Chimney Inspection Service Near You!
We’re Southwestern PA’s premier and most in-demand chimney inspection company. We’ve been proudly serving the greater Pittsburgh area since 1996, and our neighbors have come to know us as Pittsburgh’s chimney experts.
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Why do our clients work with us again and again? Here are just a few reasons…
- We answer the phone.
- We’re licensed and insured.
- We use the most modern and state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure your chimney system is operating safely and efficiently.
- We follow up after your appointment to make sure you were happy with the service you received.
- We honor our work even after the warranty has expired – not because we’re obligated to, but because we believe in doing the right thing.
- We’re one of the only chimney companies in Southwestern PA that has a CSIA-certified lead tech on every truck.
- We keep up with current industry trends and all employees are required to participate in continued education.
- For your safety and peace of mind, all hires are thoroughly vetted with a background check and drug testing.
Why Are Chimney Inspections Important?
Think it may be time for a chimney sweeping or that you may need repair work done? Everything starts with an inspection. We put our clients first and don’t want to waste your money on services that aren’t necessary.
For example, you may not need a sweeping every year. The NFPA states that every chimney should be inspected annually, but only swept as necessary. If you don’t have your chimney inspected, you could end up spending money on a sweeping that you didn’t really need.
An inspection will give you the peace of mind that your system is ready for use – or provide you with the information you need to make necessary repairs before using the system again.
For this reason, our protocol on every appointment is to start with a level one inspection, or a level two inspection if the circumstances call for it.
Level One Inspection – $199
Circumstances when a level one inspection may be performed include:
- Annual inspection
- During a routine sweeping if it’s determined that an inspection is needed
- When replacing an appliance with one that is similar in type, input rating, and efficiency
How we inspect the chimney during a level one inspection:
This is a visual inspection performed with the naked eye. We generally do a curbside inspection of the exterior, but we don’t typically access the roof during a level one.
- We inspect the readily accessible areas of the chimney structure and flue. Readily accessible means that we can inspect without the use of tools to remove doors, panels, or coverings.
- We check for obstructions and combustible deposits in the flue.
- We check for basic appliance installation and connection.
What the level one inspection is intended to determine:
A level one chimney inspection is intended to verify the suitability of continued use under the same conditions using the same appliance or appliances.
How long does it take to complete a level one chimney inspection?
The actual inspection takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Completing the report takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If a sweeping is recommended, it typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Readily accessible means that we can inspect without the use of tools to remove doors, panels, or coverings.
- We check for obstructions and combustible deposits in the flue.
- We check for basic appliance installation and connection.
Level Two Inspection – $299
Circumstances when a level two inspection may be performed include:
- Sale or transfer of a property
- After an operating malfunction or external event likely to have caused damage
- Upon addition or removal of a connected appliance of dissimilar type, input rating, or efficiency
- Prior to relining or replacing the flue liner
Note: If we recommend a level two inspection and you still opt for a level one, it shall be indicated on your inspection report as such.
How we inspect the chimney during a level two inspection:
A level two inspection includes all aspects of a level one inspection, as well as a video inspection.
We take still photos of damage and inspect the following:
- Accessible portions of the chimney exterior
- Accessible portions of the attic
- Accessible portions of the crawl space
- Accessible portions of the basement
- Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection
Accessible means exposed or capable of being exposed (via removal of doors, panels, or coverings, using commonly available tools) for inspection, maintenance, or repair, without damaging the chimney or finish.
What the level two inspection is intended to determine:
A level two inspection is intended to verify the suitability of the chimney for new or changed conditions of service. A level one inspection is not sufficient to determine the serviceability of the chimney.
How long does it take to complete a level two chimney inspection?
The actual inspection takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Completing the report takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If a sweeping is recommended, it typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
From Our Clients
★★★★★
Very professional company. They have been cleaning and inspecting our chimney for 7 years. Staff is always friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. I appreciate the effort they make to keep the area clean. Highly recommend.
– Kristi D.
★★★★★
We had a custom-sized chimney cap installed recently. We were very pleased with the workmanship and that the design of the chimney cap looks great aesthetically. They never walked on our slate roof, but used a ladder to walk up to the chimney – which we greatly appreciated.
– Ellie R.
★★★★★
Friendly, professional, and quality service. Always a great experience and wouldn’t trust anyone else to service our fireplace and chimney!
– Kyle M.
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How to Prepare for Your Chimney Inspection
You can count on us to come equipped and ready to get right to work. But there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for your appointment:
- 24 hours prior to your appointment, remember to stop using your wood appliances, fireplaces, or coal-burning appliances. We cannot sweep the chimney unless it is completely cooled.
- Two hours prior to your appointment, remember to stop using your gas or oil appliances if the chimney these appliances use is being swept. We cannot sweep the chimney unless it is completely cooled.
- Please remove all fragile or precious items, as well as furniture, from the area near the fireplace, furnace, or stove being serviced. We need about 6 to 8 feet around the fireplace, furnace, or stove so that we can comfortably get our equipment in place and allow our technicians to move freely.
Trust the Chimney Experts
For the safety of your home and family, trust the area’s most reliable and experienced chimney company.
Advance Chimney provides all the chimney and venting services to keep your fireplace and dryer vent systems ready to use.