According to the National Fire Protection Association, 29% of heating equipment-related fires are caused by chimney fires, resulting in often severe casualties. That’s why getting a chimney inspection is a must to ensure your safety at home. Inspections also ensure that your chimney is in good condition for heavy use during the cold months.
When it comes to professional chimney inspections in the Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia areas, Capitol Chimney Service is the company to call. Here’s why.
At Capitol Chimney Service, our chimney inspections are conducted by certified specialists with over 20 years of industry experience. We place great value on building trust with our clients through quality output every time.
Our team is fully licensed and insured to service your home. This means peace of mind for you because you won't be held liable should any accident occur on your premises during the chimney inspection.
We provide thorough chimney inspections to ensure everything is up to code and that there are no immediate concerns. There are three primary inspection levels:
This is the most basic inspection. It is ideal for new chimneys or chimneys with no major problems. However, our inspectors will decide which level, not you.
During a level one inspection, We will check the chimney parts, fireplace, and firebox. And lastly, our inspector will check if there are no obstructions and deposits in the chimney like bird’s nests, twigs, and creosote.
We often elevate the chimney inspection to level two if structural changes occur. First, the inspector will do everything in level one inspection. Afterwards, we’ll also look at the attic, roof, and crawl space to check if everything is intact.
The inspector will check the flue liners and insides of the chimney using a camera. If there has been a recent hurricane or storm, these incidents warrant a level two chimney inspection.
Our experts at Capitol Chimney Service warrant a level three inspection for alarming and hazardous circumstances. It is the most in-depth and invasive inspection because it involves a deep inspection of chimney parts, including a search for structural damage. Chimney fires and bad weather are common scenarios that require a level three inspection.
Examination of surrounding areas is important too. Structural damage in the home might affect the chimney’s structural integrity. Level three inspections are serious and recommended if there’s a reason to believe that the chimney is a suspected hazard.
We recommend that you get an annual chimney inspection for overall safety even if there have been no issues with your chimney. Here are the reasons why an annual inspection is a must:
Creosote builds up on the chimney walls as a result of burning. If left untreated, it can cause chimney fires that can escalate quickly if not controlled immediately.
Obstructions like twigs, debris, and leaves prevent smoke and odorless gasses from exiting the chimney. Harmful gasses like carbon monoxide can enter your home, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and inadequate oxygen supply in the brain.
If you’ve experienced having braces, chimney inspections are like dental brace adjustments. Inspectors check if the chimney parts are still working and not broken. So expect that we’ll ask for possible part replacements if necessary.
Sitting in front of the fireplace is one of the best things to do to withstand the cold weather. But that’s all the more reason why your home’s chimneys should be checked and maintained regularly.
At Capitol Chimney Service, we bring 20 years of experience in chimney inspection, troubleshooting, and installation. We’ve serviced chimneys in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore Metropolitan areas.
Trust us with your chimney inspection and servicing. Get a free quote from today, plus discounts for new homeowners, military members, and senior citizens. Call us at (301) 962 0120 or reach us through our contact form to get started.