[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-the-fireplace-and-chimney-whats-in-scope-for-your-inspection\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-the-fireplace-and-chimney-whats-in-scope-for-your-inspection\/","headline":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): The Fireplace and Chimney \u2014 What\u2019s in Scope for Your Inspection","name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): The Fireplace and Chimney \u2014 What\u2019s in Scope for Your Inspection","description":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): The Fireplace and Chimney \u2014 What\u2019s in Scope for Your Inspection There\u2019s something timeless about a fireplace\u2014until it backdrafts, smokes out the living room, or sends carbon monoxide into your home. That\u2019s why I check every fireplace I can see\u2014but there\u2019s a big difference between a home inspector and a certified chimney sweep. And no, I\u2019m not starting a fire during your inspection. What I Actually Inspect in a Fireplace Firebox \u2013 I visually inspect the bricks or panels, look for cracks, gaps, and signs of deterioration or previous repairs. Damper \u2013 I test for operation (if accessible) and note rust, damage, or signs that it doesn\u2019t fully open or close. Chimney structure (exterior) \u2013 I inspect the visible portions of the chimney for damage, leaning, cracks, missing caps, or poor flashing. Gas starters or logs \u2013 I inspect visible piping and note unsafe installations or leaks. But no, I don\u2019t ignite it. What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: obvious safety issues, signs of wear, visible damage, rust, smoke staining, and exterior structural red flags. \u274c I\u2019m 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\u2019t Chimney sweeps follow the NFPA 211 standard, which defines three levels of chimney inspections: Level 1 \u2013 A basic inspection of accessible portions of the chimney and fireplace. (Pretty close to what I do visually.) Level 2 \u2013 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 \u2013 Involves opening walls or removing components to investigate serious damage or safety concerns. This is a full-on tear-apart job. I don\u2019t 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\u2019s not about passing the buck\u2014it\u2019s 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\u2019s safe and operational, I note the condition. I do not ignite gas logs or test combustion. Why can\u2019t you see all the way up the flue? Most home inspectors are limited to what\u2019s visible with a flashlight. Chimney sweeps use cameras and tools that allow for internal inspection of the full flue system. \u2192 Next up: Post 28: How We Use Thermal Imaging During Inspections \u2190 Previously: Post 26: Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home Inspection Curious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?","datePublished":"2025-07-10","dateModified":"2025-07-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/#Person","name":"Kloc Curtis","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/","identifier":6,"description":"Curtis Kloc is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in business development, inspections, and technical systems. He has built and sold multiple six- and seven-figure home inspection and environmental services companies, including HERO Inspections & Environmental and Elite Analysis. Curtis is the founder of Inspections Over Coffee, a nationally expanding franchise known for its white-glove service, inspector training systems, and streamlined operational workflows.\r\n\r\nWith deep roots in nuclear engineering from his time as a Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, Curtis brings unmatched precision and discipline to every business he runs. He is certified and licensed in home inspection, mold assessment, asbestos inspection, and environmental testing, and is a member of NACHI since 2006. Curtis now leads AI automation initiatives through Nexation.ai, helping businesses eliminate busywork and refocus on what matters most\u2014client relationships, growth, and results.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Curtis Kloc","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","width":512,"height":512}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/home-inspector-blog-24.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/home-inspector-blog-24.png","height":736,"width":1312},"url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-the-fireplace-and-chimney-whats-in-scope-for-your-inspection\/","about":["Uncategorized"],"wordCount":535,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): The Fireplace and Chimney \u2014 What\u2019s in Scope for Your InspectionThere\u2019s something timeless about a fireplace\u2014until it backdrafts, smokes out the living room, or sends carbon monoxide into your home. That\u2019s why I check every fireplace I can see\u2014but there\u2019s a big difference between a home inspector and a certified chimney sweep. And no, I\u2019m not starting a fire during your inspection.What I Actually Inspect in a Fireplace  Firebox \u2013 I visually inspect the bricks or panels, look for cracks, gaps, and signs of deterioration or previous repairs.  Damper \u2013 I test for operation (if accessible) and note rust, damage, or signs that it doesn\u2019t fully open or close.  Chimney structure (exterior) \u2013 I inspect the visible portions of the chimney for damage, leaning, cracks, missing caps, or poor flashing.  Gas starters or logs \u2013 I inspect visible piping and note unsafe installations or leaks. But no, I don\u2019t ignite it.What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not  \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: obvious safety issues, signs of wear, visible damage, rust, smoke staining, and exterior structural red flags.  \u274c I\u2019m 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\u2019tChimney sweeps follow the NFPA 211 standard, which defines three levels of chimney inspections:  Level 1 \u2013 A basic inspection of accessible portions of the chimney and fireplace. (Pretty close to what I do visually.)  Level 2 \u2013 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 \u2013 Involves opening walls or removing components to investigate serious damage or safety concerns. This is a full-on tear-apart job.I don\u2019t 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\u2019s not about passing the buck\u2014it\u2019s about keeping you safe.FAQs: Fireplaces During a Home InspectionDo 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\u2019s safe and operational, I note the condition. I do not ignite gas logs or test combustion.Why can\u2019t you see all the way up the flue?Most home inspectors are limited to what\u2019s visible with a flashlight. Chimney sweeps use cameras and tools that allow for internal inspection of the full flue system.\u2192 Next up: Post 28: How We Use Thermal Imaging During Inspections\u2190 Previously: Post 26: Kitchen & Laundry Appliance Checks During a Home InspectionCurious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): The Fireplace and Chimney \u2014 What\u2019s in Scope for Your Inspection","item":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-the-fireplace-and-chimney-whats-in-scope-for-your-inspection\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]