Wood Stove Inspection
A stove can look fine and still be a hazard if it sits too close to a wall, the connector is failing or the flue is the wrong size. An inspection checks all of it.
What we check
| Part | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Stove | Cracks, warping, door seals, baffles and signs of overheating |
| Hearth and floor protection | That the stove sits on suitable protection and extends far enough |
| Clearances | Distance to walls, ceiling and furniture, compared with the manufacturer’s requirements |
| Connector pipe | Joints, corrosion, slope, length and how it connects to the chimney |
| Thimble or connection | Where the pipe enters the wall or flue and whether it is sound |
| Flue | Condition, size and deposits, as far as the level of inspection reaches |
When to book one
- You have just bought a house with a stove, or a stove installed by someone else
- Before the first burn of the season
- After a chimney fire or an overheating incident
- If the stove smokes, leaks smoke or burns poorly
- If the stove is being moved, replaced or reconnected
- You want to know whether it meets the manufacturer’s clearances
Which level of inspection
A visual check of the stove and what can be reached is a Level 1 inspection. If the flue interior needs to be examined, or the stove or fuel has changed, Level 2 is the right level. We tell you which fits before we start.
What you receive
You get an explanation of what we found in each area, and what, if anything, to repair or change. If a clearance problem is found, we explain it, and what the options are. The decision is yours.
The manufacturer’s manual sets the clearances for your stove. If you have it, have it handy. If you do not, the make and model usually lets us find the specification.
What the work involves
How the inspection goes
- IdentifyWe note the make, model and how the stove is set up.
- InspectWe examine the stove, connector and flue.
- MeasureWe check clearances against the requirements.
- ExplainWe tell you what we found and what it means.
Related services
Wood Stove Service
The overview.
Learn moreChimney Inspection
The chimney side.
Learn moreWood Stove Cleaning
Clean the system.
Learn moreWe work throughout New Jersey. See our service areas, or browse all services.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can you check whether my stove was installed correctly?
We check clearances, the connector and the flue against the manufacturer’s requirements and tell you what we find.
How often should a stove be inspected?
NFPA 211 calls for yearly inspection of chimneys and venting, which includes the stove connection.
What if the stove is too close to a wall?
We explain the options, which may include moving the stove or adding approved protection. The manufacturer’s requirements apply.
Is an old stove still safe?
Age alone does not decide it. Condition, fit and installation do, and the inspection looks at them.
Ready to have your chimney looked at?
Call us, or send a scheduling request. We will contact you to confirm a time. Your appointment is not confirmed until we do.