What Happens During a Chimney Inspection?

A good chimney inspection should answer a basic question: What is the condition of the system that is supposed to contain and vent combustion products out of the home?

That requires more than standing in front of the fireplace and shining a flashlight upward.

The exact scope depends on the type of system, accessibility, reason for the inspection and the level of inspection being performed. But homeowners can generally expect the process to focus on both the interior venting path and the visible exterior components.

The fireplace or appliance area

The technician begins with the part of the system you use. Depending on the fireplace or appliance, this may include the firebox, damper, visible smoke chamber, connection points, doors, grates and accessible components.

The purpose is not only to look for dirt. Cracking, deterioration, rust, improper modifications and signs of heat or moisture can all matter.

The flue and liner

The flue is the passage that carries combustion gases upward. Many masonry chimneys contain clay flue tiles; other systems may use metal liners or factory-built chimney sections.

An inspection may look for:

• Combustible deposits
• Blockages
• Cracks or gaps
• Deteriorated joints
• Missing or damaged liner sections
• Corrosion or separation in metal systems
• Evidence of previous overheating

When a more detailed view is needed, a camera inspection can help evaluate areas that cannot be seen adequately from the top or bottom.

The top of the chimney

The chimney top is one of the most weather-exposed parts of the system.

Common components include the crown or wash, flue termination and chimney cap. On factory-built systems or framed chases, a metal chase cover may be present instead of a masonry crown.

A technician may look for cracking, open joints, rust, missing caps, poor drainage, damage from weather, signs of animal entry and obstructions.

Exterior masonry

Brick and mortar tell a story. Cracked mortar, spalling brick, open joints, leaning, staining and loose materials can point to long-term moisture or movement problems.

Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles are particularly relevant when moisture has entered porous masonry. Water that freezes can contribute to deterioration, which is why surface damage should not be dismissed as only cosmetic.

Flashing and roof intersection

Where a chimney passes through the roof, flashing helps keep water out. Failed or displaced flashing can allow water to enter the roof/chimney intersection and may create stains inside the home that are mistakenly blamed on the chimney cap.

A thorough leak diagnosis considers the whole water-management system, not just the most obvious visible crack.

What is a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 inspection?

The chimney industry uses levels of inspection associated with NFPA 211 guidance.

A Level 1 inspection generally applies when the system is readily accessible, the appliance and venting configuration are staying the same, and there is no indication that a more detailed evaluation is necessary.

A Level 2 inspection is more extensive and is commonly associated with changes such as a new appliance or fuel type, a property transfer, a malfunction or event that may have damaged the system. It can include inspection of accessible attics, crawl spaces and other areas, as well as video scanning of interior flue surfaces.

Level 3 is the most invasive and is used when concealed hazards are suspected and access may require removal of building components.

Not every service call requires the highest level. The level should match the reason for the inspection.

What you should receive from a useful inspection

At minimum, you should understand:

• What was inspected
• What conditions were found
• Whether cleaning is recommended
• Whether repairs are recommended
• Which findings are urgent versus maintenance items
• Whether additional access or evaluation is needed

Photos can be helpful, particularly when the issue is on the roof or inside the flue where the homeowner cannot easily see it.

How to understand the findings after the inspection

A useful inspection should separate findings by what they mean for the homeowner rather than presenting every item with the same urgency. A practical way to understand a report is:

Routine maintenance — cleaning, monitoring or ordinary upkeep that keeps the system in good condition.

Repair recommended — deterioration or a failed component that should be corrected, especially when continued water entry or progressive damage is involved.

Further evaluation needed — a condition that cannot be fully diagnosed from the current level of access and may require camera scanning, additional access or another specialist.

Priority or safety concern — a condition where continued use may not be appropriate until the issue is evaluated or corrected.

The exact wording will vary by company and inspection level, but the principle is important: homeowners should understand what is urgent, what can be scheduled, and what is simply worth watching.

The goal is clarity, not fear

Chimney systems are technical, but the explanation should not be mysterious. A homeowner should be able to understand what is wrong, why it matters and what the next step is.

That is especially important when a large repair is recommended. Ask what component is damaged, how the diagnosis was made, whether the condition can be documented, what would happen if it is left alone, and whether there are reasonable repair alternatives.

Keaton Chimney Solutions provides chimney and fireplace inspections throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and surrounding communities. Call 720-734-5373.

Need help with a chimney or fireplace in Colorado? Keaton Chimney Solutions serves Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and surrounding communities. Call 720-734-5373.