Whether you are moving into a new home, changing your fireplace from wood to gas or just looking for an annual inspection, you should have your chimney inspected annually to help ensure that there are no potential fire hazards, damage to the chimney or blocks. Potomac Services technicians have earned the industry’s most respected credentials by passing extensive examinations based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimneys and venting systems.
What to Expect
Potomac Services offers three levels of inspection as recommended by both the CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association to prevent hazards associated with your venting systems such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, water or structural damage. The video below goes through the process and only take a few minutes to watch.
We Provide Three Levels of Chimney Inspections:
Level 1 Inspection
Visual inspection from the bottom of the interior of the chimney.
- Recommended if you have not changed and do not plan to change your heating appliance or system.
- Conducted during your annual service visit and during flue cap installation.
- Technicians do not need to use tools to open or remove doors, panels, or coverings, in order to examine the chimney exterior and interior.
- Technicians may need commonly available tools to examine portions of the appliance and the chimney connection and the evaluation will not disrupt the chimney structure or finish.
- It is not necessary for the technician to get on a ladder and inspect from the top of the chimney.
Level 2 Inspection
Top to bottom visual inspection of the interior part of the chimney.
- Necessary when any change is made to your system – for example, before your flue is relined, or when you exchange an appliance with a different type or efficiency level.
- Typically required upon the sale or transfer of property.
- Recommended when there is an operating malfunction or external incident is likely to have damaged the chimney or appliance.
- Includes all services appropriate in a Level I inspection, plus the examination of accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including attics crawl spaces and basements.
- Recommended visual inspection by our high definition video camera inspection.
Level 3 Inspection
Inspection when serious hazards are suspected.
- Conducted only when a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection indicates a hazard in not visible parts of the chimney and flue.
- May involves the removal or destruction parts of the chimney or building structure, as necessary.
- Requires special tools and access to concealed areas of the chimney and flue.
An inspection by our trained chimney technicians may uncover some cracks or other problems with the masonry work on your fireplace. If so, be assured that our experience with chimney includes knowing how to fix the problem. You can count on us to help your repair your chimney.
