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Who Does Chimney Inspections? Here’s Who to Hire
Certified chimney professionals perform safe, thorough inspections
Photo: vandervelden / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: vandervelden / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Annual chimney inspections identify creosote, cracked mortar, and leaks before they cause safety hazards or structural damage to your home.
Costs vary by the inspection level you need, as well as chimney accessibility, size, and the number of flues included in the system.
Professional inspections support safety and efficiency, reducing long term repair risks while helping you meet insurance requirements when filing a claim.
A key tip: schedule inspections once a year to keep your system in safe working order and your living space smoke free.
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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you are wondering who does chimney inspections, the answer is certified chimney professionals—not homeowners. Pros catch creosote buildup, structural concerns, and ventilation issues that create fire or carbon monoxide risks.
DIY checks and roof walking introduce hazards. Trained inspectors use proper tools and techniques and should assess your system annually to keep it safe and smoke free.
Benefits of Hiring a Chimney Professional for a Chimney Inspection
Certified chimney professionals keep your fireplace and venting system in safe, working order. Their inspections help prevent housefires and carbon monoxide poisoning by finding hazards early. They also use the correct tools and methods, and their documentation can support homeowner insurance requirements. Regular professional attention ensures problems are addressed before they escalate into costly repairs.
Removes pests, debris, and hazardous creosote buildup that restricts airflow and raises fire risk
Identifies brick, mortar, damper, and flue issues early so small problems do not become major failures
Reduces long term structural damage and costly repairs through timely maintenance and targeted fixes
Helps prevent personal injury compared to DIY cleaning and risky roof work without safety equipment
Increases fireplace efficiency and extends the flue liner lifespan with proper cleaning and evaluation
Ensures correct tools and methods for each inspection level, matching scope to your chimney’s condition
Supports homeowner insurance requirements during a claim with professional findings and documentation
Maintains safe, reliable operation through regular annual checks and informed recommendations
If you’re unsure about the condition of your fireplace or chimney, you might want to consider a fireplace inspection pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.
Can I Hire a Roofer for a Chimney Inspection?
A roofer can assess certain exterior aspects of your chimney depending on their certifications and the condition of your roof and chimney. Roofers focus on roof-adjacent components and can repair flashing and shingles while spotting signs of water damage. For a comprehensive inspection that evaluates internal components and the venting system, hire a chimney specialist. This is especially important for older brick or stone chimneys that require specific maintenance. The trade-off: roofers address exterior issues, but chimney pros deliver full-system safety evaluations.
How Do Chimney Professionals Perform a Chimney Inspection?
Chimney inspections identify blockages, creosote buildup, structural damage, and other hazards. The National Fire Protection Agency recognizes three inspection levels that scale in depth and access.
Determine the appropriate inspection level based on use, changes to the system, or suspected problems
Level 1: Examine structural soundness, check efficient operation, and identify obstructions in accessible areas
Level 2: Assess the flue, attic, and crawl spaces; this level is required when making changes to the system
Level 3: Use special tools and remove parts of the chimney or a wall if damage or obstructions are suspected and inaccessible otherwise
How Much Does a Chimney Inspection Cost?
Most local chimney professionals charge between $80 and $6,000 for an inspection, with an average cost of about $450. Your price depends on the level of inspection required. Additional cost factors include how accessible the chimney is, the chimney’s size, and the number of flues being inspected. Align the inspection level with your situation to ensure safety concerns are fully addressed without unnecessary work.
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