Our Services

How we inspect a chimney from top to bottom

Here is what our chimney professionals look at during a free inspection in Fern Park.

The damper and the throat

We open and close the damper, check how the plate seats and look for rust, warping or a broken handle. A damper that no longer seals lets conditioned air escape and lets rain or insects in while the fireplace is idle.

Rust on the plate is also a clue, since it often means water is reaching the throat from above. If a throat damper cannot be repaired, a top-sealing damper at the chimney top is one alternative. We explain which option fits the flue and the way you use the fireplace, and each option is priced separately so you can compare them.

Mantels and trim near the heat

Wood mantels, trim and decorative panels must stay a set distance from a masonry fireplace opening, and the allowed distance depends on how far the material projects. A remodel can move these parts closer than the original builder placed them.

The mantel, the surround and any shelving near the opening are checked against the clearances that apply, and we explain where each stands. For a factory-built unit, the maker's installation instructions govern these distances instead. If something sits too close, we explain the options, from moving the trim to changing the material.

Signs of water inside the system

Rust on the damper, stains in the smoke chamber, crumbling mortar in the firebox and a musty smell all point to water entering from above. White mineral deposits on brick show where moisture has moved through the masonry.

We follow these signs back toward the likely entry points and tell you which ones show evidence. Each finding says what we observed and where, so a repair can be aimed at the cause rather than the stain. When the source cannot be settled on a dry day, we explain what a controlled water test would add.

What an inspection cannot see

An honest inspection names its limits. Walls, ceilings and enclosed chases hide parts of the chimney, and heavy deposits can cover the lining.

We tell you which areas could not be evaluated and why, rather than treating unseen material as sound. If a limit affects an important decision, such as a purchase or a new appliance, we explain the next step that would answer it and what that step would involve. You can then decide whether the question is worth the extra work.