Your Home’s Hidden Danger: Why Professional Chimney Inspections Are Your First Line of Defense Against Fires and Carbon Monoxide

Every year, roughly 22,300 chimney fires occur yearly, causing $188 million in damages. Many of these disasters could be prevented with proper annual chimney inspections. Annual chimney inspections are recommended by professionals in the industry and by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), yet too many homeowners overlook this critical safety measure.

Whether you use your fireplace regularly or just occasionally, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), getting an annual chimney inspection is critical for the safety and enjoyment of a fireplace in your home. You must have your chimney, wood stove, or fireplace regularly checked to avoid serious problems.

What Professionals Look for During Your Inspection

When certified chimney professionals conduct an inspection, they’re examining your system for multiple potential hazards that could put your family at risk. When you get a chimney inspection done, the inspector will take a look at your chimney for buildup, obstruction, damage or any structural issues.

Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a natural by-product that is produced during the combustion of wood and other liquid and solid fuels. Since creosote is highly flammable and continues to accumulate with every burn, our certified technicians will inspect the amount of creosote contained in your flue. It is generally recommended to clean the chimney when the layer of creosote exceeds 1/8″ to minimize the risk of a fire.

Structural Damage: Our technicians will visually inspect the chimney masonry for potential leaks and structural problems. Bricks are composed of clay, a porous material that soaks up water like a sponge. And the constant freezing and thawing of moisture can cause cracks to appear on the surface. This can eventually lead to small chunks or even entire bricks and mortar falling from the chimney allowing water to penetrate inside the flue and potentially cause major structural issues.

Obstructions and Blockages: Chimney technicians will also look for any obstructions in the chimney. Debris, rodents and birds can get stuck and clog the flue. When the flue is clogged heat, smoke and toxic gases, including carbon monoxide can’t escape. This can increase the risk of fire and cause occupants to be exposed to carbon monoxide.

Chimney Cap and Crown: The chimney cap and crown enclose the flue at the top of the chimney to keep water, debris and pests out of the chimney. Our chimney technician will check the chimney cap and crown to make sure it is intact and look for any visible signs of damage.

Flashing Inspection: While the technician is on the roof inspecting the chimney cap, he will also inspect the flashing. The flashing is a thin metal sheet that connects the chimney to the roof line to form an airtight seal. Harsh weather and strong winds can damage the flashing, making it inefficient. This may result in leaks around the exterior part of the structure, allowing water to seep into the roof underlayment.

Understanding the Three Levels of Chimney Inspections

The levels of chimney inspection were ratified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and are rubric for all certified chimney sweeps to follow in order to best ensure the safe use of fireplaces and their associated systems.

Level 1 Inspection: The first level of chimney inspection is the least invasive and by far the most common. This level is a preliminary look at the basics of the chimney – the readily accessible portions of the exterior and interior. For a basic level one inspection and cleaning, you can expect to pay $79 – $200 on average.

Level 2 Inspection: If you are making any changes in the way you use your chimney, such as changing the type of fuel used, relining the flue, or if you’ve had any accidents or external events that may have caused damage, a level 2 chimney inspection is needed. Also, a level 2 inspection of the chimney is required before you sell your property. This level of inspection will likely involve your chimney sweep using equipment such as a camera to fully inspect the inside of your chimney. They will inspect all parts of your chimney that are accessible without the use of special tools, and may inspect your attic, crawl space or basement.

Level 3 Inspection: The level 3 chimney inspection is the most comprehensive type of chimney inspection. In addition to all of the checks preformed in level 1 and level 2 inspections, a level 3 will also examine the concealed areas of the chimney. This type of inspection is performed when serious damage to the chimney is suspected.

Why Professional Expertise Matters

“An inspection will find internal and external issues with your system that a homeowner is not trained to identify, whether it is a crack in your chimney liner that you can only see from a certain angle or signs of water damage inside or outside of your flue,” says Zagar. Only a professional chimney sweep is qualified to inspect and clean a chimney so that it remains safe for use. Not only do they know to look for things that a layperson might miss, but the average homeowner probably isn’t properly equipped to thoroughly inspect their chimney in the first place.

Modern chimney professionals use advanced technology to ensure thorough inspections. “Today’s technicians are often using camera equipment specifically designed for chimney inspections to inspect the inside of your chimney from the bottom to the top,” explains Zagar.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Area

For homeowners in the South Shore area of Massachusetts, Above & Beyond Chimney Service stands out as a trusted local provider. Here at Above & Beyond Chimney Service, we pride ourselves in providing Southern Massachusetts with the very best in chimney, fireplace, dryer vent and air vent care. Our owner, Todd Ramsey, is a well-respected business leader in our area, and is dedicated to continuous company improvement and growth. As a family owned and operated company, we have over 25 years of industry experience and are founded on strong internal values and uncompromising integrity – which means that with Above & Beyond Chimney Service, you can expect honest, ethical business practices and actions, no matter what.

If you need professional chimney service Norfolk, MA, their certified technicians provide comprehensive inspections following NFPA guidelines. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technicians are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), and receive all of the latest industry education, trainings, techniques and safety information.

When to Schedule Your Inspection

To keep your home and family safe during the colder months, it’s recommended that you get your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once per year. Many people opt to do this in late summer or fall to ensure the fireplace is ready to use once the weather cools off.

Remember, even one winter’s worth of creosote and debris build-up could cause issues such as fires or carbon monoxide toxicity. The small investment in an annual inspection far outweighs the potential costs of fire damage, structural repairs, or worse—the risk to your family’s safety.

The Bottom Line

Annual chimney inspections aren’t just recommended—they’re essential for your family’s safety. Professional chimney sweeps have the training, tools, and expertise to identify problems that could lead to dangerous situations. Annual chimney inspections ensure that any minor problems are caught early, before they turn into expensive repairs or, worse, a safety hazard. The CSIA recommends that homeowners schedule these inspections to maintain the safety and functionality of their fireplaces and heating systems.

Don’t wait until you smell smoke or notice a problem. Schedule your annual chimney inspection today and ensure your family’s safety throughout the heating season. Your peace of mind is worth far more than the cost of professional inspection.