Chimney inspection for a home sale in Watergate
Findings explained before we leave, concealed parts named as concealed, and a free written estimate for any work.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
What prompts a fireplace inspection
- A house sale or purchase underway
- Roof work finished around the chimney
- Sounds of animals in the flue
- Flaking brick faces on the chimney
Jump to
What happens during a chimney check
Checking the firebox walls and floor
The firebox takes the direct heat of the fire. We look at the firebrick or panels for cracks, missing pieces and open joints. Gaps in a masonry firebox can let heat reach the material behind it. The Florida Building Code's fireplace section sets how firebox walls and their joints are built.
Soot patterns inside the firebox also tell a story. Smoke marks on the face above the opening, or streaks running down from the damper, can point to a draft or water issue further up. We note each observation and link it to what we find above.
Checking the cap, screen and fasteners
A chimney cap keeps rain, debris and animals out of the flue, and its screen stops sparks. We check that the cap is secure, that the screen is intact and that soot or debris is not closing it. The code sets a minimum open area for a spark arrestor screen, so a clogged one matters.
Loose fasteners, rust and missing mesh are recorded with their location. A cap that is missing altogether is noted as well. Replacement or repair is quoted separately, and we explain what it would change.
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.
How an inspection visit is organized
An inspection follows a set order. We confirm your reason for the visit and look at the room, the hearth and the firebox. Then we check the damper and smoke chamber, the flue from below, the attic if there is one and the top from the roof.
The length of the visit varies with how many flues there are, how easy the access is and what turns up. We tell you at the start what to expect. You are welcome to follow along, and we point things out as we go.
What sits inside the inspection scope
- Hearth and hearth extension
- Visible clearances to combustible material
- Chase cover and chase siding
- Free written estimate for any work
Chimney inspection questions, answered plainly
Should I have the chimney inspected after roof work?
It is a sensible step. Roof work disturbs the flashing and can leave debris or tarps on the chimney top. We look at the top, the flashing and the flue for anything that changed.
Can a small repair be done during the inspection visit?
Sometimes, when the repair is small, you approve it on the spot and the schedule allows. Otherwise it is booked for another visit. Either way, the price is agreed in writing before any work starts.
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
- Top-Sealing Damper InstallationFit a top-mounted damper only after checking the fireplace, product restrictions and control route.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
- Chimney Flue RepairAssess repairs to damaged existing flue linings and distinguish them from a new liner installation.
- Gas Fireplace Repair and ServiceGet a model-specific gas fireplace service plan for the fault you are seeing or the maintenance your unit needs.
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