Masonry
Outside masonry is checked for freeze-thaw damage which can mean repointing is due.
Chimney Sweeping
Chimney Inspection Clarendon Hills, IL
A chimney inspection in Clarendon Hills tells you whether your fireplace or stove is safe to use, with the level of inspection matched to how the chimney is used. Dial (331) 301-3221 to be connected with a nearby chimney sweep.
The parts of a chimney that fail first are rarely visible from the living room. Flue tiles crack from heat and age, mortar joints erode, water gets in at the crown and flashing, and nests or debris block the flue. Each one raises the risk of a house fire or of combustion gases leaking indoors.
Under the NFPA 211 standard, every chimney, fireplace and vent should be inspected once a year. The industry uses three levels of inspection, and the right one depends on the situation rather than on preference. A chimney used the same way year after year gets the basic level, while a sale, a fuel change, a new stove or a chimney fire calls for more.
Chimney Inspection is often paired with chimney cleaning and chimney repair, depending on the cause.
Need chimney inspection in Clarendon Hills? Call (331) 301-3221 to reach a nearby chimney sweep.
Call nowThe process
How a chimney inspection works
An inspection follows the path of the smoke, from the firebox to the top of the chimney.
Gather the history
Knowing the fuel, the appliances and any recent smoke or leak problems shapes the visit which tells the technician where to focus.
Check the firebox
Inside, the firebox, hearth extension, damper and smoke chamber are looked over for cracks, gaps, rust and creosote.
Camera inspection
A camera on a flexible rod shows the inside of the liner, joint by joint and you can watch it on a screen.
Check the exterior
From the roof or a ladder, the crown, cap, flashing and brickwork are checked along with nearby branches and roofing.
Check clearances
In the attic, basement or crawl space, the chimney is checked for clearance to wood framing and signs of heat or water damage as part of a level 2 inspection.
Written report
The technician walks through each problem, how serious it is and what fixes it and whether the chimney can be used in the meantime.
What is included
What a chimney inspection covers
Crown
The top of the chimney is checked for cracking that lets water in and the cap is checked for rust and a secure fit.
Firebox
Firebrick, refractory panels and mortar joints are checked for cracks and gaps and the damper is tested.
Flue liner
The flue is checked for damage, blockages and correct sizing for the appliance which a camera shows best.
Roof flashing
The step and counter flashing where the chimney meets the roof is checked for gaps and lifted edges for signs of water getting in.
Related service
Level 1 Chimney Inspection Clarendon Hills, IL
A level 1 inspection is the basic annual check for a chimney that is being used the same way it has been, with no changes and no known problems. It covers the parts that can be reached without removing anything, such as the firebox, damper, visible flue and the exterior.
A level 1 inspection is often part of a yearly sweep in Clarendon Hills. If the technician sees something that needs a closer look, the inspection can be stepped up to level 2.
Related service
Level 2 Chimney Inspection Clarendon Hills, IL
A level 2 inspection goes further than level 1, with video of the flue and a look at the chimney where it passes through accessible parts of the house. It is called for when the system has changed, such as a new fuel, a relining or a different appliance, and when a home is sold or transferred. After a chimney fire, a lightning strike or storm damage, a level 2 inspection is the right call too.
If you are buying a home in Clarendon Hills with a fireplace or stove, ask for a level 2 inspection before closing. The camera footage shows the liner joint by joint, and no permanent part of the building is removed.
Related service
Level 3 Chimney Inspection Clarendon Hills, IL
A level 3 inspection is the deepest level, used when a serious hazard is suspected in a part of the chimney that cannot be reached any other way. Reaching those areas can require removing drywall, paneling or part of the chimney itself. Because it involves removal and restoration, it is only recommended when there is real evidence of concealed damage.
For a home in Clarendon Hills, it typically follows a chimney fire, structural damage or a level 2 finding that needs more access.
Local help
Chimney Inspection Near Me
Around Clarendon Hills, chimneys deal with winter fires on the inside and rain, snow and sun on the outside. Older homes in Clarendon Hills and nearby towns such as Westmont, Hinsdale, Willowbrook and Oak Brook often have clay tile flues and brick that has been through many winters, and freeze-thaw cycles, wind and water slowly open cracks in the crown, mortar and flue.
For chimney inspection in Clarendon Hills, IL or nearby towns like Westmont, Hinsdale, Willowbrook and Oak Brook, call (331) 301-3221 to reach a chimney sweep who covers your street.
How the weather here affects chimneys around Clarendon Hills
Winters here are cold and long, with lake effect snow in many towns and deep cold snaps that can last for days. Heating systems and wood stoves work nearly nonstop for months, which means fast creosote buildup and a lot of stress on liners, crowns and flashing. Snow drifting against the back of a chimney melts slowly and works water under tired flashing. That is why Clarendon Hills chimney sweeps are busiest every September and October.
Why call
Why act early
Less damage
A chimney problem fixed early rarely spreads to the masonry, the liner or the house.
Local knowledge
Chimney sweeps in Clarendon Hills know the chimneys and fireplaces common in local homes.
Clear next steps
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Chimney Inspection FAQ
What is the difference between level 1, 2 and 3 inspections?
Each level builds on the one before, and level 1 is the routine yearly check. A level 2 includes a video scan and is needed after changes, sales and events like chimney fires or storms. Level 3 involves opening up concealed areas and is only used when a hidden hazard is suspected.
Is a general home inspection enough for the chimney?
A general home inspection normally covers what is visible from the roof and the firebox, without looking inside the full flue. A level 2 chimney inspection with a camera scan is the way to see the liner itself.
Can I use my fireplace before the inspection?
The answer rests on what you know about the chimney. Smoke spilling into the room, signs of a past chimney fire or a known blockage are reasons to wait. If it was inspected within the year and nothing has changed, normal use until the next inspection is reasonable.
Why do sweeps use a camera to inspect the flue?
The camera shows the inside of the flue from the smoke chamber to the top. Cracks, gaps, deposits and anything blocking the flue show up on the screen.
How often does a chimney need an inspection?
A yearly inspection is the standard set by NFPA 211. Chimneys that are rarely used still need it, since animals, water and weather can damage a chimney that sits idle.
More questions? Call (331) 301-3221
Related services
Chimney Cleaning
Brushing and vacuuming the buildup from masonry and factory-built chimneys, so the flue drafts well and burns safely.
Learn moreChimney Repair
Repairs for the masonry, crown, flashing and flue of a damaged chimney, before small damage turns into a rebuild.
Learn moreChimney Liner Repair
Restoring a damaged chimney liner so smoke and gases stay sealed inside the flue.
Learn moreChimney Leak Repair
Stopping chimney leaks at the source, instead of patching the stain on the ceiling.
Learn more
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Call (331) 301-3221 to talk to a chimney sweep serving Clarendon Hills, IL.
(331) 301-3221
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