Chimney Inspections are Required for Selling a Home
Did you know that selling your home requires a Level II chimney inspection to be completed? It’s true! Per the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 211, a chimney inspection must be done prior to the transfer of property. It does make sense since the chimney can be used for heat in the fireplace whether it be woodburning or gas and the chimney is also used to release toxic fumes from the Furnace or boiler and water heater appliances. If you think about it, do you want to purchase potential issues that can cost you lots of unnecessary expenses? Probably not.
What Needs to be Completed for an NFPA 211?
When it comes to general home inspectors that come out to the home, they are to “inspect” the chimney and fireplace. However, general home inspectors are not credentialed in this area. Those that work with and inspect chimneys should be CSIA certified (Chimney Safety Institute of America) in order to know what exactly they are looking at and looking for. Few, if any, general home inspectors have this certification. Remember, the chimney system includes more than just the fireplace. It can also include the wood stove, pellet stove, furnace or boiler and water heater. This is why it is critical to have it professionally checked as gasses, such as carbon monoxide, can result in an unsafe environment and bring costly repairs.
Do I Only Need Inspections when Selling the Home?
No, regardless of if you use your fireplace or not, use gas versus woodburning, the NFPA 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Chimney cleanings, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This is for your protection of the home and family. Especially for those, like us, that live in a geographic freeze thaw cycle (winter).
What’s Involved in a Chimney Inspection?
There are three levels to a chimney inspection.
Level 1: This is the most popular chimney inspection done in homes. 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. A Level 1 inspection is for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection will be looked at. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Contact us to get a level 1 inspection today.
Level 2: A level 2 inspection is required when selling a property. 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. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events (tornado) are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations. There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection. Contact Superior Chimney if you are moving or have recently moved into a new home or townhome with a fireplace. Get it swept and inspected to ensure your home is in good working order.
Level 3: A level 3 inspection is necessary when a hazard may be present and concealed areas need to be reached. A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall, siding, etc.) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system. Hopefully, you will never need this level of inspection. But it is good to know that Superior Chimney certified technicians can handle the severity of a level 3.
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
