Comprehensive
At Spotless Chimney, we understand the importance of keeping your chimney safe, efficient, and in top condition. We take pride in our professionalism and ensure our clients have a safe fireplace to enjoy during the fall and winter (or throughout the year). There is a lot unknown about chimneys, so while we believe our team of certified, double-certified, and master-certified specialists are the best in the business, we encourage homeowners to ask around. To help find the best chimney inspection team near you, then we are confident you’ll be satisfied with what Spotless Chimney has to offer.
What are Chimney Inspections?
As part of routine maintenance, chimney inspections protect your home and family from unknown risks from your fireplace or heating system. Importantly, chimneys work behind the scenes to vent harmful gasses, smoke, and combustion byproducts out of the house. However, over time, things like soot, creosote, and other debris build-up, such as animal nests, that may impede airflow. Not only does this hamper the efficiency of the chimney, but it may lead to structural damage.
Chimney inspections, which come in multiple levels, identify hidden issues before they turn into safety concerns. Importantly, as homeowners seek a chimney inspection near them, then they should understand what each type of inspection entails.
Basic Visual Check
Level 1 inspections are very basic. At a high level, these inspections are visual and the technician provides insights into the readily accessible part of the chimney and fireplace. Typically, this implies a sight check of possible obstructions in the flue, creosote, and other build-up, signs of wear and tear, and general structural integrity. This inspection is limited and is used when issues are obvious and accessible. Level 1 inspections are not recommended to determine suitability for use as they can not see the ventilation integrity in its full form.
Comprehensive Scan
Level 2 inspections are more comprehensive and more standard when it comes to using your system. They include everything within a Level 1 inspection however they utilize video to examine the interior of the chimney which is what rates the suitability for use. A level 2 will also access areas like attics and crawl spaces. A Level 2 inspection is often the only way to determine proper suitability for use as a Level 1 is very limited.
Invasive Analysis
Level 3 inspections are invasive and generally only performed when significant issues are uncovered during a Level 2 inspection. Typically, these inspections remove parts of the chimney and/or surrounding structures to access concealed areas.
Chimney Inspection Levels
Understanding the differences between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chimney inspections in Connecticut.
What is a Level 1 Chimney Inspection? +
A Level 1 chimney inspection is a basic visual check of accessible chimney components and is typically suitable for systems that have been maintained and haven't changed. A Level 1 cannot determine if the chimney is suitable for use.
What it includes:
- Simple visual examination of chimney interior and exterior
- Visual check of appliance connections and flue accessibility
- Performed without special tools or cameras
Best for:
- Visually noticeable concerns
- Homeowners continuing regular use with no performance issues or chimney safety issues
- Recently cleaned chimneys that have passed Level 2 inspections
Note: We always recommend a professional to perform these services to ensure safety.
What is a Level 2 Chimney Inspection? +
A Level 2 chimney inspection is a comprehensive video scan of the entire chimney system — recommended for most homeowners and real estate transactions. Prior to any cleaning, all chimneys should have a Level 2 inspection performed to confirm suitability of use.
What it includes:
- All components of a Level 1 inspection with the addition of specialized tools
- Internal chimney flue analysis scan using a high-definition camera
- Full external structural review
- Evaluation of chimney connections
Required or recommended for:
- New homeowners, or chimneys that haven't been in use
- Buying or selling a home (home inspection compliance)
- After a chimney fire, weather event, or structural change
- Annual inspections for chimneys in regular use
Spotless Chimney performs Level 2 inspections with industry-standard imaging tools, revealing hidden damage, creosote buildup, or flue issues.
What is a Level 3 Chimney Inspection? +
A Level 3 chimney inspection involves invasive access to concealed chimney areas — sometimes requiring removal of building materials or chimney components.
What it includes:
- Everything in Level 1 and Level 2 inspections
- Possible removal of walls, ceilings, or masonry to expose hidden damage
- Used only when serious hazards or structural problems are suspected to the chimney, liner and bricks
Typically required for:
- Severe chimney fires or known structural failure
- Chimney rebuilds or replacement planning
- Unresolved chimney safety issues after a Level 2 inspection
This level of inspection is reserved for complex or hazardous situations. Our licensed technicians use care to minimize property disruption while identifying risks.
Whether you’re using your chimney regularly or occasionally, having it professionally inspected can help identify potential problems early on and avoid costly repairs in the future.
SCHEDULE YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTION TODAY
Schedule your chimney inspection today and experience the peace of mind
that comes with a well-maintained chimney.
What Does a Spotless Chimney Inspection Include?
At Spotless Chimney, we provide a detailed Level 2 chimney inspection throughout Connecticut. Our expert team provides chimney inspections to keep your home safe and your chimney in optimal condition. We recommend full chimney inspections for all new homeowners, along with homeowners who haven’t used the chimney (or had an inspection) within the last year.
If you are looking for a chimney inspection near you, then consider Spotless Chimney and know what to ask when researching. Our complete Level 2 inspections include the interior flues and exterior chimney, along with a full digital inspection report. Plus, we include a full rotary-powered mechanical chimney sweep for 1 flue at no additional cost (pending the flue is in working condition). At Spotless Chimney, our team performs a Level 2 inspection prior to any cleaning to avoid risking any damage to the interior flue due to construction or deterioration that could have occurred.
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Have Questions About Your Chimney?
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