Chimney Inspection Services in Northern NJ

Starting at $99

Why Get a Chimney Inspection?

A chimney inspection is the foundation of chimney safety. Whether you are buying a new home in Bergen County, have not used your fireplace in years, or simply want peace of mind before winter arrives, a professional inspection identifies problems before they become expensive emergencies or safety hazards.

Chimneys in Northern New Jersey endure some of the toughest conditions. Hot summers, freezing winters, heavy rain, snow, and ice all take their toll. Over time, the mortar joints deteriorate, the flue liner cracks, and the chimney crown can develop gaps that allow water inside. A regular inspection catches these issues early.

What We Inspect

During a Santa's Sweepers chimney inspection, our technician examines every accessible component of your chimney system:

• Chimney Crown: The concrete cap at the very top. Cracks here allow water to seep in and cause freeze-thaw damage.
• Flashing: The metal seal where your chimney meets the roof. Failed flashing leads to roof leaks and water damage inside your walls.
• Flue Liner: The interior lining that contains heat and combustion byproducts. A cracked or deteriorated liner is a serious safety hazard.
• Damper: The mechanism that opens and closes to regulate airflow. A stuck or rusted damper affects efficiency and can allow cold air and animals inside.
• Smoke Shelf and Smoke Chamber: Areas where creosote often accumulates. Excessive buildup here increases fire risk.
• Firebox: The chamber where fires burn. We check for cracked firebricks, deteriorated mortar, and signs of overheating.
• Exterior Masonry: We look for spalling bricks, crumbling mortar, leaning, and other structural concerns.
• Chimney Cap: If present, we check its condition. If missing, we recommend installation to prevent water, animal, and debris intrusion.

When to Get an Inspection

The NFPA recommends annual chimney inspections for all homeowners. Beyond the annual check, you should schedule an inspection if:

• You are buying or selling a home
• You notice water stains on the ceiling or walls near your chimney
• You hear animals in your chimney
• Your fireplace smokes or does not draft properly
• You have experienced a chimney fire
• You are converting fuel types (for example, switching from oil to gas)
• Your home is older than 20 years and the chimney has never been inspected

Many of the older homes in Northern NJ communities like Ridgewood, Montclair, Bloomfield, and Morristown have chimneys that are 50 to 100 years old. These structures need regular attention to remain safe and functional.

Inspection Pricing

A standalone chimney inspection from Santa's Sweepers is $99. If you pair it with a chimney cleaning, the inspection is included in the $199 cleaning price. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

What Happens After the Inspection?

After we complete the inspection, we sit down with you and go over everything we found. We show you photos when applicable and explain any concerns in plain language. If repairs are needed, we provide an honest estimate. We never pressure you into services you do not need.

Related Services

• Chimney Cleaning ($199 with inspection)
• Chimney Repair (Free Estimate)
• Chimney Relining (Free Estimate)
• Chimney Waterproofing (Free Estimate)