Chimney Inspection
Inspecting the chimney, flue and fireplace
Clear findings from a locally owned company, with nothing hidden in the price.
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.
Connectors and thimbles through the wall
Where an appliance connects to a masonry chimney through a wall, the connector pipe and the thimble that carries it through the masonry are part of the inspection.
Rust and loose joints on the connector come first, then how it enters the flue and the clearance to nearby combustible material. A connector that pushes too far into the flue can restrict it, and one that has pulled back can leak exhaust. Problems here are listed with the appliance they affect.
Spark screens on masonry chimneys
Where a spark arrestor is installed on a masonry chimney, the Florida Building Code sets how fine its mesh may be and requires it to be accessible and removable for cleaning.
Holes, heavy clogging and corrosion in the screen are noted, along with whether it can still be removed. A screen packed with soot or leaves restricts the flow of exhaust, while a torn one no longer stops embers or animals. Cleaning or replacement is described in the findings.
Siding and trim on a framed chase
A framed chase is part of the house wall as much as part of the chimney. Gaps in the siding, open trim joints and failed sealant around the chase can let rain into the framing around the metal chimney.
We look for soft or stained siding, swollen trim and water marks inside the chase where it can be seen. Damage to the chase framing is noted with the work it would need, and siding repairs outside our scope are named so the right trade can handle them.
