Home / Services / Chimney inspection
InspectionsChimney inspections: what we look at and why
A chimney inspection in MN tells you whether your chimney is sound before a fire does the testing. Level 1 is the basic check, and Level 2 adds a camera scan of the flue, which suits a home sale or a change to the system. You see what we found and hear only what is needed.
Open 7 days, 8am-8pm
Starting prices are on our services page, and the call gets you your exact price.
Prefer to write? Send us the details
Book online
Pick a day and a two-hour window.
1. Day
Loading days...
2. Time window
Pick a day first.
- Open 7 days, 8am-8pm
- 10+ years
- Licensed, bonded & insured
- Same-week, evenings & weekends
What is a chimney inspection, and do I even need one?
It is an organized check of every part of the chimney we can see and reach: the firebox, damper and smoke chamber inside, the flue lining, and the stack, crown and cap outside. We look for cracks, gaps, loose brick, water damage, blockage and buildup.
The point is simple. You learn what needs attention while it is still a planned job.
Level 1 or Level 2: how do I choose?
A Level 1 suits a chimney you use regularly, with no changes since the last look. A Level 2 goes further, with a camera run through the whole flue, and it is the right call before you buy or sell, after a chimney fire or after a change to the appliance. Not sure? Describe your situation and we will tell you which fits. Whether your sale calls for a Level 2 is a question for your agent or lender.
Buying or selling with a deadline? Tell us the date, and we look for a same-week appointment, evenings and weekends included. A Level 2 inspection is the usual choice.
Signs you need one
- You are buying or selling a house with a fireplace.
- You have never had the chimney looked at since you moved in.
- Smoke, an odd smell or water shows up around the fireplace.
- You plan to add a gas insert, stove or new appliance.
- A chimney fire, storm or lightning strike has happened.
- Bricks, mortar or the crown look different than they used to.
How an inspection runs
Talk first
You tell us how the fireplace is used and what has you worried.
Inside look
We check the firebox, damper, smoke chamber and the flue we can see from below.
Outside look
We study the stack, crown, cap and flashing from the ground and the roof as the job needs.
Camera when needed
A Level 2 sends a camera up the whole flue. We use one on a Level 1 when what we see calls for it.
Walk through
We go through what we found, explain the options and answer your questions.
- What it isA structured look at the whole chimney system.
- When it is neededYearly for regular use, and before a sale or a new appliance.
- What it preventsSurprises like hidden cracks, blocked flues and water damage.
- RelatedSweeping, repair and liners follow from what we find.
How often should a chimney be inspected?
The national fire safety guidance is once a year for chimneys, fireplaces and vents that see regular use. Our own advice follows it. Read the NFPA heating safety page to see the reasoning behind it.
When do you use a camera?
A Level 2 always includes one. On a Level 1, we bring the camera out when something we see needs a closer look, such as a suspected crack in a tile or a flue we cannot read from below.
Do gas fireplaces need an inspection too?
Yes, the venting still needs a check, and the burner needs its own service. Our guide on how long a chimney inspection takes covers what stretches or shortens the visit, and the gas fireplace service page covers the unit itself.
Will you push repairs after the inspection?
No. You see the problem yourself, with a camera photo when one is used, and we name only the work the chimney needs. What happens next is your call.
What changes the price of an inspection?
The level you choose is the biggest factor, followed by chimney height, access and the type of flue. Every starting price sits in the price table on our services page.
Inspection questions
Short answers first.
What is involved in a chimney inspection?
We check the firebox, damper, flue, stack, crown and cap for damage, blockage and buildup. A Level 2 adds a camera run through the flue. We then explain what we saw.
Is a Level 2 worth it if the chimney looks fine?
Often, yes, when a house is changing hands or an appliance is changing. A camera can show cracks you cannot see from the hearth. For steady use with no changes, a Level 1 usually does the job.
What should I do before the inspection?
Let the fireplace go fully cold and tell us about anything you have noticed, such as smoke, smells or stains. We call to confirm your appointment before we come, and we go through the findings with you afterward.
Can an inspection happen at the same visit as a sweep?
Yes. Many homeowners book both together, since a clean flue is easier to read. Tell us what you want when you call and we will plan it as one appointment.
Is it safe to light a fire while I wait for the inspection?
Hold off on lighting it if you are unsure of the chimney's condition, and call us first. A test fire is not a safe way to find out what shape the flue is in.
Where inspections come up
A handful of towns where homeowners ask about inspections, with the whole east metro open to booking.
- 01
Maplewood
Streets that grew from old farmsteads into suburban neighborhoods.
- 02
Mendota Heights
Homes between I-35E and I-494 on the Mississippi side.
- 03
Shoreview
Lake-dotted neighborhoods off I-35W.
- 04
Newport
A river town southeast of St. Paul.
What else might you need?
After an inspection, the usual next steps are a chimney sweep or a chimney repair.
Want to know what shape your chimney is in?
Call and tell us why you want it looked at. We will recommend a level and set a time.