Fireplace inspection and chimney check in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Our family team inspects the chimney you have, masonry or factory-built, against what it should be.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Reasons to have the chimney inspected
- Cracks in the crown or brick
- A house sale or purchase underway
- Sounds of animals in the flue
- A fireplace sealed by a previous owner
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Inspection decisions for your fireplace
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.
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.
When a hose water test helps
Some leaks do not show themselves on the day of the visit. When the job calls for it, we can run a hose water test. One part of the chimney is wetted at a time to see where water appears inside. It narrows the search when looking alone is not enough.
The test is not part of every inspection. We explain why it would help in your case, what it involves and whether it can be done on the same visit. If it is needed, it is agreed before we start, like any other step.
Looking at the base of the chimney
A masonry chimney rests on a footing at its base. Cracks near the base, a gap where the chimney meets the ground or settling of the hearth inside can point to movement below. The Florida Building Code's chimney chapter sets how chimney footings are built.
We look at what can be seen from the ground and from inside. The footing itself is usually buried and cannot be confirmed. If the signs suggest movement, we explain the concern and what further investigation would involve.
What the free chimney inspection covers
- Firebox walls, floor and joints
- Cap, screen and fasteners
- Deposits and blockages in the flue
- Listing label on a factory-built unit
Common questions about chimney checks
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.
Is a chimney that serves a gas appliance included?
Yes. We identify the flue and look at its condition and the top as far as access allows. The appliance itself is a separate gas service matter, and we tell you when it needs that visit.
Can the inspection trace an odor coming from the fireplace?
It aims to. Tell us when the smell appears. We look at deposits, water in the masonry, debris on the smoke shelf and air moving down the flue, then explain which source the evidence supports.
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Local service. Careful repairs. A fireplace worth coming home to.
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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