Chimney Inspection & Sweeping
Professional chimney inspection and cleaning services to ensure your chimney is safe, clean, and operating efficiently.
Regular chimney inspections and sweeping are essential for the safety and efficiency of your fireplace or heating system. Our CSIA-certified technicians provide comprehensive inspections using state-of-the-art video camera technology to identify any issues before they become major problems.
Benefits
Our Services Include
- •Level 1, 2, and 3 NFPA Inspections
- •Video Camera Chimney Scans
- •Creosote Removal (All Stages)
- •Bird Nest and Debris Removal
- •Chimney Cap and Damper Inspection
- •Annual Maintenance Programs
Understanding NFPA 211 Inspection Levels
Every chimney inspection is defined by NFPA 211 — the national standard for chimneys, fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel-burning appliances. The level ordered must match the actual conditions present. A responsible contractor will never recommend a higher level without proper justification.
Level 1 Inspection
MOST COMMONA Level 1 is the standard annual inspection for any chimney system that has not changed and is being used as designed. This is the most common inspection we perform and is appropriate for the vast majority of homeowners.
When It Applies:
- • Routine annual maintenance
- • No changes to the system or fuel type
- • Appliance used as originally designed
- • No known problems or events requiring deeper evaluation
What We Inspect:
- • All readily accessible chimney exterior and interior
- • Firebox condition
- • Visible flue surfaces
- • Basic draft assessment and clearances check
Invasiveness: Minimal — no demolition, no specialized access equipment. This is a visual inspection of accessible components only.
Typical cost: $150–250
Level 2 Inspection
EVENT-DRIVENA Level 2 is required when specific conditions have changed or a qualifying event has occurred. It includes everything in a Level 1 plus video camera scanning of the full flue interior and inspection of additional accessible areas.
When It Applies:
- • Property is being sold or transferred
- • Appliance, fuel type, or flue liner has changed
- • A chimney fire or significant weather event has occurred
- • Operation was irregular, discontinued, or resumed after extended period
What’s Added Beyond Level 1:
- • Video camera scan of the full flue interior
- • Attic and crawlspace assessment
- • Clearance verification to combustibles
- • Detailed component evaluation with video documentation
Invasiveness: Moderate — more access points inspected, but no finished walls or structural components are opened.
Good Practice Note: A Level 2 should not be upsold for a routine annual check on an unchanged system. It is specifically designed for situations where conditions have changed or an event has occurred that warrants deeper evaluation.
Typical cost: $250–500
Level 3 Inspection
RARE — REQUIRES JUSTIFICATIONA Level 3 is reserved for situations where Levels 1 and 2 cannot adequately evaluate a suspected hazard. NFPA 211 requires clear documented evidence of a hidden safety concern before a Level 3 can be ordered.
When It Applies:
- • Confirmed structural damage from a prior Level 2
- • A serious chimney fire with suspected hidden damage
- • Findings from Level 2 that cannot be resolved without opening the structure
- • Suspected serious hazards in concealed areas
What’s Added Beyond Level 2:
- • Removal of chase or wall coverings
- • Full structural evaluation of concealed areas
- • Hidden damage assessment
- • Comprehensive documentation and code compliance verification
Invasiveness: Highly invasive — building components (drywall, masonry, chase covers) are physically removed. Repairs are typically required afterward.
⚠️ Good Practice Warning: A Level 3 is rare and should never be recommended as a routine matter or as an upsell. It involves physical removal of building components and may result in damage that requires repair. Any contractor recommending a Level 3 without documented findings from a prior Level 2 should be questioned.
Typical cost: $500–2,000+
Based on NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Our Process
Initial Assessment
We evaluate your chimney's condition and discuss your concerns
Thorough Inspection
Using cameras and visual inspection to check all components
Professional Cleaning
Removing creosote, soot, and debris from top to bottom
Final Report
Detailed findings with photos and recommendations
Follow-up Care
Scheduling future maintenance and addressing any repairs needed
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate