Chimney Inspection
Inspecting the chimney, flue and fireplace
Local specialists, upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every inspection visit in Lake Mary.
The crown at the top of the masonry
The crown is the concrete or stone slab that closes the top of a brick chimney around the flue. Under the Florida Building Code it must slope to shed water and have a drip edge. From the roof, we look for cracks, low spots where water sits and edges that no longer throw rain clear of the brick.
We also check the joint where the crown meets the flue tile. A crown cast tight against the tile can crack as the two materials move at different rates. Any damage is described with its likely effect on water entry and with the repair that would answer it, from sealing hairline cracks to rebuilding.
The cleanout door at the base
A cleanout opening near the base of each flue is a Florida Building Code requirement for masonry chimneys. A door that is rusted open or missing can let air, water or animals into the chimney.
We check that the door opens, closes and seals, and we note deposits or debris collected behind it. Debris at the base can also show what has been falling down the flue. A damaged door is a small repair when it is caught early, and it is priced on its own line if you want it done.
Findings explained at the house
Our team walks you through the findings before we leave, pointing to the parts involved wherever you can see them safely. You can ask questions while the fireplace is right in front of you.
Technical terms are explained in plain words. If a finding depends on the building code or a maker's instructions, we tell you which one, so you know the reason behind the recommendation. The written estimate that follows uses the same names for each part, which makes it easy to match the price to what you were shown.
Before a new appliance uses the chimney
A new appliance, a fuel change or an insert changes the demands on the flue. The lining must suit the appliance and be sized for it under the maker's instructions and the code.
We inspect the existing flue with the planned appliance in mind and tell you whether it can serve as it is, needs repair or needs a new liner. Bring the model name or the brochure if you have one. That answer before the purchase can save a return trip after it, and it keeps the venting cost from arriving as a surprise.
