Inspection:   No homeowner should assume that his or her chimney could be used without a thorough inspection, both exterior and interior. Rain, flue gases, and freezing moisture cause erosion and deterioration in chimneys. Breaks in the chimney’s flue tile, even small ones, can be a risky condition allowing combustion gases and condensation into the home. Preventative maintenance is always more cost effective than expensive repairs, which could have been avoided. A certified sweep’s evaluation is based on a thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the structure. The professional sweep informs you of any damage, deterioration, or code violation. Our technician will also provide an estimate for necessary repairs. Annual inspections and sweepings are critical for chimneys used regularly, but even if used occasionally, a chimney system should be routinely inspected and swept on an annual basis. In many cases, simply having your chimney or fireplace inspected on an annual basis can extend the warranty on your chimney repair work.

Sweeping:   Often times, animal nests or debris can block your flue, thus obstructing the flow of dangerous gases to the outside environment and posing a potential hazard for you and your family. In addition to the possibility of blockages, the potential accumulation of creosote in you chimney’s flue can also pose a safety risk. An annual sweeping of your chimney’s flues by a CSIA certified technician can help protect against these dangerous problems. AAA Timberline conducts all of its sweepings through a 6 step process in accordance with NFPA and CSIA regulations. These steps are:

1. Preliminary examination – Evaluation the visible chimney interior and firebox with a mirror and flashlight.
2. Inside preparation – Tarps, a vacuum, and necessary furniture coverings will be set up to ensure the cleanest possible job site.
3. Flue sweeping and examination – Physical sweeping of your chimney flues with special attention paid to possible problems such as improperly constructed chimneys, cracks in the flue tile and evidence of chimney fires.
4. Inside sweeping – Physical sweeping and inspection of the firebox, smoke chamber, smoke shelf and damper from inside your home.
5. Final examination and level one inspection – One last review of all the steps involved in the sweeping process designed so as not to miss any potential safety hazards.
6. Customer review – Explanation of the entire process and findings to the homeowner with specific importance placed on possible problems and safety hazards.

Internal Video Inspection:   A video scan of the chimney’s interior may be advisable if damage is suspected or if you plan to file an insurance claim. This closed circuit television inspection can be viewed on an LCD screen, allowing homeowners to see the condition of their fireplace and chimney interior while also accumulating vital information about the structural integrity of the chimney. This inspection will allow early detection of structural imperfections thus helping prevent more expensive repairs down the road. In the past, the examination of the chimney interior involved either an ineffective flashlight and mirror or the expensive disassembly of part of the chimney to gain access to problem areas. Now with internal video inspection capabilities, it is easy to obtain an accurate evaluation of your chimney’s interior in a non-destructive way. Your inspection will provide a written report regarding the condition of the chimney interior and digital photographs that will allow you to review the inspection whenever needed.

View the CSIA’s 23,600 Reasons To Have Your Chimney Serviced