What We Look For (And What We Don’t): The Fireplace and Chimney — What’s in Scope for Your Inspection
There’s something timeless about a fireplace—until it backdrafts, smokes out the living room, or sends carbon monoxide into your home. That’s why I check every fireplace I can see—but there’s a big difference between a home inspector and a certified chimney sweep. And no, I’m not starting a fire during your inspection.
What I Actually Inspect in a Fireplace
- Firebox – I visually inspect the bricks or panels, look for cracks, gaps, and signs of deterioration or previous repairs.
- Damper – I test for operation (if accessible) and note rust, damage, or signs that it doesn’t fully open or close.
- Chimney structure (exterior) – I inspect the visible portions of the chimney for damage, leaning, cracks, missing caps, or poor flashing.
- Gas starters or logs – I inspect visible piping and note unsafe installations or leaks. But no, I don’t ignite it.
What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not
- ✅ I’m looking for: obvious safety issues, signs of wear, visible damage, rust, smoke staining, and exterior structural red flags.
- ❌ I’m not starting a fire, removing ash, running a chimney camera, or verifying clearance-to-combustibles. Those are outside the SOP.
What a Chimney Sweep Looks For That I Don’t
Chimney sweeps follow the NFPA 211 standard, which defines three levels of chimney inspections:
- Level 1 – A basic inspection of accessible portions of the chimney and fireplace. (Pretty close to what I do visually.)
- Level 2 – Includes a camera inspection inside the flue and is required after a home sale, major weather event, or if changes are made to the system.
- Level 3 – Involves opening walls or removing components to investigate serious damage or safety concerns. This is a full-on tear-apart job.
I don’t do Level 2 or Level 3 inspections. If I see damage, creosote buildup, or anything that makes me pause, I recommend a certified chimney sweep for a deeper look. It’s not about passing the buck—it’s about keeping you safe.
FAQs: Fireplaces During a Home Inspection
Do you start a fire in the fireplace to test it?
No. Lighting a fire during a home inspection is unsafe and beyond the scope of a visual inspection. I check what I can see, including the firebox, flue opening, and damper.
What happens if the chimney is dirty or damaged?
If I see heavy creosote buildup, cracked bricks, rusted components, or missing caps, I recommend a certified chimney sweep perform a Level 2 inspection.
What if the fireplace is a gas insert?
I visually inspect the gas starter or log set. If it’s safe and operational, I note the condition. I do not ignite gas logs or test combustion.
Why can’t you see all the way up the flue?
Most home inspectors are limited to what’s visible with a flashlight. Chimney sweeps use cameras and tools that allow for internal inspection of the full flue system.
→ Next up: Post 28: How We Use Thermal Imaging During Inspections
← Previously: Post 26: Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home Inspection
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