Know Exactly What to Expect from a Professional Chimney Inspection
A chimney inspection is one of the most important maintenance tasks a homeowner can schedule, yet many people in New Jersey have never had one done or are unsure what it actually involves. Whether you just bought a home, have not used your fireplace in years, or simply want to make sure everything is safe before winter, understanding what goes into a chimney inspection helps you make informed decisions about your home's safety.
This comprehensive checklist covers everything a professional chimney inspector evaluates, the three levels of inspection defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and when you should schedule each type.
The NFPA Standard 211 defines three levels of chimney inspection, each with a different scope and purpose. Understanding these levels helps you know what to request and what to expect from your chimney professional.
A Level 1 inspection is the standard annual inspection recommended for chimneys that have been used under normal conditions with no changes to the system. During a Level 1 inspection, the technician examines all readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and visible portions of the flue liner.
This inspection is performed without the use of specialized tools or cameras. It is appropriate when you have been using your fireplace regularly and have not made any changes to the chimney system or the way you use it. Our chimney inspection service starts at $99 for a Level 1 inspection.
A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection plus a video scan of the interior of the flue using a specialized camera. This level is required when you are buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire or weather event, when changing the type of fuel you burn, or when making any changes to the chimney system such as relining or adding an insert.
The video scan reveals cracks, gaps, deterioration, and other damage inside the flue that cannot be seen during a visual Level 1 inspection. In New Jersey, many real estate transactions require a Level 2 inspection, and for good reason. Hidden damage inside the flue can pose serious safety risks that are invisible from the outside.
A Level 3 inspection is the most comprehensive and invasive type. It includes everything in Levels 1 and 2, plus the removal of certain components of the chimney or building structure to gain access to concealed areas. This level is required when a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection reveals a serious hazard that cannot be fully evaluated without accessing hidden areas.
Level 3 inspections are relatively rare and are typically performed after a confirmed chimney fire or when there is evidence of structural damage that extends beyond the visible portions of the chimney.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what a thorough chimney inspection covers. Whether you are scheduling an inspection or just want to know what your technician is looking at, this checklist gives you the full picture.
The NFPA recommends annual inspections for all chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems, regardless of how often they are used. Beyond the annual inspection, there are specific situations where an inspection is especially important:
After completing the inspection, your chimney professional should provide you with a clear report of their findings, including any issues identified and recommended repairs. At Santa's Sweepers, we walk you through our findings in person and explain what needs attention now versus what can be monitored over time.
Common recommendations after an inspection include:
A chimney inspection takes about 30 to 60 minutes and costs a fraction of what a chimney fire or carbon monoxide incident would cost in repairs, medical bills, and emotional toll. For New Jersey homeowners, where cold winters mean heavy fireplace use and the freeze-thaw cycle takes a toll on masonry, annual inspections are not optional. They are essential.
Stay ahead of chimney problems with a professional inspection from Santa's Sweepers. Call us at (551) 227-7111 or request your appointment online. Inspections start at just $99. We serve homeowners throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Morris, Union, Sussex, and Warren counties.