Field NotesMaintenance
The annual chimney inspection: what's actually on our checklist
What a CSIA Level 1 inspection covers, what Level 2 adds, and when you should ask for Level 3 — in plain English.
Jan 28, 2026 5 min readBy ChimCrew Tech Team
Level 1 — the annual
Visual inspection of all readily accessible portions of the chimney, structure, flue, and connections. Includes basic appliance check. This is what most Ohio homes need every fall.
Level 2 — change of conditions
Required by NFPA 211 any time you change fuel type, replace an appliance, or after a chimney fire or weather event. Adds a camera scan of the entire flue interior.
Level 3 — when something's seriously wrong
Reserved for hidden hazards that require removing a section of masonry or wall. Rare, but the right call when a Level 2 finds damage we can't fully see.
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