Spoiler alert: it’s not Santa
Chimney inspections are important for keeping your chimney safe and functioning. Otherwise, problems like creosote buildup, cracked mortar joints, and leaks may go undetected for months or even years, leading to potential structural and safety issues. Scheduling an inspection annually will keep your home cozy and smoke-free. So who does chimney inspections? Here, we’ll go over the basics of chimney inspections so you can make sure you find the right person for the job.
Hiring a chimney professional offers several benefits, namely safety, accuracy, and peace of mind. When you hire a qualified chimney professional, you can be sure they’ll do a thorough and complete inspection, finding any current issues and ensuring small problems don’t snowball down the line. Older chimneys in particular benefit from a comprehensive inspection from a professional familiar with aging brick.
Certified professionals have accreditations from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). Chimney professionals can receive further certifications through the National Chimney Sweep Guild trade association. Members of the guild can go through additional training and tests in addition to their professional experience to become Certified Chimney Professionals, Certified Chimney Reliners, and Certified Chimney Journeymen. Choosing a certified pro means you can be certain that they follow the highest safety standards.
If you’re looking to save money, you may be wondering if you can do a chimney inspection yourself. While it’s a good idea for any homeowner to perform regular checks of all their home systems, this is one area where it’s best left to the pros. You may feel comfortable checking the overall structure and function of the chimney yourself, but remember that certified professionals are trained to spot potential issues that you may not. Plus, walking around on the roof poses its own safety risks, and it’s just not worth it.
The cost of a chimney inspection depends on the level of inspection you need, so there is a wide price range. Most local chimney professionals charge between $80 and $6,000 for an inspection, but the average chimney inspection cost is closer to $450.
A roofer may be able to do a chimney inspection depending on their certifications and the condition of your roof and chimney, though that’s not always the case. While an experienced roofer would likely notice external damage to your chimney or the surrounding area, that isn’t their primary focus.
A roofer should be able to repair flashing and shingles around a chimney and may spot issues like water damage that you might miss. But, ultimately, it’s safer to hire a specialist, especially if you have an old brick or stone chimney that may require special maintenance.
Chimney inspections identify issues like blockages, creosote buildup, structural damage, and other potential hazards. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recognizes three levels of chimney inspections. Here’s what to expect from a chimney inspection:
A Level 1 chimney inspection examines the structural soundness and operation of the chimney. Your technician will examine the readily accessible interior and exterior parts of the chimney and fireplace (or other appliances connected to the chimney) to ensure they’re free of obstructions and in good working condition.
A standard chimney cleaning performed by a certified technician should come with a Level 1 inspection.
A Level 2 chimney inspection is more detailed and includes the inspection in Level 1 plus an assessment of the flue and surrounding areas like attics or crawl spaces. Your technician may remove panels, doors, or other coverings when performing a Level 2 inspection.
A Level 2 inspection is required whenever changes are made to the system, such as a change in fuel type, installation of a new appliance, or liner replacement. These inspections are also common in real estate transactions. If your chimney has sustained damage or you’re having issues with it, you should get a Level 2 inspection.
A Level 3 inspection is required when there’s damage or obstruction that your technician can’t otherwise access. These inspections involve the use of special tools to remove parts of the chimney to address the problem. This could mean removing the chimney crown or even a wall. It’s only necessary if there’s a suspected problem that can’t be accessed with a Level 1 or 2 inspection.
