price from around $40 to over $100, depending upon the style and cap construction materials. Aluminum and galvanized steel chimney caps are usually less expensive than stainless steel or copper caps. However, stainless steel chimney caps are more durable and often come with a lifetime warranty.

But, don’t wait too long to take action if you’re experiencing any of the chimney cap problems above. A damaged chimney cap makes your chimney vulnerable to water dam age which can lead to crumbling mortar in your chimney walls or rusted metal components inside your chimney.

Contact the chimney cap experts at T. J.’s Chimney Service today to schedule your chimney cap inspection.

National Chimney Safety Week: Schedule Your Chimney Inspection

by TJ Robinson Leave a Comment

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 2009 to 2011, fireplaces and chimneys were the source of 24,300 residential fires (on average), resulting in about $30.8 million in property damages.

Additionally, blocked chimneys contribute to unintentional, non-fire-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning annually. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, CO poisoning causes almost 500 deaths and 15,000 emergency department visits in the U.S.

Each year, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) holds the National Chimney Safety Week. In 2014, this week is September 28 through October 4. During this week, chimney professionals, like T. J.’s Chimney Service in Greenfield, Ind., encourage you to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning if you have a gas, oil, wood or coal-burning appliance, like a masonry, factory-built or insert fireplace, wood or pellet stove, central heater and/or a furnace. An annual chimney inspection and cleaning can reduce the risk of chimney fires and CO poisoning in your home.

During a chimney inspection, a CSIA-certified chimney sweep from T. J.’s Chimney Service will ensure that your home’s chimney and venting systems are operating correctly and safely. Some things our expert will do, are:

Look for damages to your chimney, like a cracked flue lining, faulty flashing, and deteriorating bricks or mortar.
Spot potential installation issues.
Identify possible venting problems, like broken connector pipes.
Find and remove any debris, like bird or animal nests, blocking your chimney or vents.
Clean your chimney, removing combustion by-products and creosote
Perform any needed maintenance or repairs.
Make recommendations on how to use your fireplace and other heating appliances more efficiently.

Remember, chimney fires and CO poisoning are preventable with yearly chimney inspections. And CSIA-certified professionals, like those at T. J.’s Chimney Service, are trained and knowledgeable in fire codes, construction standards and the maintenance of chimneys and venting systems in your home, as well as being able to identify any fire and CO hazards. For peace of mind, contact T. J’s Chimney Service at 317-455-5310 to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning today before the heating season begins!