What it is
A chimney inspection checks that the whole venting system is sound and working: firebox, damper, smoke chamber, flue liner, chimney structure, crown, cap and flashing. A camera travels the flue so we can see liner joints, cracks, gaps and buildup you cannot see from the hearth. The national standard (NFPA 211) calls for a yearly inspection and describes three levels. A Level 1 fits routine yearly checkups, a Level 2 adds a video scan and is the standard at a home sale or after a chimney fire or storm, and a Level 3 opens concealed areas only when a serious hidden problem is suspected.
Signs you need it
- It has been a year or more since anyone inspected the chimney
- You are buying or selling a home
- Smoke drifting back into the room, or fires that are hard to start
- A strong campfire or musty smell, especially on humid days
- You had a chimney fire, lightning strike or a serious hail or wind storm
- You are switching fuels, adding an insert or changing appliances
- Cracked crown, missing cap, rust or water stains near the fireplace
What we do
- Lay drop cloths and protect the hearth before any tools come out
- Run a camera scan of the full flue
- Check the firebox and damper
- Check the smoke chamber and smoke shelf
- Check the flue liner for cracks, gaps and buildup
- Check the crown and cap from the roof when conditions allow
- Send a same-day report with photos, sorted into urgent items, items to watch and nice-to-haves
What you get
A same-day report with photos you can keep, forward to your agent or send to your insurer, and an itemized quote with each recommended repair priced on its own line. If the flue needs a sweep, we will tell you; nothing is scheduled unless you approve it.