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What our chimney inspection covers in Slavia

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

When a closer examination is called for

NFPA 211 asks for a more thorough examination at certain moments. These include the sale or transfer of a property, a change to the appliance connected to the chimney, plans to reline the flue and damage from a storm or another event.

In those situations the accessible parts of the chimney deserve more attention than a routine look through the opening. We tell you in advance what the visit will reach, including attic or crawl space areas that can be entered without removing permanent parts. If a concealed section matters to the decision in front of you, we explain what it would take to see it.

Firebox walls and floor

A masonry firebox is lined with firebrick, and a factory-built fireplace uses refractory panels. We look for cracked brick, missing mortar, loose panels and gaps where the firebox meets the hearth.

Small cracks can often be repaired, while a panel that has broken through or a wall that has lost its mortar may need replacement. For a factory-built unit, the maker's instructions decide what counts as acceptable wear on a panel. We explain which condition you have and whether the fireplace should be used before the repair is done.

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.

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.