A chimney inspection in West Little River with findings explained
An inspection that separates confirmed defects from open questions, so each decision rests on evidence.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Reasons to have the chimney inspected
- Smoke coming into the room
- Cracks in the crown or brick
- Plans to add an insert
- Flaking brick faces on the chimney
Jump to
Inspecting your chimney in West Little River, part by part
Debris that keeps falling into the firebox
Pieces of tile, mortar, brick or rusted metal in the firebox come from somewhere above. Their material tells us where to look. Tile points to the lining, mortar to joints or the smoke chamber, and rust flakes to the damper or cap.
Keep a few pieces for us to see. We match them to their source during the inspection and explain what is failing and why. The repair estimate then addresses the cause, not only the debris. Until then, keep the fireplace unused, because falling pieces mean something above is failing.
Inspecting a cleanout door or ash dump
Some masonry chimneys have a cleanout door low on the flue or an ash dump below the firebox. These openings give access for cleaning. A door that no longer closes, or one that is rusted open, lets air, water or animals in.
We open the door if it moves freely and look at what has collected inside. A door that is stuck is not forced. Its condition is noted, and repair or replacement is listed separately if you want it.
Heat reaching behind the firebox
Firebrick and panels are there to keep the heat of the fire inside the firebox. Cracks, missing pieces and open joints let heat reach the masonry or framing behind. Scorch marks or darkened wood near the fireplace are a warning sign.
We look closely at the firebox surface and at any nearby trim or framing we can see. If heat may be reaching combustible material, we explain the risk and suggest not using the fireplace until it is repaired. Heat damage behind a firebox is often hidden, so we explain what can and cannot be confirmed.
Inspecting before you light the next fire
An inspection before a planned fire is a sensible step when the fireplace has not been looked at in some time. It confirms the flue is clear, the damper works and nothing has changed at the top.
Book it with enough time before you intend to use the fireplace. If the inspection finds something to repair, you then have time to decide and schedule it without rushing. A repair squeezed in before a planned fire is harder to do well.
The parts a chimney check reaches
- Cap, screen and fasteners
- Exterior brick, stone or stucco
- Metal liner top plate and cap
- Flue size compared with the opening
What to know about the inspection visit
What should I do before the inspection visit?
Leave the fireplace cold, clear loose items from the hearth and make sure we can reach the attic opening and the roof access. Find any manuals or records, but do not remove panels or trim to look for them.
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.
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