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When do I need a video scan chimney inspection?

When do I need a video scan chimney inspection?

You’ve probably heard us here at TN Fireplace & Chimney talk about the importance of getting an annual chimney inspection. Annual chimney inspections are important for catching structural and maintenance issues early, before they become a fire hazard. You may wonder if all chimney inspections are the same. Well, they aren’t. Depending on a number of factors, we may use different tools to inspect your chimney and fireplace. One of these tools is a video scanner. Video scanners are a useful tool because they allow us to take a detailed look at the inside of your chimney.

What do video scanners do?When to get a video scan chimney inspection

A video scanner is a tool consisting of a small flashlight camera on a line that is connected to a viewing screen. The camera is designed to be fed down your chimney. As it maneuvers through your chimney, the flashlight camera allows us to get a very detailed look at the inside of your chimney. This lets us determine if there are any cracks, holes, debris, creosote, moisture damage, or any other structural issues inside your chimney.

When do you need a video scan?

Video scans are an important tool, however, they aren’t always necessary. There are three levels of inspections that are recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Level I inspections are relatively simple. If you have been maintaining your chimney well by having annual inspections and cleanings; if you’ve haven’t noticed any issues with your chimney; and if you don’t plan on changing the way that you use your fireplace and chimney, a video scan usually isn’t required. A Level II inspection, however, is a little more detailed and requires a video scan of your chimney. There might be a number of reasons you need this type of inspection, but some of the most common reasons are: if you are buying or selling a new home with a chimney; if there has been a natural disaster such as an earthquake nearby; or if you’ve had a chimney fire.

There are some other reasons that we would use a video scanner. If you haven’t had an inspection in a long time, it would be a good idea to have your chimney video scanned. People that own older homes with older chimneys may also want to get a chimney inspection with a video scanner. Finally, if your chimney isn’t working properly, we may want to use a video scanner to aid in diagnosing the problem. If we discover any problems, video scanners allow us to take pictures of any chimney issues. Pictures help us give our customers a better idea of what is going on in their chimney and they can also help with real estate and insurance claim negotiations.

We are proud to serve you and the rest of the Knoxville area! If you think that you may need a professional video scan of your chimney, call TN Fireplace & Chimney today at (865) 922-2262 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!

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