Chimneys are out of sight and out of mind, until there’s a problem. But waiting until your fireplace starts smoking up the living room or water starts dripping into your hearth is a recipe for expensive repairs, potential house fires, or carbon monoxide exposure. That’s where chimney inspections come in.
Whether you use your fireplace every day in winter or only once in a blue moon, regular chimney inspections are essential for keeping your home safe, efficient, and up to code. Here’s why they matter and how we can help.
Our Chimney Inspection Services
Chimneys have a tough job. They handle extreme heat, smoke, creosote buildup, weather damage, and even nesting animals. Over time, all of this can damage the internal and external components of your chimney, like the flue liner, brickwork, and flashing.
Here are just a few reasons to get your chimney inspected regularly:
Fire prevention
The biggest danger is creosote buildup. Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. Even a thin layer can catch fire, causing a chimney fire that could spread to the rest of the home.
Carbon monoxide protection
Blocked or damaged flues can allow harmful gases to seep into your home. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you might not notice it until it’s too late.
Structural integrity
Cracked masonry, loose bricks, or a damaged crown can lead to water infiltration, mold, and serious long-term structural issues.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends getting a chimney inspection at least once a year, even if you don’t use it often.
The 3 Levels of Chimney Inspections
Not all chimney inspections are the same. The NFPA defines three levels, depending on your situation and what kind of issue might be suspected. Here are the three levels of chimney inspections we provide.
Level 1: Basic Annual Inspection
This includes a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the chimney—inside and out. The technician checks for obvious signs of wear, creosote buildup, blockages, and overall structural soundness.
Level one inspections are generally used for homeowners who use their fireplaces regularly and there has been no change in the system, like adding a new appliance, a chimney liner, etc.
Level 2: Real Estate or Post-Event Inspection
This level includes everything in the level one inspection, but adds a more in-depth look at the chimney’s internal portions using special tools like video cameras. It also includes attic, crawlspace, and basement inspection if the chimney runs through them.
We do level two inspections for people wanting to buy or sell a home, if there’s been a fire or severe weather event, or you’ve changed something, like adding a fireplace insert, changing fuel types, or relining the chimney.
Level 3: When Serious Problems are Suspected
This inspection is a thorough investigation that may require removing parts of the structure—walls, bricks, chimney crown, etc.—to access hard-to-reach areas and determine the full extent of damage.
You would need this inspection if there’s evidence of a major hazard that can’t be evaluated through level one or two methods or if a previous inspection revealed serious concerns like a chimney fire, major deterioration, or structural failure.
When you get an inspection from us, we provide a detailed report about our findings, and we can recommend the best course of action if there are any major problems.
Schedule Your Inspection Today
Motown Fire is the go-to chimney and fireplace expert in Chesterfield, MI, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, St. Clair Shores, MI, and the surrounding areas. We’re committed to providing high-quality work and outstanding customer service. Call us at 586-260-6121.