Why Every Sweeping at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County Comes With an Inspection

When you schedule a sweeping with Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County, you get a complimentary inspection. Why is that? Because inspections are incredibly important! Inspections allow us to get an up-close look at your chimney system, so we can alert you to any issues or damage that may be present. Why does that matter? Because if you don’t know about problems or risks, you can’t address them.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that all chimneys and/or appliances, and that includes oil and gas furnaces, have an annual inspection and sweeping. But not all inspections and sweepings are created equal. In order to meet the needs of consumers as well as codes and standards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed the 3 Levels of Inspection Procedures which are followed by most certified sweeps. The circumstances which give rise to the inspection determine what level of inspection is to be conducted.

The Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County Difference

Here at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County, we use an internal digital camera system evaluation with ALL of our sweepings and inspections when applicable. In our experience, we believe getting an up-close look at the inner workings of the system enables us to better evaluate the system as a whole. Using a camera system, which is lowered into the flue or entered into the flue from the bottom of the chimney, we’re able to inspect the chimney from a range of just a few inches — as opposed to just trying to figure it out by looking from the top or bottom of the chimney system. Which means we get a better look and you get a more accurate assessment of your chimney system.

Are Annual Sweepings & Inspections Really Necessary? When Are They Needed?

Because preventative maintenance is always more cost-effective than making repairs that could have been avoided, it just makes sense to get an annual chimney sweeping and inspection. This routine maintenance is critical for regularly-used chimneys and even for those only used occasionally. You just never know what has crawled into the chimney and built a nest or died (blocking the flue).

Why do our clients call us for their chimney inspections?

  • Annual maintenance
  • Never had the chimney inspected
  • Changing an appliance such as a new furnace
  • Damage inspection after a storm
  • Damage inspection after a chimney fire or an appliance malfunction
  • Rental property
  • Real Estate Transaction
  • Changing from one fuel source to another; converting from wood burning to gas burning

Benefits of Routine Chimney Inspections & Maintenance:

  • Improve the performance and safety of your heating appliance
  • Protect your home investment
  • Monitor changes over time–like seeing a dentist regularly
  • Reduces pollution and lowers energy cost
Separated Pre-fabricated Chimney Flue Liner

Separated Prefabricated Chimney Flue Liner

Cracks in Terra Cotta Flue Tile for Fireplace Chimney

Cracks in Terra Cotta Flue Tile for Fireplace Chimney

Hole in Terra Cotta Flue Liner for Gas Furnace Flue

Hole in Terra Cotta Flue Liner for Gas Furnace Flue

A Quick Look at the 3 Levels of Inspection

This video put out by The Chimney Safety Institute of America is one of the best we have seen describing the 3 levels of inspection. We highly recommend you watch it before hiring a sweep and prior to your appointment. We have also put together a comprehensive article that outlines some of the things we look for during an inspection for you to read at your leisure. Don’t hesitate to contact us after viewing the video and reading the article. We’re here to answer any questions you may have! Click here to request an appointment online!

Buying or Selling a House?

Then you absolutely need a chimney inspection. In fact, a property transaction requires a level 2 chimney inspection, per NFPA guidelines.

But I already got a home inspection. 

Realtor and friend Theresa Kurtz, presents a case on why you need a home inspection and what the differences are between your typical home inspection and a chimney inspection. Check it out.

Inspections and sweepings just go together. Be sure to rely on reputable professionals who can take care of all your chimney service needs.