Chimney safety inspection for fireplaces in Franklin Park
Know what is sound, what needs repair and what could not be seen before you approve anything.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Changes worth an inspection visit
- Water stains near the chimney
- A house sale or purchase underway
- Flaking brick faces on the chimney
- Cracks in the wall beside the fireplace
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Our approach to a fireplace inspection
Inspecting the damper and its frame
The damper should open fully for a fire and close firmly when the fireplace is idle. We work it through its range and look at the plate, the frame and the handle or cable. Rust, warping and gaps around the edge are recorded.
A rusted damper is often a sign of water entering from above, so the finding points us to the top as well. We explain whether the damper can be repaired, whether it limits safe use and whether a different kind of damper would suit the flue better.
Inspecting the flue lining
The lining is the inner surface of the flue that contains heat and smoke. In a masonry chimney it may be clay tile, a poured material or a metal liner. We look for cracks, gaps at joints, missing sections and signs of heat damage.
How much of the lining can be seen depends on access and deposits. We say how far the view reached from each end. If a section could not be seen, the record states it. We also explain whether cleaning ahead of time or another form of access would give a clearer answer.
If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off
A carbon monoxide alarm that sounds is an emergency, not a reason to book an inspection. Do not look for the source. Get everyone out of the house and call 911 from outside. CPSC guidance says to stay out until responders say it is safe to return.
Once the emergency has been handled, the chimney and any connected appliances can be looked at. Keep any notes from the responders. The inspection then focuses on what caused the alarm and what must be fixed before the fireplace is used again.
Glazed deposits found during inspection
A hard, glossy coating on the flue walls is a different finding from ordinary soot. It resists brushing and can hide the surface beneath. It also suggests the fires have been burning cool and smoky.
We note where the coating is and how far it extends. Removing it is a separate treatment, and in some cases relining is the better choice. We explain both options and suggest leaving the fireplace unused until you decide. The choice depends on the lining underneath as much as on the coating itself.
Inspection scope for homes in Franklin Park
- Hearth and hearth extension
- Signs of water entry inside and out
- Chimney height relative to the roof
- Flue size compared with the opening
Chimney safety inspection questions
Will you tell me if the fireplace is unsafe to use?
Yes, plainly and in writing. When a finding rules out using the fireplace ahead of a repair, you hear it before we leave, along with what would change that.
Does the inspection check clearances to wood and trim?
It checks the clearances we can see, such as trim around the opening and framing visible in an attic. Clearances inside finished walls are usually concealed, and the written record says so.
Can I watch while the chimney is inspected?
Yes. You are welcome to follow along, and we point out parts as we go. Seeing the crown or the smoke chamber once makes the findings much easier to understand.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo