National Fire Protection Association recommends you have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Yes, every year!
Inspecting your fireplace and chimney is essential to keeping them running properly and safely.
Portland Fireplace and Chimney Inc performs NFPA Level 2 Fireplace and Chimney inspections. Not only is the care of your chimney important to us, but so is the care of your home. To ensure that we are protecting your home from any damage or discomfort, drop cloths will be used to protect all surface areas near the fireplace. During the inspection, our certified technicians use cleaning as a tool to uncover any hidden dangers under creosote build up. We use commercial grade rotary brushes and equipment, along with the best chimney vacuum on the market, a Triple Hepa Filter Vacuum. We ensure that no dust or allergens enter the air in your home.
We are nationally certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We regularly attend continuing education classes and seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and technology related to our industry. Our owner Louis Lee is the President of the Oregon Chimney Sweep Association (OCSA), and a member in good standing of the Chimney Sweep Guild.
We strictly adhere to the NFPA 211 code on fireplaces and chimneys. This code is widely used by architects, installers, equipment manufacturers, AHJ’s, and building owners. The NFPA 211 provides guidelines for construction projects involving chimneys, fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel burning appliances. You can read more about the NFPA 211, here. The following levels of chimney / fireplace inspections are as follows
LVL 1 Inspection
A level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. This 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, the readily accessible portions of the exterior, interior, and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection should be examined. We will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue, as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. We will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
LVL 2 Inspection
A level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of or materials in the flue, 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 or 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 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 in the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney, building structure or finish shall shall be required by a level 2 inspection.
