31Oct, 2025
🔍 What Happens During a Professional Chimney Inspection?

Category: Inspection
Author: Chimney Sweep Pros

When was the last time your chimney was professionally inspected? If your answer is “I’m not sure,” you’re not alone—many homeowners underestimate how important routine chimney inspections are for home safety.

At Chimney Sweep Pros, we follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) standards to ensure your chimney system is safe, efficient, and problem-free. Here’s what really happens during a professional chimney inspection—and why every homeowner should schedule one annually.

🧰 Step 1: Initial Evaluation & Safety Check

Before anything else, our technicians perform a visual exterior inspection. We look at:

  • Chimney structure (brick, mortar, or metal condition)
  • Flashing around the base for signs of leaks
  • Chimney cap and crown integrity
  • Any visible cracks, leaning, or deterioration

This helps identify any immediate safety risks before we begin the interior assessment.

🔦 Step 2: Interior Fireplace & Flue Inspection

Next, we move inside your home to inspect the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and flue. Using specialized tools like:

  • Inspection mirrors for hard-to-see angles
  • High-resolution video cameras to scan the full flue
  • Bright LED lighting for accurate visibility

We look for:

  • Creosote buildup or soot blockages
  • Cracks or gaps in the flue liner
  • Signs of moisture damage, corrosion, or nesting animals

This detailed internal view allows us to catch hidden problems long before they cause major damage or fire hazards.

🧯 Step 3: Chimney Draft & Venting Test

Proper airflow is critical for a safe, efficient chimney. We perform draft tests to measure how well smoke and gases exit your system. Poor draft could indicate:

  • Blockages from debris or creosote
  • Improperly sized flue
  • Pressure or airflow issues within the home

If the chimney isn’t venting properly, you could be at risk for smoke backup or carbon monoxide leaks.

🧱 Step 4: Exterior and Roof-Level Review (if needed)

For more advanced inspections—especially Level 2 or 3—we may inspect from the roof. This includes checking:

  • Brickwork and mortar joints
  • Chimney flashing and waterproofing
  • Crown condition and cap installation
  • Overall stability of the structure

We take photos or video footage so you can see exactly what we see—no guesswork, no hidden issues.

đź“‹ Step 5: Detailed Report & Recommendations

After the inspection, you’ll receive a comprehensive report outlining:

  • The overall condition of your chimney
  • Photos or videos of any damage
  • Recommended repairs, cleaning, or maintenance schedule

This report helps you make informed decisions about next steps and keeps your system compliant with NFPA and insurance standards.

🧼 The Three Levels of Chimney Inspection

To clarify what type of inspection you might need:

  1. Level 1 – Basic annual inspection for regularly used chimneys with no known issues.
  2. Level 2 – Required when selling or buying a home, or after major changes (fuel type, liner, or weather events).
  3. Level 3 – In-depth inspection when serious structural damage or fire is suspected.

âś… Why Professional Inspections Matter

  • Detect problems before they become dangerous
  • Prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks
  • Protect your home from costly repairs
  • Keep your system safe, efficient, and ready for use

đź“… Schedule Your Professional Chimney Inspection Today

A yearly inspection is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect your home. Let Chimney Sweep Pros ensure your chimney is in top shape—inside and out.

đź“ž Call: +1 561-794-3175
📧 Email: chimneysweeppros4@gmail.com