Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I have my chimney cleaned?
    Chimney’s should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. It is recommended after each cord of wood that is burned to reduce the level of build up throughout the system.
  • I have a chimney smell in my house. It sometimes is worse than others. Does this mean it needs to be cleaned?
    No not always. If you notice the smell more on days it is raining or has rained it could be that you have a water leak in the area of the chimney. This can allow water to mix with creosote or soot and causing a chemical reaction to takes place that can cause a harsh smell. However, it is possible in some cases that it just needs to be cleaned, however, that is not always the case. To determine what needs to happen it is best to set an appointment for a level one inspection.
  • What is a Level One Inspection? And when should it be done?
    LEVEL ONE INSPECTIONS…include examination of readily accessible(able to be reached & seen without the use of tools) portions of the chimney and accessible portions of the connected appliance and chimney connector. A Level I inspection shall be conducted upon: 1) Annual inspection. 2) During routine cleaning of the chimney flue. 3) At the time of replacement of one or more connected appliances with an equal number of appliances of similar type, input rating, and efficiency.
  • What is a Level Two Inspection? And when should it be done?
    LEVEL TWO INSPECTIONS…include all aspects of a level one inspection plus ALL accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including areas within accessible attics, crawl spaces, and basements, and accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection (must include a scan of the flue with industry standard approved equipment). A Level II inspection shall be conducted upon: 1) Addition or removal of one or more connected appliances, or upon replacement of an appliance with one or more dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency. 2) Prior to relining of a flue or replacement of flue lining. 3) Upon a sale or transfer of the property. 4) After a building or chimney fire, weather or seismic event, or other incident likely to have caused damage to the chimney.
  • What is a Level Three Inspection? And when should it be done?
    LEVEL THREE INSPECTIONS…include all aspects of a level one and level two inspections plus examination of concealed areas of the chimney suspected of damage or malfunction. The examination of the chimney shall include concealed areas that can be accessed only by removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure, as necessary to determine compliance with the code. A Level III inspection shall be conducted: 1) Where necessary for the investigation of a building or chimney fire, weather or seismic event, or other incident known to have caused damage to the chimney or building. 2) Where a hazard detected or suspected as the result of a Level I or II inspection cannot be fully evaluated without access to concealed areas.
  • I think I have birds in my chimney, are you able to remove them?
    The birds that nest in chimneys are called Chimney Swifts. They are a migratory bird and therefor federally protected. We are unable to remove them during their nesting periods. We can remove the nesting debris once they have vacated the chimney and install a chimney cap to prevent subsequent visits. They typically next between May and July but that can extend longer if the summer is warmer.