What We Actually Do During an Inspection:

1. Structural Integrity Check

We visually examine the entire chimney stack — inside and out — looking for:

Cracks in the bricks or mortarLeaning or shiftingLoose flashing or broken sealsWear and tear around the chimney cap, crown, and flue exitWe make sure the entire structure is stable, secure, and safe from water intrusion or collapse.

2. Interior Flue Inspection

We use modern inspection tools to look deep into the flue (the internal shaft where smoke exits). We’re looking for:

Creosote buildup (a sticky, flammable substance that causes chimney fires)Blockages like bird nests, cobwebs, leaves, or collapsed linersDamaged or missing liners, cracks, or corrosionWarped, rusted, or improperly installed baffles or dampers

3. Smoke Flow and Draft Testing

We test whether your fireplace or wood burner is properly venting smoke out of your home. If smoke lingers or backdrafts into the room, it could mean:

A blocked chimneyNegative air pressurePoor chimney designDangerous carbon monoxide risk

We evaluate all this and give recommendations to improve flow and safety.

4. Moisture and Leak Detection

Chimneys exposed to the elements often suffer moisture damage

which leads to mold, rot, and brick decay. We look for signs of:

Water stainsMoss growthRust on internal componentsDamp smell or residue

We also inspect the flashing (metal seals between roof and chimney) to catch roof leaks early.