Cameras used in chimney inspections are often cited as the reason the price for a chimney sweep is so high. Here is the truth about cameras. The technology is absolutely amazing. Marry up the old plumber camera with the new wi-fi cloud storage systems and this is a vital addition to your chimney’s analysis.
Now, home buyers demand a complete chimney cleaning to sell a home. The next level in peace of mind is a camera view into the chimney system. Better yet, the pictures and video are saved to a file for email or cloud storage. Tip – ask your insurance company if this inspection lowers the rate for homeowner insurance.
Here are the advantages to using a chimney camera as part of a platinum chimney cleaning service. First, you will avoid the fly-by-night folks that offer a chimney sweep scam. These companies will not invest the money for a high quality camera to use in the inspection. These cameras are several thousands of dollars in cost. So, yes, there are folks that are using the camera to boost the prices of their sweep. The fact is an honest, reliable chimney sweep company will simply use a camera as another tool to a better service to their customers.
The second advantage is the tight spaces these cameras can see. They will identify small gaps in the bricks and transitions. Therefore, this allows for a fix before the problem gets out of control.
What do fire professionals think about chimney inspections?
Recently, we discussed the chimney inspections with a member of the Roane County TN fire department in our home area. He pointed out that several houses just recently burned down due to a build up in creosote. These homeowners had no idea that the chimneys were in critical need of an inspection.
Finally, many homes can be saved if we can get the word out about the Platinum Chimney Sweep Service using a camera for inspection. Call us today and ask about the sweep service with our camera. Peace of mind is simply a phone or text message away.
Looking for a chimney inspection in Knoxville TN ? Stop and call or fill out our request form at Clear Chimney for all of your chimney, fireplace and stove installations & repair. We are a locally owned family business in business since 2016. We service wood stoves, fireplace inserts and wood burning chimneys. Our partners in masonry repair and restore brick chimneys. Often, our firewood suppliers provide great deals for our customers.
We want to add you to our Clear Chimney family. Clear Chimney is not a large out of state corporation. We are building our business one warm family home at a time. Referrals are gems to us. For instance, we stand behind our work and will give you an honest answer for your situation.
There are many chimney inspection Knoxville TN companies that simply are overwhelmed with work. It is not uncommon for the next appointment quoted to be 2 months out in the peak season. Similarly, from September to March, most companies can’t keep up. Therefore, we schedule and staff for this heavy time.
We do not over schedule. Many times we work you in to the schedule if we are in the area, even after 5 p.m. without additional fees.
We find many issues in our chimney inspection around Knoxville TN
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Our goal is always a 5 star review on all of the platforms. You can check us out on Google Clear Chimney, Yelp Clear Chimney and Facebook to name a few. When we finish your inspection or project and you wouldn’t rate us a 5 star, please let us know right then. We will fix any issue within code and workmanship.
Finally, we live in the same area we serve. Our church family, neighbors and friends rely on us to keep them safe and warm. Join our family today. We look forward to a life long relationship with you. Be blessed.
It is very important to perform a chimney cleaning prior to the sell of your home. This is one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. The home inspector told us “we don’t have the expertise to check out the fireplace or chimney.” We have followed up on many recent home sales to find issues in the chimney or fireplaces.
Chimney cleaning (sweeping) is a dangerous but valuable service that prevents creosote build up. This is a highly flammable material and can start chimney fires.
If you are a home buyer, it is mandatory to inspect the chimney, the chimney cap and the chimney flue for defects and build up. The home inspection probably will not cover this in detail.
Below are the levels of chimney inspection and cleaning before you sell the home.
Level 1 inspection – a visual chimney and fireplace inspection. A chimney sweep uses a headlamp to look for damage, obstructions (bird nests, debris), creosote build up and soot. They are looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure, support and flue. Also, if a chimney liner is in place, is the connection sound. Finally, the chimney inspector will provide a report of the findings for the seller.
Level 2 inspection – required when major changes were made to the original system. Changes include: fuel type, the shape or material of the chimney flue and changes to the efficiency or chimney rating. This chimney inspection includes all level 1 steps. A level 2 inspection is required in some areas upon the sale or transfer of a home. Any event that caused damage to the chimney, its foundation or flue must be inspected.
Level 3 – includes both level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection items. Level 3 chimney inspection removes parts of the chimney wall, chimney crown and interior fire blocks. It also inspects the foundation (crawl spaces, supports), required limits from combustible materials and roof openings.
What is the cost for a chimney inspection?
Chimney cleaning cost to sell your home range from $250 to $1,800. The total price depends on the number of fireplaces and the levels of chimney inspection.
Realtors will update their skill training to advise home sellers of this vital inspection. It is an additional cost. The peace of mind in the buyer’s eyes is so worth the expense.
Finally, call your home insurance agent. Insurance companies lower the cost of house insurance if the chimney is inspected. Also, a monitored fire and smoke system lowers most insurance premiums.
