A chimney inspection in West Flagler with findings explained
We tell you plainly when a fireplace should not be used and why, and what would change that.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
What people notice before an inspection
- Water stains near the chimney
- Pieces of tile in the firebox
- A chimney that seems to lean
- Rust stains running down the chimney
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Inspection decisions for your fireplace
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.
A fireplace that was sealed by someone else
A fireplace closed with a board, panel or masonry may have been sealed for a reason. It may have failed, leaked or simply fallen out of use. The reason is often not recorded.
Before reopening it, have the chimney inspected. We look at what can be reached from the opening and the top and explain what we found. If the seal must come off to answer the question, that is agreed as a separate step. We also check the top, because a sealed fireplace below does not stop water or animals entering above.
Who should be home for the inspection
Someone who knows the house and the fireplace should be there at the start and the end. At the start, they can explain the reason for the visit and any history. At the end, they hear the findings and can ask questions.
If that is not possible, tell us how to reach you. We can go through the findings by phone and send the written record and estimate. Nothing beyond the inspection is done without your approval. If a finding needs a quick decision, we call rather than guess what you would want.
Damp masonry inside the fireplace
Dark, damp patches on the firebox walls or smoke chamber, a musty smell or a white crust on the brick all point to moisture. It can come from rain entering the top, from water moving through the masonry or from condensation.
We note where the moisture shows and trace it upward where access allows. The findings name the likely source and how confident we are. Repairs follow the source, not the stain. Sealing the inside surface while water still enters from above only moves the problem.
What the free chimney inspection covers
- Crown condition at the chimney top
- Findings ranked by effect on use
- Signs of animals or nesting
- Flue size compared with the opening
Asking about an inspection in West Flagler
Can you inspect the chimney for a house sale?
Yes. Tell us what the buyer or seller needs to know and any deadline. The scope is agreed at the start. Findings are explained and written down, and repairs come with a free written estimate.
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.
Is a quick look from the ground enough?
It can spot a missing cap, a leaning stack or loose brick. It cannot show cracks in the crown, gaps in the flashing or the condition of the lining. We tell you what a ground view could not confirm.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Stone Chimney RepairRepair affected stone chimney surfaces with the supporting construction and visual match considered together.
- Firebox RepairRepair the damaged fireplace chamber using an approach suited to masonry or manufactured components.
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
- Hurricane and Storm Damage Chimney RepairAssess storm-related chimney concerns and distinguish temporary protection from permanent component repair.
- Top-Sealing Damper InstallationFit a top-mounted damper only after checking the fireplace, product restrictions and control route.
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