At MCP Chimney and Masonry Inc., we provide a thorough chimney inspection with every cleaning to ensure your chimney is in proper working order. We make sure your chimney is safe and sound with every chimney sweep.
Because we offer these services in tandem, many of our customers don’t realize that chimney cleaning — also referred to as a chimney sweep — and chimney inspections are two very different services.
A chimney cleaning is an act of removing creosote from the interior walls of your chimney. Creosote is a tar-like by-product of burning that sticks to the chimney. In intense heat, creosote can catch on fire and spread throughout your home. It’s important to have creosote removed from your chimney’s interior every year.
In contrast, a chimney inspection is an act of examining the interior and exterior of your chimney, looking for cracks in the masonry, worn-out chimney caps, damaged dampers and broken flues. A chimney inspection is designed only to identify these issues. Depending on the company performing the inspection, they may or may not offer services to fix any issues found.
There are varying levels of chimney inspections, depending on your situation.
Level 1 inspection: If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. Level 1 inspections are included with every chimney cleaning performed by MCP Chimney and Masonry.
Level 2 inspection: A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency.
Level 3 Inspection: When a Level 1 or a Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or deconstruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure, will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection.
MCP Chimney, we have the experience and skills to repair any needed issues on your chimney. If during an inspection, we find anything needing attention, we will recommend and complete any necessary repairs to make sure your chimney is in good, working order.
And our chimney cleaning technicians work diligently to remove any dangerous creosote while cleaning your chimney, to minimize the threat of a house fire.
To schedule your chimney cleaning or chimney inspection, contact us today.
