Chimney inspection in Homestead, explained at the hearth
Get an honest picture of the chimney before the next fire, the next sale or the next repair.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
When a chimney inspection makes sense
- Water stains near the chimney
- A rusted or stuck damper
- Roof work finished around the chimney
- Cracks in the wall beside the fireplace
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Our approach to a fireplace inspection
Inspecting a framed chase and its cover
A factory-built fireplace commonly vents up through a framed chase that hides its metal chimney. The chase has siding or stucco outside and a metal cover on top. We look at the cover for rust, standing water and gaps around the chimney pipe.
We also look for water stains, soft siding or damaged trim that suggest water has reached the framing. The framing itself is usually concealed, and we say so. Chase cover and chase repairs are separate items with their own estimates.
Checking the mortar joints
Mortar joints are meant to wear before the brick does. Over time they erode, crack or pull away from the brick edges. Open joints let water into the chimney and weaken how the masonry holds together.
We look at the joints on each face we can reach and note where they are recessed, cracked or missing. Repointing is described separately if it is needed. We explain whether the joints affect only appearance or the chimney's resistance to water. The courses above the roof face weather on every side, so they get a close look.
When the flue needs cleaning to be judged
A thick layer of soot hides the surface of the flue. Cracks, gaps and missing joints can be impossible to judge under it. In that case, we tell you which parts could be seen and which could not.
If the unanswered part matters, a cleaning may need to come before a full judgment of the lining. We explain whether that is likely to change the decision in front of you. If it is not, we do not suggest it. That keeps the steps to the ones that actually help you decide.
Inspecting fireplaces on two floors of one chimney
Where a chimney serves fireplaces on two floors, each usually has its own flue. The Florida Building Code calls for masonry between flues that sit side by side. A fault in that wall can let smoke from one enter the other.
We match each fireplace to its flue and look at both, including the top where they end. If smoke or odor from one fireplace has appeared in the other room, tell us, because it points to a specific problem. The findings describe each flue separately, so it is clear which needs work.
Inspection points we record for you
- Chimney height relative to the roof
- Top-mounted damper and cable
- Metal liner top plate and cap
- Hose water test where the job needs it
Chimney inspection questions asked in Homestead
Will you look at a fireplace that has an insert?
Yes. We look at the surround, the visible connection and the liner top. Some parts cannot be seen without moving the insert, and we tell you which. Moving it would be a separately agreed step.
What if your findings differ from an earlier opinion?
Show us the earlier findings. We look at the same parts and explain where we agree, where we differ and why. The goal is a clear basis for your decision.
Does the inspection include looking at the flue lining?
Yes, along the length that can be seen from each end. We note cracks, open joints, missing sections and heat damage, and we say how far the view reached.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Liner Installation and ReliningPlan a compatible chimney liner installation with the existing passage, connections and maintenance access considered together.
- Chimney Leak RepairFind the chimney water entry point and plan a repair before restoring the damaged finish.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Chimney RebuildRebuild the affected chimney section with the retained structure, roof connection and passage included in the plan.
- Stone Chimney RepairRepair affected stone chimney surfaces with the supporting construction and visual match considered together.
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