Level 1, 2 and 3 Chimney Inspections Explained
The levels of chimney inspection are three scopes of examination: Level 1 for a routine check, Level 2 when conditions have changed or closer examination is needed, and Level 3 when a suspected hazard cannot be assessed without opening concealed areas. The right level depends on your fireplace, chimney and recent changes.
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What Are the Levels of Chimney Inspection?
The levels describe how much of the chimney and connected appliance an inspection covers. A higher level is not automatically better; the inspection scope should match the reason for having the chimney checked.
Level 1: routine inspection
A Level 1 inspection checks readily accessible portions of the chimney and appliance connection. It suits a chimney used under the same conditions, with no known changes or problems that call for a closer examination.
Level 2: expanded inspection
A Level 2 includes the Level 1 scope, checks accessible areas such as attics, crawl spaces and basements, and uses a video scan to examine the chimney interior. It is used when a change or event calls for more than a routine check.
Level 3: examination of concealed areas
A Level 3 includes the preceding inspection scopes and may involve removing parts of the chimney or building to examine a suspected hidden hazard. It is reserved for concerns that cannot be evaluated adequately without access to concealed areas.
Which Chimney Inspection Level Fits Your Situation?
Start with what changed or prompted the inspection. Share that reason when booking so the inspection scope can address the actual concern rather than defaulting to the broadest level.
- Choose Level 1 for routine use — A Level 1 fits when the fireplace or appliance and its use have not changed, and there is no known concern requiring a closer look. It checks accessible parts without the expanded areas and video scan included in Level 2.
- Ask about Level 2 after a change or event — A change of appliance, a home sale, relining, or a fire or weather event can call for Level 2. Those conditions may affect parts of the chimney that a routine visual check does not cover.
- Consider Level 3 for a suspected hidden hazard — Level 3 applies when an inspection identifies a serious concern in an area that cannot be examined otherwise. It may require opening concealed parts, so it is not the starting point for every chimney inspection.
When a Level 2 Chimney Inspection Is Recommended
A Level 2 inspection is recommended after a change to the appliance or chimney system, when a home is sold, before or after relining, or following a fire or weather event that may have affected the chimney. These situations can create questions about areas beyond the readily accessible portions checked in Level 1.
The Level 2 scope includes a video scan of the chimney interior. The CSIA Level 2 masonry chimney procedure describes the situations that call for Level 2 and the required video scan. Share the event or change that led you to book; that context helps the sweep assess the appropriate scope.
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What a Level 3 Chimney Inspection Can Involve
Level 3 goes beyond a video scan or checks of accessible spaces. When a suspected hazard is hidden behind a wall, chimney surface or other building component, examining it may require removing or opening part of that structure.
That added access is why Level 3 is not a routine upgrade. It becomes relevant when findings point to a serious concern and less intrusive inspection cannot establish its extent. Ask what condition requires the expanded access and what part of the structure may need to be opened before that work begins.
How to Prepare for a Chimney Inspection
A few details from you can help the sweep focus the inspection. Keep the fireplace and chimney untouched before the appointment; do not climb onto the roof or dismantle chimney parts to prepare.
- Note the reason for the inspection — Write down whether the visit follows a sale, appliance change, relining, fire, weather event or routine use. Check that you can describe what changed and when.
- Identify the appliance — Record whether the chimney serves a fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove or gas appliance. Check the appliance label or paperwork from a safe, accessible place if you need to confirm its type.
- Gather service records — Set aside prior inspection notes, repair invoices and liner or appliance paperwork. Check that the dates and work descriptions are visible, so the sweep can understand the system’s history.
- List any changes to the system — Note a replacement appliance, chimney relining, repair or change in how the fireplace is used. Check that your notes distinguish completed work from work you are considering.
- Describe symptoms or visible changes — Write down smoke entering the room, unusual sounds, visible damage or water entry, if any. Do not reach into the firebox or chimney to investigate; leave that examination to the sweep.
- Make the indoor route accessible — Clear a path to the fireplace or appliance and move breakable items nearby. Check that the sweep can reach the firebox and any controls without moving household belongings.
- Confirm the requested scope — When booking, explain your reason and ask which inspection level the visit covers. Check that the scope includes the concern you raised, especially when a change or event may call for Level 2.
What Happens During a Chimney Inspection Visit?
The sweep examines the portions included in the agreed inspection level, with the scope expanding from accessible components in Level 1 to added spaces and a video scan in Level 2. Level 3 can include opening concealed areas when a suspected hazard cannot be evaluated by other means.
Visit length depends on the inspection level, the chimney’s accessibility and whether concealed areas need to be opened. A Level 2 involves more examination than Level 1, while Level 3 work can require additional access. Ask which level is planned when you book a chimney inspection service, and make sure the reason for the inspection is clear.
Utah Chimney Sweep explains the work clearly and recommends only services a homeowner needs. Owner Garrett Sullivan has 16 years of experience with chimneys and fireplaces; his inspection findings should connect the recommended next step to a condition observed during the examination.
Need help now? (385) 243-7715
What to Do With Chimney Inspection Findings
Use the findings to decide whether the inspection is complete or whether a specific repair or further examination is needed. A clear report should connect each recommendation to an observed condition, rather than treating every chimney as if it needs the same work.
- The inspection covers the concern — Keep the inspection notes with your appliance and repair records. Check whether the notes identify the inspected system and scope so you can refer to them before future work.
- A repair is recommended — Ask which observed defect the repair addresses and whether the chimney needs further inspection before use. Compare the finding with the areas actually examined; a repair recommendation should have a specific reason.
- The concern may be concealed — Ask whether a Level 3 examination is needed and what access would be required. If the issue is a suspected hidden hazard, do not attempt to expose chimney components yourself.
Book the Chimney Inspection Level You Need
Tell us what prompted the inspection, what appliance uses the chimney and whether anything has changed. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; call (385) 243-7715 or contact us to arrange a visit.
For a closer look at Level 2 pricing, read how much a Level 2 chimney inspection costs. For other signs that an estimate needs a clear explanation, see how to avoid chimney sweep upsells and scams.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Level 2 chimney inspection include a camera scan?
Yes. A Level 2 inspection includes a video scan of the chimney interior, along with the Level 1 scope and checks of accessible areas such as attics, crawl spaces and basements. It is recommended for specific changes or events, not automatically for every routine inspection.
Do I need a Level 2 inspection after relining a chimney?
Relining is one of the changes that can call for a Level 2 inspection. Tell the sweep what work was done and share any liner paperwork so the inspection can address the changed system.
How long does a Level 1, 2 or 3 chimney inspection take?
The visit length depends on the level, access to the chimney and whether concealed areas need to be opened. Level 2 adds a video scan and accessible-space checks, while Level 3 may involve opening parts of the building or chimney.
Does a Level 3 inspection mean my chimney needs to be torn apart?
No. Level 3 is used when a serious suspected hazard cannot be evaluated without access to concealed areas, and opening or removing components may be necessary to examine that concern. Ask what finding calls for that scope and what access the examination would require.
Get the Right Chimney Inspection Scope
Tell us what changed or raised concern, and we’ll arrange a chimney inspection that fits the situation. Call (385) 243-7715.