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The Three Levels of Chimney Inspections

​Level 1
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 recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.

​In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 
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 are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.

There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.

When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible* portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.

Level 3
A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked 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) 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.


* Accessible: May require the use of commonly available tools to remove doors, panels or coverings, but will not damage the chimney or building structure or finish. 

** Readily Accessible: Exposed, or capable of being exposed, for operation, inspection, maintenance or repair without the use of tools to open or remove doors, panels or coverings. 
​
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  • Homeowner Resources
    • Chimney Safety Week
    • Community Resources
    • How to Hire a Chimney Sweep >
      • Multiple Estimates - Now What?
      • About Chimney Inspections
    • Why CSIA Credentials are the Industry Standard >
      • How do Chimneys Work? Design & Function of Chimneys.
    • About Your Chimney & Venting System >
      • Anatomy of Your Fireplace
      • Chimney Liners
      • Chimney Safety Overview
      • Gas Appliances
      • Oil-fired Appliances
      • Water & Your Masonry Chimney
    • The Facts About Chimney Fires
    • Properly Storing & Burning Wood >
      • How to Select Firewood
      • How to Build a Top-Down Burn
      • Installing Woodstoves and Inserts
      • Handling Wood Ash
    • Clothes Dryer Safety
    • Chimney Swifts
    • FAQ
  • Get Certified
    • CSIA National Training Academy
    • CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep
    • CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
    • CSIA Certified Chimney Specialist
    • CSIA Master Chimney Sweep
    • Renew Your Credential
    • CSIA Exam Administration
    • Accepted Exam Proctors
    • Proctor Free
  • Education
    • CSIA Event Calendar
    • Class Schedule
    • In-Person Training >
      • CSIA 4-Day Workshops
      • Chimney Documentation to Reduce Liability & Increase Profits
      • Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances
      • Chimney Science
      • Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals
      • Rope Access and Safety
    • CSIA eLearning >
      • Subscription
      • À La Carte
      • Online Chimney Physics
      • Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
      • Certified Chimney Sweep® CVE Online Review - NEW
      • Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Online Review
    • CSIA ROADSHOW
    • Apply for CEUs
    • Military Benefits
    • Instructors
    • CSIA White Papers
  • Partner with Us
    • CSIA Accepted Products >
      • ChimFex Fire Suppressant
      • Creosote Buster Firelog
      • CSL Creosote Sweeping Log
      • Duraflame Firelogs
      • Duct Cleaners Supply
      • National Chimney
      • SaverSystems
    • CSIA Access
    • Donor Recognition
    • Sweep Away Cancer
  • Sweep Shop
  • About
    • MEDIA >
      • Annual Chimney Fire and Carbon Monoxide Statistics
      • News
      • CSIA Video Library
    • Mission & Leadership
    • Blog
    • Contact
    • Preferred Hotels
    • Affiliates & Resources
    • Refund Policy
    • Trademarks & Ethics Processes
  • CCS & CDET Login