Level Two Camera Chimney Inspection
When a level-2 Chimney inspection is performed on your chimney, it involves using a video camera specifically designed to inspect your fireplace. ChimScan and other advanced imaging devices are examples of the technology used in a camera inspection.
A camera inspection is a wise investment if you plan to sell your house. Why? Assuming your fireplace has no issues when they actually exist can lead to a fire in the chimney, which could lead to causalities and a likely lawsuit in your future.
As you can see, a camera inspection can benefit your home’s chimney, even if you don’t plan to move out. As the old saying goes- “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
3 Levels Of Chimney Inspections
As previously mentioned, a camera inspection of your chimney is a standard part of a Level 2- Inspection. What does that mean? The National Fire Protection Association has established a standard for chimney inspections that involve three levels. The second level requires an extensive inspection of both the fireplace and chimney on the interior and exterior. In order for a chimney inspector to be able to see the interior of your chimney in detail, a specialized video camera is used. As the camera scans the flue lining, the inspector will look for any damage to it.
If damage is found, it means that the chimney is at risk of starting a fire near where the defect or perforation exists, such as your house’s roof, attic, or wall near the chimney. A repair will have to be made to ensure that the risk of a fire is eliminated.
Part of a Level 2- Chimney Inspection will involve examining areas in your house where smoke may have reached. A defective flue isn’t always evident, and smoke could have escaped through your home’s interior into areas such as a crawl space or attic. Because the chimney is attached to the roof, the area around it must be examined for things such as defective or incorrectly installed flashing.
Spotting Water Damage
Water is your chimney’s biggest enemy; it can erode brick and cause mold and mildew to grow inside your flue. On the exterior of your chimney, it is easy to spot water damage; signs such as cracked bricks or spalling. Spalling is when bricks crumble or fall out.
Spalling is caused by bricks being baked by the sun, which makes them more porous over time and absorbs more moisture. During the winter, your bricks will break down and crumble during the freeze-thaw cycles. Exterior issues with your chimney can usually be spotted with the naked eye. You can only detect damage to your chimney’s interior with a camera. As with a chimney fire, a camera will reveal the signs of water damage and help determine the cause.
A Camera Inspection is Forensic
Like a crime show on TV, cameras provide forensics that can reveal things about your chimney. It may be hard to believe, but there may have been one or more fires inside your chimney. It is not uncommon for a chimney fire to go unnoticed by a homeowner.
When a camera examines the flue lining in your chimney, the inspector can spot the telltale signs of a fire and the likely defects in the lining.
Oliver Twist Chimney and Fireplace Performs Camera Inspections
Make your annual chimney servic a camera inspection to inspect your chimney’s liner. You can have peace of mind knowing there are no issues inside your chimney that could cause a fire or mold and mildew to invade your home. Give us a call today or complete our contact form. A member of our staff will be happy to discuss having your chimney inspected by a camera. We perform camera chimney inspections in Huntington Beach CA, Long Beach CA, Torrance CA, Anaheim CA, Santa Ana CA, Rancho Palo Verdes CA, Rolling Hills CA, Carson CA, Downey CA, and various other SoCal communities near you.