Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 inspection goes further than a yearly check. It covers the inside of the flue and the parts of the house the chimney passes through, so it answers questions a visual look cannot.
What makes it Level 2
NFPA 211 describes a Level 2 inspection as everything in a Level 1 check plus the accessible areas of the building that the chimney passes through, such as the attic, crawl space or basement, and the interior of the flue. Looking inside the flue is the big difference. The liner is the part of a chimney that fails quietly, and a visual check from the firebox sees only a short stretch of it.
When it is called for
| Situation | Why Level 1 is not enough |
|---|---|
| Buying or selling a home | The chimney is changing hands and its condition affects the decision. See inspections for a home sale. |
| A new appliance or a different fuel | The flue has to suit what will be connected to it, and a size or condition problem may not be visible from outside. |
| After a chimney fire | Fire can crack tiles and damage the liner without any outside sign. See fire damage inspections. |
| After a lightning strike or storm | Impact and shock can break masonry and flue parts out of sight. |
| Smoke or odor with no obvious cause | The cause is often inside the flue or in the smoke chamber. |
| A Level 1 check turned up something | A closer look finds the extent of the problem before any repair is priced. |
What we examine
- Everything covered in a Level 1 inspection
- The inside of the flue and the condition of the liner, including joints and cracks
- The smoke chamber above the firebox
- The chimney where it passes through attic, crawl space or basement, where those areas can be reached
- Clearance between the chimney and combustible framing where it can be seen
- Flue size compared with the appliance that uses it
A flue interior can be viewed in different ways. What matters is that the whole length is checked and the findings are explained, not the tool used to get there.
What a Level 2 does not do
It does not open up walls or masonry. If something suggests a serious hazard that cannot be assessed without removing parts of the chimney or building, NFPA 211 calls for a Level 3 inspection. We would tell you that clearly and explain what it would involve before anything is taken apart.
A Level 2 inspection is a diagnosis, not a sales visit. You get the findings first. Any repair is a separate decision, and we say so when nothing needs doing.
What the work involves
How a Level 2 inspection goes
- ConfirmWe agree which level fits your situation before we start.
- InspectWe examine the chimney inside and out, and the areas it passes through.
- ExplainWe go through each finding and what it means.
- RecommendWe recommend repair only where the findings support it.
Chimney Academy
Related guides
Related services
Chimney Inspection
The overview of what we check and when.
Learn moreChimney Liners
Options when the flue lining is damaged or missing.
Learn moreChimney Repair
What can be done once the cause is known.
Learn moreLevel 3 Inspection
When a hazard cannot be judged without opening up the structure.
Learn moreWe work throughout New Jersey. See our service areas, or browse all services.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a Level 2 inspection required when a house is sold?
Requirements vary by buyer, lender and insurer. NFPA 211 says a Level 2 inspection applies on the sale or transfer of a property, so it is the level we suggest for a purchase or a sale.
Will you tell me if the chimney is safe to use?
We tell you what we found and what it means for use. If something is unsafe to use as it is, we say so plainly and explain what would need to change.
How is Level 2 different from a regular sweep?
A sweep removes deposits. An inspection examines condition. They are separate jobs, and we can often do both in one visit.
What if you find a problem?
You get the explanation first, then the options. Nothing is done until you decide.
Ready to have your chimney looked at?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm a time. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.