There are three chimney inspection levels that professionals use to determine the state of your chimney. Level 1 inspections only require basic access to your chimney, level 2 inspections are more detailed and are usually required when you make changes to your system, and level 3 inspections are mostly required only for the most extreme cases.
Here’s a quick overview of the three different chimney inspection levels.
| Inspection Level | Goal | Access Required | Cost | Time |
| Level 1 | Check the basic condition of your flue to identify common safety risks | Superficial | Inexpensive | Short |
| Level 2 | Satisfy specific safety requirements | Detailed | Moderate | Moderate |
| Level 3 | Determine the extent of any damage that was done to your chimney | Intrusive | High | Long |
To perform this inspection, your chimney sweep will need only basic access to your chimney without the need for specialized tools. A level one is an inexpensive option to ensure your fireplace is safe to use when the temperature begins to drop.
When you take diligent care of your fireplace and schedule regular inspections, you’ll be less likely to need escalated inspections. Among the other safety benefits of frequent inspections, this often means it’s more cost-effective to plan these service visits than to wait for evidence of a problem.
During a level one inspection, the chimney sweep inspects easily accessible portions of your chimney interior and exterior. They won’t need to use specialized tools, and often need at most just a screwdriver. The goal is to check the basic condition of your flue, which will identify common safety risks like combustible deposits that have built up and need to be removed.
A Level 1 inspection is the minimum requirement and is recommended for chimneys that have been used regularly with no problems and in cases where no changes have been made to the system. If all these conditions apply, you likely don’t need a more advanced inspection.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that your chimney and vents should be evaluated and inspected at least once a year, therefore, a level 1 inspection should be performed annually.
Level two inspections are the most commonly recommended type of inspections. Unsurprisingly, a level two inspection is more thorough and detailed than a level one. In certain situations, level two inspections are actually required to satisfy specific safety requirements, such as when you make changes to your fireplace or chimney, sell your home, or have an operating malfunction.
In addition to the steps involved in the level one check, your technician will examine other parts of your home that are in proximity to the chimney.
This includes your attic, crawlspace, or other areas that can be accessed near the fireplace without dismantling it. In many cases, your technician will perform a video inspection to look for signs of cracking or damage to the mortar joints.
Some examples of changes that necessitate a level two inspection are:
If you’re planning to sell your property and need a real estate chimney inspection, a level two is the minimal level of inspection to satisfy National Fire Protection Association standards.
Additionally, when your appliance malfunctions or an event damages your property, a level two inspection may be necessary to prevent safety risks. Some common events that are likely to damage your chimney are chimney or building fires, seismic events, and extreme weather.
Chimney experts reserve a level three inspection for only the most extreme cases. A level three inspection can be more expensive and time-consuming, which is why it is only performed when absolutely necessary to ensure the integrity of your chimney and the safety of your family.
It includes all of the steps of lower-level inspections, while also including more specialized processes to determine the extent of any damage that was done to your chimney. Usually, during level 3 inspections, technicians will remove or dismantle parts of your chimney or the building around the chimney to gain the access they need.
Typically, a CSIA-certified chimney sweep will only recommend a level 3 examination when a previous inspection leads them to believe there may be considerable damage or safety concerns with your chimney.
If your home has a chimney, then the answer is yes.
If you use your fireplace even just once throughout the year, it can be a hazard to your safety or health if not properly inspected. Over the decades, the interior of older chimneys can become compromised, allowing heat from your fireplace or furnace to contact flammable parts of your home’s structure. Other risks include carbon monoxide poisoning or creosote buildup that can lead to a chimney fire.
Even an unused chimney needs to be inspected and cleaned to avoid problems. The last thing you want to deal with is a damaged chimney cap letting critters squat in your flue. And if you have oil or gas-fueled appliances, they can leave deposits in your flue too.
Learn more about why you need a professional chimney inspection.
Learn more about the different chimney inspection levels.
The key difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspection lies in the scope and purpose of the inspection.
A Level 1 inspection is a basic, routine check that covers accessible parts of the chimney and is ideal when your system hasn’t changed.
In contrast, a Level 2 inspection is more comprehensive, often involving video scanning and access to areas like attics or crawl spaces. It’s often required when the system has been modified, during property transfers, and when an event damages your property to ensure safety.
The cost of a Level 2 chimney inspection can vary widely depending on factors such as your geographic location, the specific service provider, and the complexity of your chimney system. It’s a good idea to get quotes from reputable chimney service companies in your area to understand what’s included in the price and ensure you’re receiving a thorough inspection.
While you can perform a basic visual check of your chimney, such as inspecting its exterior condition, chimney cap, flashing, and looking for signs of animal activity, there are many critical areas that require professional tools and training to inspect properly.
A certified chimney technician can identify hidden hazards like interior cracks, creosote buildup, or structural damage that you might miss. For your safety and to ensure your chimney is functioning correctly, it’s best to leave your inspections to professionals like Doctor Flue!
With over 35 years of experience serving homeowners across Michigan and Ohio, our team at Doctor Flue is dedicated to keeping your chimney and fireplace systems safe, efficient, and well-maintained.
Don’t wait for problems to appear, give us a call today at (800) 438-3583 or contact us online to request a quote!
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