Level 1 inspections – If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 Inspections – A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection.– When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.
There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.

Level 3 Inspections – A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

- article from CSIA website

Tags: Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Services, Chimney Sweeps

Wood is a plentiful and renewable fuel source, but it never burns completely. Ash is really of no concern other then regularly removing it from the fireplace or wood stove. Creosote is a much larger concern. When wood is burned often time combustion is incomplete leading to the release of volatile compounds along with smoke. When such compounds enter the chimney they cool and condense with water vapor onto the interior walls of the chimney. This presents several problems: the first being that the creosote buildup hampers the inflow of air reducing efficiency, secondly that creosote buildup insulates reducing the amount of energy actually heating your home, thirdly creosote deposits can lead to chimney fires and fourthly creosote can corrode surfaces causing damage to your home heating system. Creosote removal can be a difficult and messy undertaking when not done by a trained professional. Such individuals are members of one of the oldest professions, the chimney sweeps.

The nature of their job has not changed since ancient times, though their methods and tools have. The chimney broom is still used, but vacuums and other more modern and specialized tools have been added. Methods have changed along with the tools, chief among them the modern trend of cleaning chimneys from the bottom to reduce or eliminate the spread of dust or debris. Professional chimney sweeps are more then simply cleaners, they are able to answer questions pertaining to safe and efficient operation of the heating appliances they service. Often times in the course of their service, they also inspect the customer’s chimney to ensure it meets all safety regulations.

Chimney sweeps are a respected profession today, providing a necessary service to their clients. Not only do they clean the chimney, often times their services including a full cleaning of the whole system. From firebox to chimney cap, the sweep cleans it all to prevent any damage or risk to the home. Their services also prevent the homeowner from having to climb on teh room themselves, even going as far to replace old or rusted chimney caps with new and updated ones.

Tags: Chimney Cleaning, Chimney Seep, Chimney Sweeps, Creosote Buildup, Fireplace Cleaning, ga, georgia, marietta, roswell

Advance Chimneys Inc. Customer Testimonial from Kudzu.com

I just wanted to add my comments because I have received great service using Kudzu reviews. I called Advanced Chimney last Dec because of smoke coming in my house. The service person told me the chimney was in good shape and just needed to be cleaned. I then used my fireplace all winter and into spring without any further problems. Advanced is honest, prompt, and reasonable.

Tags: Advanced Chimneys Inc., Chimney Cleaning, chimney sweeping, Chimney Sweeps, Chimney Sweeps Woodstock, Fireplace Cleaning, ga, georgia, woodstock

Advance Chimneys Inc. Customer Testimonial from Kudzu.com

On time. Professional. No upsell. Did just what they said they’d do. Whoever manages their operations should give seminars to contractors/service professionals. This is how you do business. I will recommend them, use again as needed and trust their price estimates.

Tags: Advanced Chimneys Inc., Chimney Sweeps Woodstock, ga, georgia, Testimonials, woodstock

Homeowners are often quick to perform the necessary repairs to make and keep their homes beautiful. However, it’s easy to overlook one structural component that not only involves beauty, but safety as well: the fireplace chimney. Though the prevention of smoke or fire damage from a filthy chimney is the number one consideration, there are other good reasons to invest in a professional chimney inspection.

As most homeowners know, creosote, a flammable, tar-like by-product of wood burning, can build up quickly in any chimney. Though the buildup depends on the frequency with which the fireplace is used and the type of wood burned, it’s safe to say that in just one season a chimney can become a potential hazard. A professional chimney inspection easily reveals the problem, and the cleaning is efficiently performed.

Another good reason to have a chimney inspection is to spot problems in the mortar, bricks, and roof flushing. Though most people associate chimney inspection with just cleaning, the inspector is also able to spot cracks in brick mortar that can lead to serious problems. Also, any interior and exterior brick damage is also surveyed to maintain the integrity of the chimney as a whole. At roof level, where the chimney exits from the attic, inspectors are also able to check for problems with the flushing, which are the materials used to fill in the space between brick and roof. Damage to any of these components can lead to structural safety problems over time.

Chimney and flue cleaning is a safety step, but also corrects improper burning in the fireplace. Many homeowners notice over time that the smoke from a fire begins to vent less efficiently. During or after a relaxing winter fire, the smell of smoke may become particularly noticeable. These are signs that shouldn’t be ignored since they are probably due to a buildup of creosote or other debris.

To be on the safe side, it’s best to have a yearly chimney inspection. These are often best performed in the spring and summer months so that identified problems can be fixed before fireplace season begins. This regular preventive maintenance has the additional benefit of saving money in the long run.

This year, when the snow begins to fly, relaxing near a fireplace will be even more pleasurable with the reassurance that the chimney is in working order.

Tags: Chimney Inspection, chimney sweeping, Chimney Sweeps, ga, georgia, marietta, roswell, woodstock

-To prevent dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney.

Creosote buildup can pose a dangerous presence in all wood burning chimneys if not acted upon properly. Creosote is basically the unburned material that is carried upward through the chimney and sticks to the surface of the interior. The use of unseasoned or rain logged wood is one of the major contributors to this problem because the material is not being fully burned. These unwanted deposits can build over time and can be highly combustible. Many homes each year in the United States suffer from preventable fires due to creosote deposits.

-To give you a feeling of safety when using your fireplace or wood stove.

We at Advanced Chimney Sweeps Inc. take pride in the work we do. For over two decades, we have been in the chimney sweeping business and have demonstrated to our customers that our superior knowledge of wood burning stoves and fireplaces as well as our second to none service gives our customers the peace of mind they deserve. You can count on us to get the job done right the first time.

-To answer all questions and concerns about your wood burning appliance.

Our knowledgeable staff can answer any question and concern you may have about your wood burning stove or fireplace. This can include fire safety, proper firewood handling as well as suggestions to improve your existing systems. We are more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have.

-To remove an old rusted chimney cap and replace it with a new/updated chimney cap.

Maintaining a good chimney cap is an important factor with regard to keeping undesirable elements out such as animals, birds, rain and snow. Any one of these undesirables can affect the function, safety and life of your chimney. We can update as well as replace your old worn chimney cap at a reasonable price while saving you time and money.

-To inspect your chimney and see if it meets safety standards and determine if your chimney needs to be swept.

We provide our customers with a hassle free inspection of their chimneys in order to determine if work needs to be done. No matter if a simple cleaning needs to be performed or other safety issues need to be resolved, Advanced Chimney sweeps can handle the job for you.

-To keep you from going up on the roof.

Climbing on to a roof and performing routine and not so routine tasks can be dangerous for the average home owner. The inexperienced can not only run the risk of damaging their home or chimney, they can also run the risk of hurting themselves as well. We not only have the ability to quickly and safely meet our customers’ needs, we are also extremely careful not to damage the home as well from working from the rooftop.

Tags: Advanced Chimneys Inc., Chimney Cleaning, chimney sweeping, Chimney Sweeps, ga, georgia, woodstock

You’ve enjoyed your fireplace for years. It has brought you and your family warmth time and time again. But when was the last time you cleaned it? It’s vital that you keep your chimney clean and free of debris so that it can continue working safely and efficiently.

Fire and carbon monoxide inhalation are two of the main hazards that come from a dirty chimney. Dust and soot will encrust the chimney over time and slowly lessen the amount of ventilation. Without a thorough fireplace cleaning, your home and family could be at risk.

Are you worried about the mess involved with cleaning your fireplace? Don’t worry, these days, professional chimney sweeps get the work done cleanly and with care. Like in the old days, a chimney brush is still used, but it is combined with today’s technology such as high-powered vacuums, special chimney cleaning tools, and cameras.

So how often should you clean your chimney? Well, that depends on how often you use it. Professionals state that if you use your fireplace as little as once per week, then a cleaning every 2-3 years is acceptable. Any more use than this and you should be receiving annual inspections to make sure everything is running clean. A good way to tell if you are in need of a cleaning is to open and close your damper. If dust and soot falls down, then it’s time for a sweep.

When searching for a chimney sweep it is best to get several quotes. Anyone offering extremely low prices is most likely a scam, and will try get you to do unnecessary repairs and tack on extra charges later. Find a company that is licensed, and has good references or verifiable reviews.

A professional and licensed service will also be more knowledgeable and able to identify problems before they happen. Besides a build up of dust and soot, other complications can arise such as a damper in need of repair, bird or animal removal, or gas line and rain leak repair. Licensed chimney sweeps will be able to diagnose and repair all problems that arise.

So, if you want to continue getting enjoyment out of that old fireplace, remember to get it regularly inspected so you and your family can have a safe and warm winter.

Tags: chimney sweeping, Chimney Sweeps, Fireplace Cleaning, ga, georgia, woodstock

Having trouble with smoke coming into your house from your fireplace? Many different factors lead to smoke coming into the house rather than up the chimney. It boils down to poor draft within the chimney. Many factors lead to poor draft.

1. Chimney is not tall enough to produce adequate draft. Sometime we can extend the chimney and allow for a better draft.

2. Creosote build up has clogged the flue or chimney cap. Solution, is to have a chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney. During the chimney cleaning process a chimney sweep will make sure the flue and cap are free from nest, creosote or blockage of any kind.

3. The temperature outside is just to hot. During hotter days outside, many fireplaces will have a down draft that leads to smoke in the house.

4. Windy day. If the wind is blowing hard outside it can easily cause a down draft in the house. It can go up one side of the roof and down the chimney. One thing you can do is install a smoke guard. It is installed on the top of the entrance to the firebox which allows the smoke more time to go up the chimney.

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This is one of the common question we get asked by our customers. CSIA stands for Chimney Safety Institute of America. The CSIA is a non-profit educational organization that exist to provide chimney and venting safety resources to those in the industry and to you, the homeowner, with these goals in mind: 1. Elimination of residential chimney fires. 2. Preventing carbon monoxide intrusion. 3. Improving home heating efficiency. Advanced Chimney Inc. is certified by the CSIA and more information about the CSIA and other great information about safety issues, selecting firewood and much more can be found at csia.org

Tags: advnaced chimney inc., Chimney Safety Institute of America, chimney sweeping, Chimney Sweeps, CSIA, Fireplace Cleaning, ga, georgia, marietta, roswell, woodstock

One of the most common questions we get from people is “How often should I clean my chimney?” It is a great question because most people don’t know and knowing the answer to that question brings peace of mind. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that no more that 1/4 inch of creosote should be on the walls of the flue. If 1/4 inch or more of creosote has build up than you should have your chimney sweep. It is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned every cord to a cord and a half of wood that you burn. A cord of wood can best be described as laying a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood on the ground and the wood is stacked 4 foot tall (about 2 truck loads of wood). Make sure you burn good seasoned wood like Oak or Hickory when at all possible.

Tags: chimney sweep, chimney sweeping, Chimney Sweeps, Fireplace Cleaning, fireplace safety, ga, georgia, marietta, roswell, woodstock