Chimney inspections
Level 1, 2 and 3 chimney inspections
The national standard describes three inspection levels. Which one applies depends on why you are inspecting, not on how worried you are.
Short answer. Level 1 is the basic check of what can be reached and seen, for a chimney used the same way as before. Level 2 adds a scan of the flue interior and the accessible spaces around the chimney, and applies when something has changed or the property is sold. Level 3 opens up parts of the building or chimney to reach a hidden hazard.
The three levels at a glance
| Level | What it covers | Typically called for when |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Readily accessible parts of the chimney exterior and interior, the accessible parts of the appliance and connection, and the flue for obstructions and deposits | The system is in continued service under the same conditions, such as the yearly check |
| Level 2 | Everything in Level 1, plus a scan of the interior flue surfaces and a look at accessible areas such as attics, crawl spaces and basements | A change in fuel type, relining or appliance; a property is sold; after an operating malfunction or an event such as a chimney fire or severe weather |
| Level 3 | Everything in Levels 1 and 2, plus removal or opening of permanently attached parts of the building or chimney as needed | A Level 1 or 2 inspection finds or suspects a hazard that cannot be evaluated without that access |
These descriptions follow the Chimney Safety Institute of America's summary of NFPA 211, the standard that sets the levels.
What "scanning the flue" means
The Level 2 description includes a visual inspection of the interior of the flue by video scanning. In practice a camera is passed through the flue so that surfaces which cannot be seen from the top or the bottom can be examined: cracked or missing tile, gaps at joints, deposits, and damage left by an earlier fire. This is general education about what the standard describes. The scope of any particular company's visit is a separate question, and you should ask what is included before you book.
Which level fits your situation
| Situation | Usually points to |
|---|---|
| Chimney in regular use, nothing has changed, yearly check | Level 1 |
| Buying or selling a home | Level 2 |
| Changing from one fuel to another, or fitting a new stove, insert or boiler | Level 2 |
| After a chimney fire, a lightning strike or storm damage | Level 2, sometimes Level 3 |
| A Level 1 or 2 finding suggests damage you cannot see | Level 3 |
| Fireplace has been unused for years and you want to start using it | Ask for at least a Level 2 conversation; the answer depends on what is found |
What an inspection can and cannot tell you
An inspection reports the condition of the chimney at the time it was looked at, using the access and the tools available at that level. A Level 1 inspection can find a missing cap or a blocked flue; it may not find a hairline crack halfway down a tile liner. A scan of the flue improves that, though it still reports only what the camera and the technician can see. Whether a crack matters depends on the component and material, where it is, its condition and the appliance maker's requirements, so only a qualified inspector looking at the actual chimney can say. None of the levels is a substitute for a structural engineer where movement is suspected, and none of them is a gas or carbon monoxide test.
Questions to ask before you book
- Which inspection level are you offering, and why does it match my situation?
- Is the flue scanned, and if so, will I see the images or video?
- Will I receive findings in writing, with photos?
- What parts of the chimney and appliance are included, and what is not?
- If you find a problem, will you explain it and give me the choice of who repairs it?
Tell the company the reason for the inspection when you schedule. That is what decides the level.
What happens after the inspection
| Finding | Typical next step |
|---|---|
| Nothing wrong, minor deposits | Sweep if needed; re-inspect next year |
| A condition that looks minor (a fine crack in masonry, worn joints) | Ask what it is, where it is and whether it needs attention. Photograph it and re-check; do not assume it is safe to ignore |
| A defect that will worsen (cracked crown, failed flashing) | Schedule a repair |
| A defect that affects safe use (damaged flue, blocked flue) | Stop using the appliance until repaired |
| A hazard that cannot be assessed | Discuss a Level 3 inspection |
Common misconceptions
"A home inspector already looked at it." A general home inspection looks at what is visible. It does not usually include the interior of the flue.
"A sweep is an inspection." A sweep cleans. An inspection assesses. They are often done in the same visit, but they are not the same thing.
"Level 3 is just a better inspection." It is not. It involves opening parts of the building or chimney and is used to investigate a specific concern.
How Dr. Sweeper approaches it
We do not assume a particular level for every visit. We ask why you want the inspection, agree the scope with you when you schedule, and explain what we found and what we did not look at. Our chimney inspection page describes the service.
See also
- Chimney inspection when buying or selling a home
- After a chimney fire
- How often should a chimney be swept?
Sources
- CSIA, standard operating procedure for a Level 1 inspection of a masonry chimney
- CSIA, standard operating procedure for a Level 2 inspection of a masonry fireplace
- NFPA 211 committee input on Chapter 15, inspection levels (draft revision text)
- CSIA, homeowner FAQs
- CSIA, homeowner FAQs
About this guide. Published by Dr. Sweeper as general homeowner education, last updated October 1, 2026. Sources are linked where they are cited. What applies to your home can depend on your local building code, your appliance and its manufacturer's instructions, and the actual condition of your chimney, so this guide is not a substitute for an inspection.
If you need help
Related services
Chimney inspection
A condition check of the chimney system.
Learn moreChimney sweep
Cleaning of the flue and firebox.
Learn moreChimney liners
Liner options for the flue.
Learn moreLevel 1 Inspection
The yearly check for a chimney in normal use.
Learn moreLevel 2 Inspection
Includes the flue interior.
Learn moreLevel 3 Inspection
When a hazard cannot be judged without opening up the structure.
Learn moreQuestions
Frequently asked questions
Is Level 1 enough for a chimney I use every winter?
If nothing has changed and the earlier checks were clean, Level 1 is what the standard describes for continued service under the same conditions. A deeper level is called for when something changes.
Does every inspection include a camera?
No. Video scanning is part of the Level 2 description in the standard. Whether a particular visit includes it depends on the scope agreed with the company.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the chimney, the level and what is found. Ask when you book.
Can I be present?
Usually, yes. It is useful to see what is found.
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.