A chimney inspection tells you whether your chimney is safe to use. Our CSIA-certified technicians follow the National Fire Protection Association standard (NFPA 211), which defines three inspection levels for three different situations. You get a clear written report with photos, plain-language findings, and an honest recommendation on what, if anything, needs attention.
The Three Levels of Chimney Inspection
Most homeowners are not sure which level they need. Here is the difference, in plain terms.
Level 1: Routine Annual Inspection
This is the right inspection when your chimney is in continued service under the same conditions and you have not changed anything. The technician examines all readily accessible parts of the chimney and flue, checks for soot and creosote buildup, and confirms the basic structure is sound and clear of obstructions. A Level 1 inspection is included free with every chimney cleaning we perform.
Level 2: Real Estate, Fuel Changes & After an Event
A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1, plus accessible attics, crawl spaces and basements, and a video camera scan of the entire flue interior. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection whenever a property is sold or transferred, when you change the fuel type or appliance, or after an event that could have damaged the chimney, such as a chimney fire, a chimney leak, or an earthquake. If you are buying or selling a home, this is the inspection you need.
Level 3: Investigating a Serious Hazard
A Level 3 inspection is reserved for cases where a Level 1 or 2 uncovers a hidden hazard that cannot be evaluated any other way. It can involve removing parts of the chimney or building, such as a chase cover or a section of wall, to reach a concealed area. We only recommend a Level 3 when there is a clear reason for it.
What Our Inspection Includes
- Exterior and interior examination of the chimney, crown, cap and flashing
- Firebox, damper, smoke chamber and flue evaluation
- High-resolution video camera scan of the flue (Level 2)
- Check for creosote, blockages, cracks, water damage and liner condition
- A written, photo-documented report with clear findings and recommendations
- An honest verdict: safe to use, needs monitoring, or needs repair
When You Should Schedule an Inspection
- Once a year. The NFPA recommends an annual inspection for every chimney, even one you rarely use.
- Before buying or selling a home. A Level 2 protects both buyer and seller.
- After a chimney fire or storm. Damage is often hidden inside the flue.
- Before changing your appliance or fuel. A new stove or insert changes venting requirements.
- If you notice a leak, odor, or draft problem. These point to issues an inspection can pinpoint.
What Our Inspectors Actually Check
A real inspection covers the whole system, inside and out, not just a glance up the flue. Our technicians work through a consistent checklist so nothing gets missed.
- The crown and cap. Cracks in the crown and a missing or damaged cap are the leading entry points for water.
- Flashing and the roofline. The seal where the chimney meets the roof is a common source of hidden leaks.
- Exterior masonry. We look for spalling brick, cracked or missing mortar joints, and white efflorescence staining that signals moisture inside the structure.
- The flue liner. Cracked clay tiles, gaps, or a corroded metal liner are serious safety issues, since the liner is what keeps heat and combustion gases away from your home.
- Firebox and damper. We check for cracked panels, failed mortar, rust and a damper that seals properly.
- Creosote and blockages. We measure buildup against the NFPA 1/8-inch guideline and check for nests, debris and obstructions.
- Draft and clearances. We confirm the chimney drafts correctly and that combustible materials are a safe distance from the system.
How Video Flue Scanning Works
For a Level 2 inspection, we run a high-resolution camera the full length of the flue. The flue interior is the one part of a chimney you cannot evaluate from the ground or the roof, and it is exactly where the most dangerous problems hide. A camera scan shows cracked or shifted liner tiles, gaps in the mortar joints between tiles, hidden creosote glaze, and damage from a past chimney fire. We record the footage so you can see the findings for yourself rather than taking our word for it. This is standard for any home sale and any chimney that has been through a fire or a major storm.
What Your Inspection Report Includes
You should never get a verbal "looks fine" and nothing in writing. Every inspection we perform comes with a documented report you can keep and share. It includes:
- The inspection level performed and the date
- Photos of each component and any defects we found
- Plain-language findings, ranked by urgency
- A clear verdict: safe to use, safe with monitoring, or needs repair before use
- Recommended next steps and an estimate for any repairs
That report is what a home buyer, a lender or an insurer wants to see, and it gives you a baseline to compare against next year.
Common Findings and What They Mean
Cracked Flue Tiles
Clay liner tiles crack from age, moisture and the heat shock of a chimney fire. A cracked liner lets heat and gases reach nearby framing, and it usually means the flue needs relining before the fireplace is safe to use.
Creosote Buildup
If buildup has reached the 1/8-inch threshold, the report will call for a cleaning. Glazed creosote is flagged as a higher priority because it is the most fire-prone stage.
Water Damage and Spalling
Stains, efflorescence and flaking brick all point to moisture getting in, usually through a failed crown, cap or flashing. Catching it early keeps it in repair territory rather than a rebuild.
How to Prepare for Your Inspection
An inspection needs very little prep on your end, but a few things help us work quickly and thoroughly. Make sure the fireplace has been cold for at least 24 hours so the firebox and flue are safe to examine. Clear a small area in front of the hearth and move any screens or decorative items. If you have records of past chimney work, recent repairs, a previous inspection, or the date of your last cleaning, have them handy, since history helps us interpret what we see. If you are scheduling the inspection for a home sale, let us know the closing timeline so we can deliver the report in time for your buyer and lender. Access to the roof should be clear of obstructions where possible, though we carry our own equipment for safe roof access.
What a Chimney Inspection Costs
A Level 1 inspection generally runs $100–$250, and it is included free with our cleanings. A Level 2 inspection with a full video flue scan typically runs $200–$500, and can reach higher on large or hard-to-access homes. A Level 3 is quoted individually, often $900 or more, because it can involve opening up part of the structure to reach a concealed area. You always get a firm price before any work begins. See our full chimney service cost guide.
A few factors move the price within those ranges. Chimneys with multiple flues take longer, since each flue is scanned separately. A tall chimney or a steep, hard-to-access roof adds time and equipment. Heavy creosote buildup or a poorly maintained chimney requires a more thorough examination. And a real estate Level 2 with a fully documented report for a buyer and lender is more involved than a routine annual check. We factor all of this into the firm quote you receive before we begin.