Chimney inspection: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What chimney inspection is

A chimney inspection reviews the flue, the liner, the cap, the crown and the firebox, often with a camera, and reports on cracks, blockages or damage. It is commonly done before a fireplace or wood stove is used for the first time, after a chimney fire, or on a yearly schedule for a home that burns fuel regularly.

Signs you need it

  • You have a fireplace or wood stove that has not been cleaned or inspected since it was last used
  • You smell smoke in the room when the fire is lit, or the draft is weak or reverses
  • You see creosote, soot or flakes in the firebox, or you have had a chimney fire
  • The chimney crown has cracks, the bricks are spalling or the mortar joints are missing
  • You are buying a home with a fireplace or a chimney, and you want to know the condition before closing

What the pro does

  • The inspector reviews the appliance and the firebox first, checking the damper, the hearth and the clearances to combustibles
  • They inspect the chimney from the roof and the top, looking at the cap, the crown, the flashing and the chase
  • They run a camera through the flue to view the liner, the joints, the offsets and any blockage
  • They check the condition of the masonry or the metal liner, and note cracks, spalling or missing mortar
  • They look for creosote buildup and note its level, since the level decides whether the chimney needs cleaning
  • They write a report with photos and the repairs or cleaning the chimney needs, with an urgency rating

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Height and pitch of the roof and the chimney, which affect the access needed
  • Type of chimney, such as masonry, metal-lined or prefabricated, and the liner present
  • Whether a camera inspection is included or only a visual check
  • Appliance type, such as an open fireplace, a wood stove or a gas insert
  • Number of flues in the house and the number of appliances connected to them
  • Cleaning included or quoted separately, with the level of creosote buildup
  • Repairs needed to the cap, the crown, the flashing or the liner

What a written quote should spell out

  • Scope of the inspection, such as appliance, firebox, flue and exterior
  • Camera inspection of the flue and what it covers
  • Whether cleaning is included and the level of creosote removed
  • Repair items listed by location, with the cap and the crown called out
  • Report format, photos and the urgency rating for each item
  • Follow-up visit needed after the repairs are made

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you run a camera through the flue, and can I see the video or the photos?
  • What is the creosote level, and does it mean the chimney must be cleaned before use?
  • Is the liner in good condition, and does it need replacing for the appliance I use?
  • Does the cap and the crown show cracks or gaps that let water in?
  • Is the appliance clear of combustibles, and what clearance problems did you find?
  • Do you recommend a chimney sweep or a mason, and do you receive a referral fee?
  • Are you certified, and can I check that with the certifying body?

Red flags

  • They say the chimney is fine without running a camera through the flue
  • They recommend a liner replacement without showing the damage they found
  • They pressure you into a repair the same day and do not put the findings in writing
  • They do not check the firebox and the appliance connection at all

What you can do yourself

You can look at the firebox and the hearth from the room with a flashlight, note any soot, flakes or cracks you can see from below, and avoid burning fuel until the chimney has been looked at. Do not climb onto the roof, do not sweep a chimney with the fire going, and do not repair the liner, the cap or the crown yourself. Call a certified chimney professional for the inspection and any cleaning.

Licenses and permits

Chimney inspection is often done by certified chimney professionals, and some areas require a licensed contractor for masonry or liner work. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building department for the rules on chimney work and fireplace inspections in your area.

Chimney inspection questions

How often should a chimney be inspected?

Many professionals recommend an inspection each year for a fireplace or stove that is used regularly, and after any chimney fire or change of fuel. Ask the inspector how often your chimney should be checked based on what you burn.

What is creosote and why does it matter?

Creosote is a residue that builds up in the flue when wood or other fuel burns. It can ignite and cause a chimney fire. The level of buildup tells the inspector whether cleaning is needed before the chimney is used.

Do I need a camera inspection?

A camera shows the liner, the joints and any blockage that a visual check cannot see. It is the most reliable way to judge the condition of the flue, especially for an older chimney or one you are buying.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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