For a High Quality Chimney Inspection Near Jacksonville, Call the Pros at Hudson Chimney

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is one of many national safety organizations that recommends that you have your chimney inspected annually. When inspecting your chimney, the CSIA-certified chimney professionals at Hudson Chimney are searching for many things:

  • Oil soot or wood residue both are flammable substances that can cause blockages
  • Moisture or water damage that leads to chimney deterioration
  • That your chimney flue is sized properly (as this is the leading cause of severe damage to chimneys and walls)
  • Leaves, birds, and any other animals or debris that may be inhibiting proper air flow

Rather than taking matters into your own hands and searching, “how to inspect a chimney,” trust the team of dedicated and experienced professionals here at Hudson Chimney. That way you can enjoy your appliance without having to worry about any dangers that might be hiding there. And don’t just take our word for it; we are happy to show you photographic and/or video evidence of the condition of your chimney. We proudly use the Chim-Scan camera to conduct our thorough chimney video inspections.

Care to learn more? Ready to schedule? For professional chimney inspections in the Jacksonville, FL area there simply is no one better than Hudson Chimney. Get in touch with us through our website, or give us a call at 904-282-4159.

The Facts About Chimneys and House Fires

We get it: life gets busy, and things like scheduling proactive chimney services often fall to the wayside. But, if you have a flame-producing heating appliance and especially if you use it regularly, staying on top of its maintenance can be the difference between life and death.

The U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA’s) National Fire Incident Reporting System collected the following data:

  • An average of 50,100 heating fires in residential buildings occur in the U.S. each year, resulting in an annual average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries, and $326 million in property loss.
  • Heating is the second leading cause of all residential building fires.
  • Residential heating fires peak in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m. This 4-hour period accounts for 30 percent of all residential heating fires.
  • Residential heating fires peak in January (21 percent) and decline to the lowest point during the summer months from June to August.
  • Confined fires—those fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners—account for 87 percent of residential heating fires.
  • 30 percent of the nonconfined residential heating fires occur because the heat source is too close to combustibles.

And while these facts are certainly jarring, most chimney-related devastation is preventable. Establishing a routine care and maintenance plan that includes necessary, annual services like chimney cleanings and inspections can help protect you, your family, and the rest of your home. Schedule your chimney inspection with Hudson Chimney today. To get started, fill out this appointment request form, or give us a call at 904-282-4159. 

Chim Scan camera showing missing mortar in flue.
Chim Scan camera showing missing mortar in stone.
Chim Scan Camera showing missing mortar.

What Happens During a Chimney Inspection?

Did you know that there are actually three levels of chimney inspection? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) adopted these levels into code over a decade ago in order to remove inconsistencies in inspections and streamline the whole inspection process across the indusrty. All chimney inspections must now be clearly defined as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. And fortunately for homeowners in the Jacksonville and Middleburg areas, Hudson Chimney is proud to offer them all.

Your chimney sweep can advise you about which type of inspection your chimney needs, depending on your situation the status of your fireplace and chimney. Here’s an explanation of the three levels as defined by the NFPA 211:

  • Level 1 Inspection: The Level 1 inspection takes a basic look at the condition of your chimney, using only the naked eye to analyze and inspect the various components that make up your system. This inspection is recommended if your appliance and venting system have not changed since the last time you had it services and you plan to use your system the same way you always have. During this service, a chimney technician will examine the readily accessible portions of your chimney’s exterior and interior as well as that of the appliance and the chimney connection. We will look for soundness of your chimney structure and flue and make sure that your appliance has been installed and connected correctly. We’ll also verify that your chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
  • Level 2 Inspection: This level of inspection uses the Chim-Scan camera and is required if changes have been made to your chimney. These changes may include switching fuel types, alterations in the shape or material of the flue, or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency. In a Level 2 inspection, you can expect various parts and pieces to be removed from your chimney system so that the technician can get a better look at what’s going on in those harder-to-reach areas. This is also the chimney scan you’d need to schedule if you just sold or transferred a property, or recently experienced an operation malfunction or an external event like a building or chimney fire, or seismic weather event.
  • Level 3 Inspection: When serious hazards are suspected in a Level 1 or 2 inspection, a Level 3 inspection involves an intensive analysis of your chimney. These kinds of inspections require some demolition in order for a technician to physically get inside the chimney walls to check clearances. This inspection includes all the areas and items checked in Level 1 and 2 inspections, but also requires that your chimney’s crown, interior wall, or even parts of your walls and ceiling be removed.

Regardless of the specifics of your service, once we are done, all customers get a written inspection report with our findings and services performed. You will then have the opportunity to schedule another service with us if additional work is requested or required. Just approve the quote, and we’ll be on our way to meeting and exceeding your expectations time and again.

And no worries if you’re not sure which of these three chimney inspections levels is the right one for you – we’re more than happy to chat with you to determine which one to schedule. So, the next time you find yourself going to look up, “how to inspect your chimney,” just call us instead.

Have You Scheduled Your Annual Chimney Inspection, Yet? Call Hudson Chimney Today!

Whether you need a simple, routine look-over or a slightly more intensive chimney video inspection, Hudson Chimney has the team, tools, and training to do it. Save yourself the trouble of searching through the results populated by “chimney inspection Jacksonville, FL” and get in touch with someone from our team instead. You can reach us by phone at 904-282-4159, or online by filling out this form.

 

Chimney and fireplace repairs are just one part of our chimney and fireplace services here at Hudson Chimney. If it has to do with chimneys, fireplaces, stoves or inserts, we can take care of whatever you need.