Fireplace Inspection
The fireplace is the part of the system you can see, and often the first place a problem shows. An inspection checks the firebox, damper, hearth and smoke chamber, then follows the flue up.
What a fireplace inspection covers
A fireplace inspection looks at the opening and everything directly above it. Many problems that homeowners notice at the fireplace, such as smoke, odor or rust, start somewhere higher in the chimney, so we trace them upward instead of stopping at the hearth.
| Part | What we check |
|---|---|
| Firebox | Cracked or missing firebrick or panels, gaps in the mortar joints, and signs of overheating |
| Hearth and surround | Cracks, loose sections, and clearance to combustible material |
| Damper | Whether it opens and closes fully, seals, and is rusted or warped |
| Smoke chamber | The sloped area above the damper: rough surfaces, cracks, gaps and deposits |
| Flue | What can be seen from below, and what a closer look would add |
| Evidence of water or animals | Rust, stains, debris and odors that point to something above |
When to book one
- You are about to use the fireplace for the first time in a while
- You smell smoke or a musty or sooty odor, especially when the weather is damp
- There is rust in the firebox or on the damper
- Bricks or panels in the firebox are cracked, loose or missing
- Smoke is coming into the room (see smoking fireplace repair)
- You are buying or selling the house
Fireplace or chimney inspection?
They overlap. A fireplace inspection concentrates on the interior and the lower part of the system. A chimney inspection also covers the crown, cap, flashing and masonry at the top, and a Level 2 inspection goes inside the flue. If you are not sure which fits, describe what you are seeing and we will recommend the right level before we begin.
Gas fireplaces
A gas fireplace has its own components and needs its own checks. See gas fireplace service for how we approach them.
A fireplace that looks fine from the room can still have a damaged flue above it. That is why we check the whole path, not only the opening.
What the work involves
How we inspect a fireplace
- LookWe examine the firebox, damper, hearth and smoke chamber.
- TraceWe follow any symptom upward through the flue.
- ExplainWe tell you what we found and what it means.
- AdviseCleaning or repair is recommended only where it is warranted.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How often should a fireplace be inspected?
NFPA 211 calls for chimneys and fireplaces to be inspected at least once a year, including those used rarely.
Does an inspection include sweeping?
They are separate services. If the fireplace needs cleaning we say so, and often both can be done in one visit.
My fireplace works fine. Do I still need an inspection?
Many problems give no warning. A yearly inspection finds them while they are small.
Is a cracked firebrick dangerous?
It depends on the crack and its location. Some are cosmetic and some let heat reach the structure. We explain which kind you have. See our guide on cracks in the firebox.
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.