Level 1 sweep and inspection to the NFPA 211 annual standard - flue, crown, cap, and flashing checked and photographed
Chimney sweep logs do not sweep chimneys. They loosen some creosote - which then falls where a brush and vacuum still have to collect it.
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AfterTrusted Chimney Inspection Nationwide
A chimney inspection tells you exactly what’s happening inside a system you can’t see into, and at Flint Chimney Sweep, everything we find gets documented in writing before any recommendation is made, following our Chimney Inspection Maintenance Schedule: What to Do and When. We’ve been doing this work since 2002 as part of the Garrison Partners family, under the same Garrison Standard every one of our locations follows: written pricing up front, background-checked technicians, and a 365-Day Done Right Promise on every repair. If you want to know whether your chimney is safe to use, call (830) 251-4560 and we’ll walk you through what an inspection covers and what it costs.
Fireplace Inspection
A Fireplace Inspection is a close examination of the firebox area and the visible portions of your fireplace system, from the hearth floor to the damper assembly. You need this when you’ve noticed cracked firebrick, a damper that won’t open or close fully, or smoke drifting into the room during a fire. Our technicians document every crack, gap, and wear point in writing, and a standard visual fireplace check typically runs $150 to $250 depending on the condition of the unit and what we need to access.
Firebox and Hearth Condition
The firebox is the chamber where your fire actually burns, and the hearth is the protective floor in front of it. Cracked firebrick or a crumbling mortar joint can let heat reach combustible material behind the wall. We check both carefully and give you a straight answer on what’s cosmetic and what needs repair.
Damper Operation and Sealing
The damper is the metal door above the firebox that opens to let smoke out and closes to keep cold air from dropping in. A damper that won’t seat properly means heated air from your house is escaping up the chimney all winter. We test it, not you, and we’ll show you what we found.
Chimney Inspection Services
Chimney Inspection Services cover the full length of the chimney structure, from the crown at the top down through the flue liner, smoke chamber, and into the appliance connection. You need a full chimney inspection when you’ve recently bought a house, after a storm, or if it’s been more than a year since anyone looked. Flint Chimney Sweep charges a flat inspection fee based on the level of inspection required, with most standard visual inspections running $150 to $300, and camera-assisted Level 2 inspections running higher based on access and condition. If you’re unsure what level you need, see our Chimney Inspection Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them.
Visual Chimney Inspection
A visual chimney inspection examines everything accessible without disassembly, including the exterior masonry, flashing, crown, and accessible interior surfaces. This is the minimum standard we recommend annually for any chimney that sees regular use. It catches the problems you can see before they become the problems you can’t.
Real Estate Transaction Inspections
When a property changes hands, a written chimney inspection protects both the buyer and the seller from surprises that surface after closing. We provide the documentation your lender or buyer’s agent expects, and we’ll flag any condition that affects safety or insurability. The report is yours to keep, written in plain language with photos where relevant.
What happens when you call
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A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
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You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
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A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
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You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Chimney Flue Inspection
A Chimney Flue Inspection focuses on the inner liner, the passage that channels smoke and combustion gases safely out of the house. You need this when the liner is old, when you’re switching fuel types, or when a sweep turns up flaking clay tile and heavy creosote buildup. Flint Chimney Sweep checks the flue for cracks, gaps, and deterioration using visual inspection and, where the situation calls for it, specialized camera equipment, with flue inspection pricing typically falling between $150 and $350 depending on how far we need to inspect and the condition of the flue.
Flue Liner Condition
The flue liner is the inner lining that protects the chimney masonry from heat and corrosive flue gases. Clay tile liners crack over time, and cracked tiles allow heat and gases to reach the surrounding structure. We’ll tell you plainly whether your liner is sound, patching is possible, or a full relining (replacing the inner liner that channels smoke safely out of the house) is the right call.
Creosote and Blockage Assessment
Creosote is the flammable residue that condenses inside the flue as smoke cools, and it’s the leading cause of chimney fires in American homes. We measure the thickness of any creosote deposits and identify any obstruction from nests, leaves, or fallen masonry. If the flue is blocked, we’ll show you and recommend a home service plan before you use the fireplace again.
Chimney Fire
A Chimney Fire occurs when creosote or debris inside the flue ignites, burning at temperatures that can crack the liner and spread into the house. You need a professional chimney inspection after any suspected chimney fire, even if the flames stayed inside the flue, because heat damage is often invisible from the ground. Flint Chimney Sweep inspects for fire damage including cracked tiles, warped metal liners, and separating mortar, with post-fire chimney inspections typically running $200 to $400 given the thoroughness required after a burn.
Post-Fire Damage Assessment
After a chimney fire, the flue may be cracked, the mortar joints may be opened, and the structural integrity of the chimney may be compromised. We document every sign of heat stress and give you a written condition report. The Garrison Standard means we don’t declare a chimney safe just because it looks fine from the exterior.
Prevention Through Regular Sweeping
Most chimney fires are preventable, because most chimney fires are creosote fires, and creosote is removed by regular sweeping. A professional chimney sweep removes the fuel source before it accumulates to dangerous levels. Paired with an annual inspection, sweeping is the most reliable fire prevention measure a homeowner can take.
Level 2 Chimney Inspection
A Level 2 Chimney Inspection is a more in-depth examination that includes everything in a visual inspection plus access to the flue by camera from top to bottom, and it includes checking attic, crawlspace, and basement areas where the chimney passes through. You need a Level 2 inspection when you’re buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire or significant weather event, or when changing the fuel type of your appliance. Flint Chimney Sweep performs Level 2 inspections with a flue camera that records the entire interior, and pricing typically runs $250 to $450 depending on access and chimney height.
Camera Documentation Included
With a Level 2 Chimney Inspection, you get more than a verbal summary: you get camera footage and still photos that show exactly what we saw. We review the footage with you on site and provide a written report. Nothing gets recommended without evidence you can see for yourself.
When a Level 2 is Required
Real estate transactions, operational changes, and post-fire evaluations all call for Level 2 scrutiny. Insurance adjusters and home inspectors frequently request this level of documentation when a chimney’s service history is unknown. We’ll let you know if a Level 2 is required for your situation, or if a standard visual inspection is sufficient.
Chimney Leak
A Chimney Leak is water entering the house through or around the chimney system, and it shows up as damp drywall near the fireplace, water stains on the ceiling, or moisture in the attic after rain. You need a leak inspection when you see any of those signs, because water intrusion damages masonry, rots framing, and accelerates liner deterioration. Flint Chimney Sweep traces the leak source with flashings, crown, and masonry checks, with chimney leak diagnostics typically running $150 to $300 depending on what access and testing are required.
Flashing and Crown Diagnosis
Leaks most often come from failed flashing, which is the metal barrier where the chimney meets the roofline, or a cracked crown, the concrete cap on top of the chimney. Both wear out in every climate eventually. We inspect both closely and tell you which one is the problem, or if the leak is coming from somewhere else entirely.
Masonry and Mortar Joint Repair
Water that gets into brick and mortar joints freezes and thaws with the seasons, and that cycle slowly destroys the chimney structure. That’s why a chimney leak left alone is never a small problem, because the repair bill only grows while the leak continues. We’ll identify whether your chimney needs chimney repair, and if so, we’ll put the exact price in writing before any work begins.
Chimney Camera Inspection
A Chimney Camera Inspection uses a purpose-built flue camera lowered through the flue or fed up from the firebox to capture live video and still images of the chimney’s interior, from damper to crown. You need this when visual inspection can’t confirm liner condition, after a suspected chimney fire, or when a chimney has been sealed and you need to know what’s inside before opening it. Flint Chimney Sweep includes camera inspection as a standard part of our Level 2 package and as a diagnostic add-on for visual inspections where hidden damage is suspected, with camera inspection services typically adding $100 to $200 to a standard inspection fee.
Identifying Hidden Liner Damage
The camera finds what a flashlight can’t: cracked clay tiles mid-flue, disconnected sections in metal liners, and former damage hidden behind soot and creosote. The camera also records exact liner measurements, which allows us to specify the correct replacement product, like a DuraFlex or HeatShield liner, before any work is quoted. You see the footage, you see the stills, and you make the call with the evidence in front of you.
Verifying Sweep Work Quality
After any chimney sweep, a camera pass can confirm that creosote was fully removed and the flue walls are clean. This verification matters for homeowners who’ve had a previous sweep and still seen smoke issues or odor problems. If the flue is clean and the problem persists, we keep looking, because the camera doesn’t guess.
Brands We Service
We work with professional-grade chimney materials from the brands the trade trusts, and we specify them by job, not by margin. DuraFlex liners are a common choice for relining work because of their durability under real-world heat and moisture conditions, and we’ve installed and inspected hundreds of them over the years. When a homeowner asks for a specific brand, we’ll give you a straight answer about whether it’s the right fit for your chimney and your fuel type.
HeatShield is a ceramic sealant system we use for repairing damaged flue tiles without a full tear-out in many cases, and we’ve completed enough of those applications to know exactly when it’s the right call. We also work with Gelco and Olympia Chimney products where the job calls for them. Whether you have a DuraFlex liner, an Olympia Chimney cap, or any other make, we can inspect it, service it, and give you a written condition report.
Signs You Need a Pro Right Now
- You smell smoke inside the house when the fireplace isn’t in use. This usually means the flue isn’t drafting properly, and flue gases are finding their way back into the living space. It’s a sign the chimney needs attention before you light another fire.
- You see white staining on the exterior brick. That’s efflorescence, salt deposits left behind when water moves through the masonry. It means water is getting in somewhere, and water left alone will eventually threaten the structure.
- You hear a crackling or popping sound from the chimney during a fire. That sound is often creosote igniting in the flue, which is the early stage of a chimney fire. Stop using the fireplace and have the flue inspected immediately.
- You find flakes of tile or sand-like material in the firebox. This is usually pieces of a clay flue liner that has begun to break apart. A cracked liner can allow heat to reach combustible framing, and it’s a condition we’d flag in writing right away.
- You notice water in the firebox after rain. Water inside the chimney means the cap, crown, flashing, or masonry is no longer keeping weather out. Each of those is fixable, but the fix starts with finding the exact entry point, not guessing.
Our Process, Step by Step
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You call and talk to a live person. Our phones are answered 24/7 by an actual human being who can answer questions and schedule your appointment. No voicemail trees, no callback forms, no waiting until Monday.
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We confirm a firm arrival window. A background-checked, uniformed technician shows up inside the window given. You’ll know exactly who is walking through the door, and the truck is marked so there’s no confusion.
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We inspect and document everything. The technician performs the inspection at the level your situation calls for, using visual checks, a flue camera where appropriate, and a written checklist covering every component from crown to firebox.
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You get a written price before any work starts. If repairs are needed, the price is written down and handed to you before a single tool comes off the truck. The number on the invoice is the number you approved, and nothing gets added at the door.
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You get a written guarantee on every repair. Every repair we do carries the 365-Day Done Right Promise, valid for one full year from the service date. If a covered repair fails within that period, we return at no charge. No argument, no fine print, no hassle.
How Much Does Chimney Inspection Cost?
A standard visual chimney inspection typically runs $150 to $250 for a single fireplace home. When the inspection includes camera work, count on $250 to $450 depending on chimney height, access difficulty, and whether we’re also documenting the attic, crawlspace, or basement. Post-fire inspections and leak diagnostics often land in the $200 to $400 range because they require more time and more thorough testing. Every inspection receives a written price before the work begins, so you’ll know the exact number before we start.
What moves the price? Chimney height and roof pitch affect ladder work and access time. A two-story chimney on a steep roof will cost more to inspect than a single-story chimney with easy access, and that’s simply a matter of labor. Older homes with multiple fireplaces or unknown service history may also involve more inspection time. The way to avoid overpaying is to get a written price that includes the specific inspection level and any camera work, without vague add-ons, which is exactly how Flint Chimney Sweep quotes every job. Call (830) 251-4560 for a free estimate and we’ll give you a firm number before you commit to anything.
Where We Work
Flint Chimney Sweep serves homeowners and businesses across the United States through local crews operating under the same Garrison Standard, including our Chimney Inspection in Los Angeles. Our technicians arrive in marked vehicles, in uniform, with written pricing and the same 365-Day Done Right Promise no matter where the job is. The service area is nationwide, and the process is the same everywhere: written price, documented work, full-year guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Inspection
A chimney inspection is a professional examination of the entire chimney system, from the firebox and damper up through the flue liner, smoke chamber, and exterior masonry. It documents the condition of every component and identifies anything that could cause a fire, allow carbon monoxide into the house, or let water damage the structure. Flint Chimney Sweep writes up the findings and gives you the report.
Most visual chimney inspections take 45 to 90 minutes depending on the chimney’s height, the home’s layout, and how much access is available. A Level 2 inspection with camera work typically takes two hours or more. We’ll give you a firm time window when you book, and we arrive inside that window.
A standard visual inspection runs $150 to $250, and a Level 2 inspection with camera documentation typically runs $250 to $450. Post-fire and leak diagnostic inspections fall in the $200 to $400 range. Every inspection gets a written price before we start, so call (830) 251-4560 for an exact quote, the estimate is free.
Yes, we inspect and service all common makes, including systems built with DuraFlex, HeatShield, Gelco, and Olympia Chimney components. Our technicians are trained on the materials used by the major chimney product brands, and we specify replacement parts by what the job requires. The inspection report applies no matter what brand is on the chimney.
We answer phones 24/7 with a live person, and we can schedule urgent inspections for post-fire situations, active leaks, or visible structural damage. Availability for same-week appointments depends on the local crew’s schedule, but the phone never goes to voicemail. Call (830) 251-4560 and a real person will help you get on the schedule.
Every repair we perform carries a written guarantee valid for one full year from the service date, under the 365-Day Done Right Promise. If a covered repair fails within that year, we return at no charge. The inspection report itself documents what we found and what we recommended, in writing, so you’re never relying on a verbal summary.
Clear the area in front of the fireplace and remove any decorative items from the mantel and hearth. Move furniture back about six to eight feet so the technician has room to work. If you have pets, put them in another room during the visit. Nothing else is needed, we bring all tools, lighting, and camera equipment.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection Service Today
Call (830) 251-4560 and talk to a live person, day or night, to schedule your chimney inspection or Chimney Inspection in Huntington Park. You’ll get a firm arrival window, a background-checked uniformed technician, and a written price before any work starts. The estimate is free, and every repair we do carries the 365-Day Done Right Promise in writing for a full year.
Written by Hank Delano, Owner at Flint Chimney Sweep, serving the United States since 2002.