Chimney Inspections Explained for the Homeowner
A Public Safety Bulletin from the Chimney Safety Institute of America

Situations and Levels of Inspection

Level One:

       Annual Inspection

       Routine Cleaning of Flu

       Direct Replacement of a similar appliance               

Level Two:

        Upon any sale or transfer of property.

        After an operating malfunction or an external event

        is likely to have caused damage to the chimney.   

       Addition or removal of one or more connected

       appliances, or the replacement of an appliance with

       one of a different type, a different input rating or a

       different efficiency.

       Prior to relining or replacements of the flue lining.

Level Three:

        Where necessary for the investigation of an

        incident which has caused damage to the chimney

        or building.

        Where a hazard is detected or suspected as the

        result of a Level one or Level two inspection and

        the suspected hazard cannot be fully evaluated

        without access to concealed areas.

        A Level three inspection may be required when the

        construction of all or part of the chimney is deemed

        critical to the renewed or continued use of the

        chimney due to potential concealed defects.