Chimney Inspections

Each year, the team at Advance Chimney Sweeps, Inc. performs chimney inspections in the Uniontown, Belle Vernon, Waynesburg,Greensburg, Washington, Monroeville, Bethel Park, Glenshaw, Cranberry, Wexford, Beaver Falls and throughout the Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg, WV regions. Homeowners throughout our region have come to rely on our high-quality chimney sweep and inspection services.

We offer three types of chimney inspections: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level ranges in complexity as well as what it looks for when it comes to safety.

Professional chimney inspections available in Brookhaven & Canonsburg PA

When Is The Best Time To Schedule A Chimney Inspection?

Generally speaking, the best time for a chimney inspection is after you’ve stopped using your fireplace for the season. In most cases, this is in the middle to late spring or early summer. There are a few advantages to calling Advance Chimney Sweeps Inc during these months, including fixing problems from previous usage and ensuring your flue is free of creosote before fall gets here.

In addition, this allows time for any necessary chimney repairs. While these are usually relatively minor, larger chimney repairs such as full or partial rebuilds can take more time. By proactively scheduling your annual sweep and inspection in the spring or summer, our team will have ample time to ensure you're ready to use your fireplace by the fall.

However, there may be times when you notice a problem and need to schedule an appointment during the winter months. This includes signs such as unexpected odors within your firebox to visible leaks or stains on your masonry. In that case, the best time for a chimney inspection is as soon as you notice a problem.

What Is A Level 1 Chimney Inspection?

Level 1 Chimney Inspections are the most basic level of examination that our team provides. At this level, we’ll primarily perform a visual inspection of your chimney. Here, we’ll make certain that there are no cracks in your masonry, that you don't have any missing bricks, that your top-mount damper functions as expected, and that your cap and crown are both in great shape. During Level 1 Chimney Inspections, we also ensure that there is no creosote build-up within your flue. If we find it, we’ll recommend it is removed during your annual chimney sweeping.

3 level chimney inspections available in Bethel Park PA & Cheat Lake WV

What Is A Level 2 Inspection?

Level 2 Chimney Inspections are more common and provide a more thorough review of your fireplace system. With this type of inspection, we’ll use a powerful camera system to examine those hard-to-reach areas within your chimney. Our equipment will also check for weak points as a proactive way of minimizing larger problems down the road. If any are found, we can perform those types of chimney repairs for you easily.

Note that a Level 2 Chimney Inspection is recommended if you’ve performed any type of home upgrades that would affect your chimney system. In addition, if you plan to sell your home soon, Level 2 Chimney Inspections can help provide greater peace of mind for your buyer.

What Is A Level 3 Chimney Inspection?

Finally, the least common yet most thorough type of chimney inspection is a Level 3 examination. This typically involves removing portions of your system to ensure there is nothing behind the walls or lurking out of sight that would affect your home. These are rarely necessary, with roughly less than 2% of nationwide homeowners needing this level of inspection annually.

Providing Chimney Inspections For Almost Three Decades

Our CSIA-certified team has extensive experience performing chimney inspections throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Call us at (800) 822-2131 to schedule your appointment today or visit our contact page to get started.