Schedule Annual Chimney Inspections in Des Moines & Beyond With Us

Without the proper equipment and a great deal of industry knowledge, grading the condition, efficiency, and overall safety of your chimney system and appliance is largely guesswork. Unfortunately, many homeowners in the Des Moines area go years – even decades – without scheduling a professional chimney inspection.

This is not only risky to the health and well being of the family living in the home, but to the wallet of the homeowner…and even to the home itself.

You see, the majority of the chimney system is unseen by the naked eye, which makes identifying real or potential problems or weaknesses within the system virtually impossible. But our sweeps know what to look for and how to look for it, which is why professional inspections are so important.

We use state-of-the-art equipment to get a close look at the chimney system and appliance, from the top of the chimney stack, all the way down to the hearth opening. We check for any damages or defects, and can even identify inefficiencies and areas of weakness before significant problems arise. So whether you’re noticing issues with your system or not, be sure to make professional chimney inspections a regular (annual) occurrence in your home.

The When & Why Behind The Three Levels Of Inspections

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) [Link to http://www.nfpa.org/], there are three different levels of inspections, each necessary at different times and for different reasons. Here’s the breakdown

• Level 1 Inspection – A Level 1 Inspection is considered the most standard of inspections, and is conducted with simple tools: a flashlight and the naked eye. During a Level 1 Inspection, we’ll simply take a quick look in your chimney and make sure that there are no visible blockages or damages. Typically, this is the level of inspection you would have if your system was working normally, without problem and without change.
• Level 2 Inspection – A Level 2 Inspection is a bit more thorough, and requires the use of a chimney camera. Here at Top-Notch, we use the state-of-the-art Lighthouse chimney inspection camera to get a close-up view of the interior of the chimney, from top to bottom. We’ll examine every aspect of the chimney and appliance that is easily accessible, and check for any damages, defects, blockages, or other problems or weaknesses. This level of inspection is required when a property is changing hands; when a change is being made to the system (i.e. new appliance, new fuel type, new liner, etc.); when a natural disaster may have impacted the system (i.e. tornado, earthquake, strong storm, etc.); when there has been a building or chimney fire; or when the system is showing signs of problems.
• Level 3 Inspection – A Level 3 Inspection is really a last resort because it may involve the removal of parts of the chimney system or home. If we can’t locate or identify the problem with a Level 1 or Level 2 Inspection, a Level 3 Inspection may be the only way to identify whether or not the system is still safe for use.

Whether You Need A Level 1, 2, or 3, Top Notch Can Help!

Whether your chimney system is operating flawlessly or not, be sure to schedule your annual chimney inspection by calling (515) 249-6337 or clicking here!

If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of a gas log set, don’t make the mistake of thinking they don’t need to be inspected and serviced. Ask us about this often overlooked chimney service today!