Levels Of Inspections

Level One Inspection…

This Level I inspection is based on the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association 211 Inspection Standards. These Chimney Inspection Standards are found in chapter fourteen of the 2016 edition of the NFPA 211. These Inspection Standards are recognized throughout the United States by the Fireplace and Venting Industry as “The Industry Standards”. Based on this fact, the Inspector is professionally and legally obligated to abide by these standards.

Note that the Client has the right to negate or dismiss any portion or all of these standards. However, please be notified that this action may release the Inspector from any liability and relinquish your right to seek reimbursement for damages. These standards are recommended in the best interest of all parties.

A Level I inspection shall be utilized when verification of the suitability of the chimney or flue for continued service, under the same conditions and with the same or similar appliance or appliances, is needed.

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.

A Level I inspection shall include examination of readily accessible ( able to be reached or seen without the use of tools) portions of the chimney and accessible portions of the connected appliance and chimney connector.

Level Two Inspections…

This Level II Inspection is based on the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association 211 Inspection Standards. These Inspection Standards are found in chapter fourteen of the 2016 edition of the NFPA 211. These Inspection Standards are recognized throughout the United States by the Fireplace and Venting Industry as “The Industry Standards”. Based on this fact, the Inspector is professionally and legally obligated to abide by these standards.

Note that the Client has the right to negate or dismiss any portion or all of these standards. However, please be notified that this action may release the Inspector from any liability and relinquish your right to seek reimbursement for damages. These standards are recommended in the best interest of all parties.

A Level II inspection is indicated when verification of the suitability of the chimney for new or changed conditions of service is needed, or when a Level I inspection is not sufficient to determine the serviceability of the chimney is needed.

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.

A Level II inspection shall include all aspects of a level one inspection and all accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior(this includes scanning the flue with a industry standard approved method), including areas within accessible attics, crawl spaces, and basements, and accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection.

Level Three Inspection…

This Level III Inspection is based on the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association 211 Inspection Standards. These Inspection Standards are found in chapter fourteen of the 2016 edition of the NFPA 211. These Inspection Standards are recognized throughout the United States by the Fireplace and Venting Industry as “The Industry Standards”. Based on this fact, the Inspector is professionally and legally obligated to abide by these standards.

Note that the Client has the right to negate or dismiss any portion or all of these standards. However, please be notified that this action may release the Inspector from any liability and relinquish your right to seek reimbursement for damages. These standards are recommended in the best interest of all parties.

A Level III inspection shall be utilized for concealed areas. A Level III inspection shall be required only for those areas suspected of malfunctions or damage that cannot be properly evaluated by a Level I or Level II inspection.

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.

A Level III inspection shall include all aspects of a level one and two inspections and the 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.