Should You get your chimney inspected before the purchase of a home?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) clearly states: a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney.
Tristan’s Chimney Service can provide greater value by clearly understanding the NFPA 211A recent article published by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) provides a helpful summary of the (NFPA) 211, Standards Codes for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances and are licensed by the North Carolina chimney sweep association (NCCSA). Tristan’s Chimney Service will understand these standards codes and know when to report on defects or when to recommend other repairs or services.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211 identifies three levels of inspections for chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances.
Strangely enough, even the Level 1 inspection exceeds home inspection standards. This inspection requires removal of the damper plate for viewing of the interior surface of a fireplace smoke chamber. The inspection is conducted when the chimney is swept or during an annual inspection.
A Level 2 inspection is required during real estate transactions. Level 2 requires inspection of the chimney and of the interior surfaces of the flue. This is typically done with closed-circuit video equipment.
Level 3 inspection is rarely performed and entails all portions of the Level 1 and Level 2 inspections as well as gaining access to concealed areas of the chimney. This inspection requires some dismantling or destruction of parts of the chimney.
For greater details and videos on the NFPA 211 regarding chimney and fireplace inspections, visit the CSIA or NCCSA websites.
Contact us today for all your chimney needs. We are licensed, fully insured, and have workers compensation.
