Inspections

Specializing in alternative heating solutions

(603) 755-4835

All chimneys need annual inspections. Inspections cover not only whether or not a chimney needs cleaning but also safety and code issues.

The National Fire Protection Agency has created a nationwide standard for inspections, which has been adopted as part of the Fire Code for New Hampshire. The code recognizes 3 levels of inspection and the times that each inspection is appropriate. A Level I inspection is part of all cleaning that we do. A Level II inspection is required for Real Estate transactions or when changing appliances. We have the video scanning equipment for Level II inspections. A Level III inspection is the most thorough, but usually problems can be determined with a Level I or II.

(Directly quoted, with permission, Table 14.3.1 "Selection of inspection type")

Level I

Scope: Inspect readily accessible areas of the chimney, structure, and flue; lack of obstruction or combustible deposits in flue; basic appliance installation and connection.

Degree of Access Required: Readily accessible portions of chimney exterior and interior, accessible portions of appliance and chimney connection.

Circumstances: Annual inspection as required by Section 13.2; during routine cleaning of chimney flue, upon direct replacement of connected appliance with one of a similar type, input rating and efficiency.

Indications: For verification of suitability of the chimney for continued service, under the same conditions and with the same appliance or appliances

Level II

Scope: All subjects of a Level I inspection; proper construction and condition of accessible portions of the chimney structure and all enclosed flues; proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations; size and suitability of flues for connected appliances.

Degree of Access Required: 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; includes inspection by video scanning or other means.

Circumstances: Upon addition of removal of one or more connected appliances or replacement of appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency; prior to relining or replacement of flue lining; upon sale or transfer of the property; after operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage to the chimney.

Indications: For verification of suitability of the chimney for new or changed service; Level I inspection not sufficient to determine serviceability of the chimney

Level III

Scope: All subjects of Level I and Level II inspections, proper construction and condition of concealed portions of chimney structure and enclosed flues, proper clearances from combustibles.

Degree of Access Required: External and internal portions of chimney structure, including concealed areas of the building or chimney; includes the removal of components of building or chimney were necessary, but only as necessary to gain access to the areas that are the subject of the inspection.

Circumstances: Where necessary for the investigation of an incident that has caused damage to the chimney or building; where a hazard detected or suspected as the result of a Level I or Level II inspection cannot be fully evaluated without access to concealed areas.

Indications: When construction of all or part of chimney is deemed critical to its renewed or continued use; required only for those areas that cannot be properly evaluated by a Level I or Level II inspection.

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