Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Chimney Inspections Explained

Chimney inspections come in three levels, defined by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and referenced in NFPA 211. They are not three different services you pick from a menu. They are three depths of examination, and the right one depends on what has changed, what is happening, and what the earlier level found. The short version: Level 1 is a check of an unchanged system in routine use, Level 2 goes deeper and includes a video scan of the flue, and Level 3 is for suspected hidden hazards that need parts of the building or chimney to be opened up.

Level 1: routine check of an unchanged system

According to CSIA, a Level 1 inspection is the minimum when your appliance or venting system has not changed and you plan to use the system as you have in the past. It covers the readily accessible parts of the chimney exterior and interior, and the accessible parts of the appliance and its connection. The inspector looks for structural soundness, proper installation, obstructions, and combustible deposits such as creosote.

Level 2: when something has changed or happened

CSIA says a Level 2 inspection is required when any change is made to the system, such as a change in fuel type, modifications to the flue, or replacement of the appliance with one of a different type. It is also called for upon the sale or transfer of a property, and after an operation malfunction or an external event likely to have caused damage, such as a chimney fire or severe weather. Level 2 includes everything in Level 1 plus the accessible areas of attics, crawl spaces, and basements, and a visual inspection by video scanning or other means of the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners.

Level 3: suspected hidden hazards

A Level 3 inspection is recommended when a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be done without special tools. It includes the areas covered by Levels 1 and 2 and may involve removal of certain components of the building or chimney, such as wall coverings or parts of the masonry, to reach the concealed area. It is the exception, not the routine.

Side by side

• Level 1: unchanged system, same use; accessible areas; no video scan required
• Level 2: changes, sale or transfer, or after a malfunction or event; adds attics, crawl spaces, basements, and a video scan of the flue
• Level 3: a hidden hazard is suspected; adds opening up building or chimney components as needed

Which one do I need?

If nothing has changed and you want a routine check, Level 1 is the baseline. If you are buying a house, changing your appliance or fuel, had a chimney fire, or had storm damage, expect Level 2. If an inspector finds something that cannot be assessed without access behind the structure, a Level 3 may follow. Which level applies to your situation is for the inspector to determine after seeing the chimney, and this guide is not a substitute for that assessment.

Questions to ask

• Which level are you proposing, and why?
• Will the flue be examined with a camera?
• What will you do if you cannot reach an area?
• Will I get a written report of the findings?

Our inspection service

Our chimney inspection page explains how we approach inspections. Two of our projects began with them: a Level 2 inspection in Plainsboro and one in Jersey City, and a Level 1 inspection in Tinton Falls. See more in Our Work.

Related reading

Chimney camera inspections and Chimney inspection when buying or selling a home.

Source: Chimney Safety Institute of America, chimney inspection levels (csia.org/inspections.htm).