Did you know that completion of a Level II inspection the first time we service any chimney or appliance is the standard at The Chimney Doctor? Going above and beyond minimum requirements to check the areas included in a Level II inspection helps ensure your home stays safe from potential fires. Why are these areas at risk? It’s because of a process call pyrolysis, which can wear on your woodwork and leave you vulnerable to many dangers.
Learn more about this below, then count on us to inspect your system before winter comes. Colder days are ahead of us, so it’s best to stay prepared and on top of it all! Call today to set up an appointment with our team.
What Is Pyrolysis?
Pyrolysis is when the wood surrounding your chimney and fireplace becomes chemically altered by the intense heat passing through your appliance or chimney system. This happens whether or not there is actually a flame or spark present at that location. In short, combustibles are baked, and their ignition temperature is actually decreased until they can ignite from the radiant heat of the appliance or flue alone. As the materials change, they become weaker and more vulnerable to catch fire, which puts your entire home at risk. while most wood needs to reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit before igniting, wood that has been affected by pyrolysis can ignite as low as 200 degrees Fahrenheit– and when it has ignited, it can spread through your home.
Because of this, all clearances and minimum standards need to be strictly adhered to or exceeded, which is why we take the time to inspect different areas of your home. It’s our standard, and we’ll never falter to bring you the best care possible! Your safety is our top priority.
What To Expect From Us
When we come for a level 2 inspection, we’ll ensure your attic, crawl spaces, wall cavities, and more have not been exposed to pyrolysis. We’ll check for any charred wood, improper clearances, poor overall construction or installation, and more. If we feel a specific area may be vulnerable to fire, we’ll let you know and advise you on the next appropriate steps.
A level 2 inspection also requires the use of video equipment to give us a detailed look at of all the parts of your chimney. We’ll inspect every flue in your house, ensuring they are all in good shape and safe for use. What do we look for? We tend to look for cracked or damaged flue liners, blockages, creosote accumulation, improper construction, and other issues that could pose a threat to your system, home, or family.
Customer service is at the core of who we are and what we do. You can rest easy working with us because we study hard to provide the most knowledgeable service! We are certified with the CSIA and the NFI, and we take part in countless educational seminars and training sessions to ensure we’re up-to-date on everything chimney related. We are also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, the Rocky Mountain Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, and the Better Business Bureau. We set our standards high, and we strive to bring you the best services possible!
Contact us today to work with our team. We can’t wait to help you out soon!
Recent Comments