A chimney inspection is a structured evaluation of your fireplace, flue, and venting system to confirm it is safe to use and free of hidden hazards. Grand Chimney Sweepers performs Level 1 and Level 2 inspections for homeowners across Crest Hill and the surrounding Will County communities, documenting every finding with photos so you know exactly what is happening inside your chimney.
What a chimney inspection is & why it matters
Chimneys deal with heat, combustion gases, moisture, and years of creosote buildup. Small problems — a hairline flue crack, a slipping liner, a missing cap — are easy to miss from the ground and can turn into a chimney fire or a carbon monoxide risk. A professional inspection gives you an honest picture of the system’s condition before you light the next fire.
Industry guidance recommends having your chimney inspected once a year, even if you burn only occasionally. An annual look lets us catch wear early and tells you whether a chimney sweeping is due before creosote reaches a dangerous level.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 inspections
The levels are not ours to invent. They are defined by NFPA 211, the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel–Burning Appliances, and that is the standard we inspect to. NFPA 211 is also what makes the recorded camera scan mandatory on a Level 2 rather than an optional extra.
Not every chimney needs the same depth of review. There are two levels most homeowners will encounter, and we help you choose the right one.
- Level 1 — the standard yearly check for a system in continued service with no changes. We visually examine the readily accessible portions of the chimney, firebox, and flue for soundness, buildup, and obvious obstructions.
- Level 2 — a more thorough review required when something changes or a triggering event occurs. It includes everything in a Level 1 plus a video scan of the flue interior and inspection of accessible attic, crawlspace, and roof areas.
When a Level 2 inspection is needed
A Level 2 inspection is the right call in several specific situations. We recommend it when:
- You are buying or selling a home and need the chimney documented as part of the sale.
- A chimney fire, storm, earthquake, or other event may have damaged the structure.
- You have changed the system — a new liner, a different appliance, or a switch in fuel type.
- A Level 1 inspection turned up a concern that needs a closer look inside the flue.
If our scan reveals a cracked or deteriorated flue, we will walk you through your options, which may include chimney relining or targeted chimney repair.
How our crew inspects your chimney
Every inspection follows a consistent, documented process so nothing is skipped:
- We review how the chimney is used, the fuel type, and any concerns you have noticed.
- We examine the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and readily accessible exterior masonry.
- For a Level 2, we run a specialized camera up the flue to record its full interior condition.
- We photograph every notable finding and inspect the cap, crown, and flashing where reachable.
- We review the results with you in plain language and provide clear, up-front pricing for any recommended work.
Signs you should schedule an inspection now
Certain warning signs mean you should not wait for your annual visit. Reach out if you notice:
- A strong smoky or campfire odor coming from the fireplace when it is not in use.
- White staining, crumbling mortar, or falling bits of masonry.
- Smoke pushing back into the room instead of drawing up the flue.
- Rust on the damper or firebox, or moisture near the chimney.
- You have recently bought the home and do not know the chimney’s history.
Why choose Grand Chimney Sweepers
Owner-operator Jason Lecter and our crew inspect chimneys the way we would want our own homes treated — thoroughly, honestly, and without upselling work you do not need. We serve Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville, Plainfield, Shorewood, New Lenox, Homer Glen, Mokena, and Channahon seven days a week, and every inspection comes with photo documentation you can keep. If you want to understand your full range of services, see our chimney services overview.
Why your fireplace won’t draw — and what an inspection finds
A fire that smolders, spills smoke, or leaves the room cold is almost always a draft problem, and draft is exactly what we measure during an inspection. Two causes sit at the top of that list, and both are diagnosed with tools rather than guessed at.
Improper flue sizing or height
A flue that is too large for the firebox lets exhaust cool and stall before it can rise, while a flue that is too small cannot carry the volume and pushes smoke back into the room. For a traditional open fireplace the flue opening should sit in the neighborhood of one-tenth the area of the firebox opening, and the chimney needs real vertical height to work — a stack that falls short of the standard three feet above the roof penetration and two feet above anything within ten feet rarely builds steady draft. We measure the flue against the firebox and check total height, so you learn whether the chimney itself is the limiting factor before money is spent anywhere else.
Negative air pressure in the house
Tightly sealed modern homes, range hoods, bath fans, HVAC returns, and clothes dryers can each pull a house slightly negative, and when they do the chimney becomes the easiest place for replacement air to get in. Instead of smoke rising, cold outdoor air pours down the flue and into the room. The tell-tale signs are a cold draft off the hearth, smoke that rolls back the moment an exhaust fan switches on, or a fireplace that only behaves with a window cracked. A smoke and draft test during the visit confirms it, and the cure is usually dedicated make-up air for the home rather than any work on the chimney at all.
If the inspection shows an oversized or cold flue is the culprit, resizing it with a correctly matched chimney liner restores the draw. Not sure which problem is behind your cold fireplace? We will find out before we recommend anything.
After a chimney fire: why a Level 2 inspection is not optional
If you have had a chimney fire — even a brief one that seemed to put itself out — the single most important next step is a Level 2 inspection before anyone lights another fire. Fire crews stop the blaze, but they do not assess the hidden damage a flue fire leaves behind: cracked tiles, gaps at the joints, and scorched framing you cannot see from the room. We run a camera top to bottom and tell you plainly whether the chimney is safe.
✓ Do this right now
- Keep the fireplace cold — do not test it to see if it still works.
- Write down the date and what you noticed during the fire.
- Photograph any visible soot stains or cracks for your insurer.
- Call us to schedule the Level 2 camera inspection.
✗ Never do this
- Do not assume a quiet chimney means the fire is fully out.
- Do not rely on a quick visual glance up the flue.
- Do not clean away the evidence before we document it.
- Do not burn again on the hope that nothing was damaged.
A flue fire routinely breaches the liner, and a breached liner lets the next ordinary fire reach your home’s framing. Read how the first hour unfolds on our emergency chimney service page, then call to book your inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
At least once a year, even if you use the fireplace only occasionally. Annual inspections catch buildup and wear before they become safety problems.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection?
A Level 1 is the standard visual check of accessible areas for a system in normal use. A Level 2 adds an interior video scan of the flue and review of attic, crawlspace, and roof areas, and is required after changes or certain events.
Do I need a Level 2 inspection when buying a house?
Yes. A real estate transfer is one of the situations that calls for a Level 2 inspection, since the buyer needs the chimney’s condition properly documented.
Will you use a camera inside my chimney?
For Level 2 inspections we run a specialized camera up the flue to record its full interior condition, and we share the footage and photos with you.
Should I get an inspection after a chimney fire?
Absolutely. A chimney fire can crack flue tiles and damage the structure in ways you cannot see, so a Level 2 inspection is strongly recommended before you use the fireplace again.
Do you provide photos of what you find?
Yes. We photograph every notable finding so you can see the condition of your chimney for yourself rather than taking our word for it.
Can I get an inspection and a sweeping at the same time?
Often, yes. If the inspection shows creosote or debris, we can discuss combining it with a sweeping. Ask us when you schedule.
What does an inspection cost?
Pricing depends on the level and access. We give clear, up-front pricing before any work begins — see our pricing page or call us for a quote.