Chimney Video-Scan Inspections — The Only Way To Really Know What’s Going On In There

Quick quiz: How’s the inside of your chimney system looking? Are there any blockages? Any damage? Any broken or rusted components? What about leaks?

Don’t worry if your answer to every one of those questions was, “I don’t know.” It’s not really even possible to know without using specialized equipment and taking a closer look.

But it is important to know, which is why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 211 states that,

“Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.”

The NFPA follows that up with,

“Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

Why Are Inspections So Important?

Annual inspections can save you money by alerting you to problems early on, which is one reason to schedule one every year.

But it’s about more than just money. Inspections can save lives…

If your chimney or heating appliance and venting system is not functioning properly or has flammable creosote buildup or blockages inside, there is an increased risk for fire and serious damage to the home, as well as the potential for increased health risks for the family and pets living inside the home.

Without regular inspections performed by knowledgeable sweeps who have the right equipment for the job and know just what to look for, how can you be sure your heating appliance and venting system is clean, free of hazards and blockages, and working as it should be?

The truth is: you can’t be sure without annual inspections.

Get A Better Look & Get Peace Of Mind With Video-Scans

The chimney sweeps here at Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home are certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and use video-scan cameras during every inspection and cleaning. Because we know that without performing a video-scan, we can only see so much — and that’s not good enough for us or our clients.

That’s why, even though video-scans are only required by the NFPA for level 2 chimney inspections, we use them for every single inspection and cleaning. That means you don’t have to worry:

No paying for someone to stick a flashlight up into the fireplace or use mirrors, only to see everything you could have seen yourself.
No worrying about whether anything was missed during an inspection.
No taking a stranger’s word for it.

Our video-scans allow us to take pictures of even the most hidden areas of your chimney flue and smoke chamber, which means we can show you exactly what needs to be repaired or cleaned (if anything).

What will we look at during an inspection?

the chimney flue and smoke chamber
the fireplace damper and chimney cap
the chimney crown or chase cover
the chase or masonry stack of the chimney
the flashing
the firebox

We’ll also check every accessible area of the home that the chimney enters, including attics and crawlspaces, if necessary.

When needed to determine the root of a problem, we may perform a level 3 chimney inspection as defined by the NFPA, which can involve the removal of some components of the home or chimney system. But don’t worry — this never happens without the homeowner’s understanding and permission.

Besides Your Routine Annual Appointment, Are There Other Times To Schedule An Inspection?

Okay, so you know why chimney inspections should be scheduled every year, but is there ever another time when inspections are needed?

Sure is.

You’ll want to schedule an inspection with a certified and experienced chimney sweep when the following occur:

You’re relining the flue
You’re changing hearth appliances (like getting a new fireplace insert)
You’re selling or buying a home
You’ve had a chimney fire or malfunction
Your home has weathered a severe storm or other weather event that could have caused damage

Peace Of Mind Is Yours With Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home

When you schedule a chimney inspection, you’re not paying for a service, you’re paying for peace of mind. Make sure you get it by scheduling one with Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home.

We’re thorough, efficient, knowledgeable, considerate, and happy to serve the greater Asheville area. In fact, we’ve been doing it for 20+ years!

So give us a call at 828-687-9002 or fill out our online appointment request form and request your inspection before the temperatures drop.

If your fireplace needs stain removal, just call on our chimney and venting services professionals for prompt, efficient service.