What to Expect During a Chimney Inspection

If you've never had a professional chimney inspection before, it can feel a little mysterious. What exactly are technicians looking for? Will they need to go on the roof? Do they always clean the chimney too?

Here's a clear, step‑by‑step look at what happens during a typical inspection for DFW homeowners.

Why chimney inspections matter

Fireplace and chimney systems handle very high temperatures and hot gases, often in close contact with wood framing and other combustibles. Over time, you can get:

• Creosote buildup
• Cracks or gaps in the flue
• Loose or damaged bricks and mortar
• Water leaks around the chimney

Industry standards like NFPA 211 recommend having chimneys and vented heating systems inspected at least once a year to check for damage, deposits, and proper clearances.

An inspection is about safety and early detection—finding problems before they cause smoke, damage, or fire.

The three basic levels of chimney inspection

Professionals often talk about three "levels" of inspection, based on NFPA 211 and guidance from organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Most routine homeowner visits in the DFW area are Level 1 inspections unless there's a special reason to go deeper.

Step-by-step: a typical chimney inspection visit

Here's what you can expect when a technician comes to inspect your chimney.

1. Arrival and preparation

• Technician arrives, introduces themselves, and goes over what will be inspected.
• Floors and furnishings near the fireplace are protected with drop cloths.
• The technician may ask questions about how often you use the fireplace, what fuel you burn, and any problems you've noticed.

2. Interior inspection

From inside the home, they will typically:

• Examine the firebox (where the fire burns) for cracks, gaps, and damage
• Check the damper for smooth operation and proper fit
• Shine a light up the flue to look for soot, creosote, and visible damage
• Look at surrounding walls and ceilings for stains or smoke traces

For some systems, a camera may be used to get a closer look inside the flue.

3. Exterior inspection

From outside, the technician may:

• Inspect the chimney crown, cap, and flashing
• Check for missing bricks, cracked mortar, or leaning
• Look at how the chimney meets the roof and other structures

On many homes, this means going onto the roof if it can be done safely.

4. Checking for creosote and blockages

The inspection looks for:

• Creosote buildup (which can be powdery, flaky, or glazed)
• Soot and debris
• Signs of animal nests or other blockages
• Past damage from overheating or chimney fires

If buildup or blockages are found, the technician will explain whether a chimney sweep is needed.

5. Review and recommendations

At the end of the inspection, you should receive:

• A clear explanation of what was found, in plain language
• Photos of any damage or concerning areas, when possible
• Recommendations for:
• Cleaning (chimney sweeping)
• Repairs, if needed
• Next inspection timeframe

You can ask questions at any point—this is your chance to understand how your chimney is doing.

How to prepare for your inspection

To make the visit smoother:

• Don't burn a fire for at least 24 hours before the appointment
• Remove ashes from recent fires if you can do so safely
• Clear fragile items from the mantel and hearth area
• Make sure the technician can access the fireplace, attic entry, and outdoor chimney

What happens after the inspection

Based on what is found, you may:

• Schedule a chimney sweep to remove creosote and soot
• Plan repairs for cracks, water leaks, or damaged caps
• Set a reminder for your next yearly inspection

Many homeowners like to combine inspection and cleaning in a single visit when they know service is due.

Ready to schedule a chimney inspection in DFW?

If it's been over a year since your chimney was checked—or you've never had a professional inspection—now is the perfect time to schedule one before your next burn season.