Chimney inspection for homes in Little River
We check the lining, damper, crown, cap and flashing and explain how each affects safe use.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
What people notice before an inspection
- Pieces of tile in the firebox
- A missing or loose chimney cap
- A house sale or purchase underway
- Roof work finished around the chimney
Jump to
Inspection decisions for your fireplace
Finding the listing label on a factory-built unit
Most factory-built fireplaces carry a label with the maker, model and listing information. It is often inside the opening or behind a lower panel. The label tells us which manual applies and which parts are approved for the unit.
If the label is missing or unreadable, some things cannot be confirmed, such as whether parts are original. We say what we could and could not identify. Look for any paperwork that came with the house, because a manual can fill the gap.
Checking the spark screen at the top
The screen on a chimney cap stops embers leaving the flue and keeps animals out. A screen that is torn, rusted through or missing lets both happen. One that is clogged with soot can slow the draft.
We look at the whole screen when the top can be reached and note its condition. Cleaning, repair or replacement are separate items, and we explain which one fits what we found. If the cap itself is sound, a screen repair may be all it needs.
Concealed construction around the fireplace
Parts of a fireplace are built to be hidden. Fireblocking around the chimney, the framing clearances inside walls and the base of a factory-built unit behind its finish are examples. The code sets how they are built, but they cannot be seen once the room is finished.
An inspection does not open finished surfaces. We say which concealed parts are relevant to your question and what signs of trouble we looked for around them. If those signs are present, we explain what opening up would involve before anything is disturbed.
Metal at the chimney top in marine air
Galvanized and some stainless steels corrode faster where salt-laden air settles on them. American Galvanizers Association and stainless steel industry guidance both note that chlorides shorten the life of exposed steel.
On an inspection, we look closely at caps, screens, chase covers and fasteners for pitting, rust streaks and thinning metal. Where two different metals touch, we check for corrosion at the contact. Replacement parts are discussed with the exposure in mind. Stainless grade and fastener choice matter more here than on chimneys away from salt air.
The inspection scope agreed at the start
- Hearth and hearth extension
- Findings explained at the fireplace
- Written record of what was inspected
- Findings ranked by effect on use
What to know about the inspection visit
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.
Can you find where water is getting into the chimney?
Usually. We look at the crown, cap, flashing and masonry with the timing of the water in mind. When looking alone is not enough, a hose water test can narrow it down when the job calls for it.
Do you look at the crown during the inspection?
Yes, when the roof can be reached safely. We look for cracks, failed sealant where the crown meets the flue and a top that holds water. Hairline cracks and wide splits call for different repairs, and we explain which applies.
Proudly American
Local service. Careful repairs. A fireplace worth coming home to.
Call Now (645) 465-4171We 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