A chimney inspection checks the flue, liner, firebox, damper, crown, cap and flashing for damage, blockages and fire hazards. NFPA 211 defines three levels: Level 1 for routine yearly checks, Level 2 when buying or selling a home or after a chimney fire or storm, and Level 3 when hidden damage is suspected. Chimney Champs provides this service throughout Delaware County, PA.
Inspection for Delaware County homes
Delco is full of brick twins and older single homes from the early and mid-1900s. Many still have their original masonry chimneys, and leaks at the flashing and crown are some of the most frequent calls we get here.
You can't see inside your flue — and that is exactly where cracks, gaps and blockages hide. A professional inspection tells you whether your chimney is safe to use and catches small problems before they become expensive ones.
Signs you need inspection
- You are buying or selling a home
- You had a chimney fire, lightning strike, earthquake or severe storm
- You switched fuel type or installed a new stove or insert
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
- Cracked, spalling or crumbling brick on the outside
- It's been a year since your last inspection
Our process
- Exterior check. We look at the crown, cap, flashing, mortar joints and brick from the roof and the ground.
- Interior check. We examine the firebox, damper, smoke chamber and every accessible part of the flue.
- Camera scan (Level 2). A video camera goes up the flue to find cracks, gaps and missing mortar you can't see by eye.
- Photos and report. You receive photos and a written summary of what we found, ranked by urgency.
- Options, not pressure. If something needs repair, we explain your options and give a written estimate.
The three levels of chimney inspection
Level 1 is the yearly check for a chimney with no changes and normal use. We inspect all readily accessible parts of the chimney, the appliance and its connection.
Level 2 adds a video camera scan of the flue plus checks of accessible attics, crawl spaces and the roof. It is recommended when a home is sold, after a chimney fire or weather event, or when you change the appliance or fuel.
Level 3 is only needed when a serious hidden hazard is suspected and requires removing parts of the structure, such as a section of wall or the crown, to reach it.
Inspections for home buyers
Most general home inspectors do not scan inside the flue. A Level 2 chimney inspection before closing can reveal liner damage or masonry problems that are expensive to fix — giving you information to negotiate with.
Inspection questions
What level of chimney inspection do I need?
Level 1 for a routine yearly check, Level 2 when buying or selling a home or after a fire, storm or appliance change, and Level 3 only when hidden damage is suspected.
How long does a chimney inspection take?
A Level 1 inspection usually takes 30–45 minutes. A Level 2 with a camera scan usually takes about an hour per flue.
Does a home inspector check the chimney?
Usually only the visible exterior and firebox. A chimney professional scans the inside of the flue, where most serious damage is found.
Do you offer inspection in Delaware County, PA?
Yes. Chimney Champs is a local company and has provided chimney inspection in Delaware County and nearby Media, Springfield, Havertown, Drexel Hill for years. Call (856) 300-9215 for a free estimate.
Towns we serve for inspection
Other services in Delaware County
Chimney Sweep Chimney Repair Crown Repair Caps & Dampers Chimney Liner Waterproofing Chimney Rebuild Fireplaces & Stoves
Related guides
- Chimney Inspection Levels 1, 2 and 3 Explained
- What to Do in a Chimney Fire (and How to Prevent One)
- How to Hire a Chimney Sweep (and Avoid Chimney Scams)
- Gas Fireplace Maintenance: What Needs Checking Every Year
- Carbon Monoxide and Your Chimney: Warning Signs and Prevention
- Buying a Home With a Fireplace? Get This Inspection First
- Philadelphia Rowhome Chimneys: Shared Flues, Party Walls and Common Problems