Chimney inspections that keep closings on track
A Level 2 camera inspection with a clear, photo-backed report that buyers, sellers and both agents can read. Booked around your contingency deadline, not ours.
Most home inspections stop at the damper
NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys and venting, calls for a Level 2 inspection when a property is sold or transferred.
The reason is simple. A general home inspection covers what can be seen: the brick, the crown from the ground or roof, the firebox and damper. The inside of the flue is generally outside its scope. That's where cracked clay tiles, gaps between liner sections and heat damage from past chimney fires hide, and none of them show from the living room.
A Level 2 puts a camera through the full length of every flue and checks the chimney where it passes through attics and crawlspaces. The buyer learns what they're buying, and nobody finds out in the first cold snap after closing.
Level 2 guide for home buyers| What gets checked | Typical home inspection | Our Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior brick, crown & cap | Visible areas | Yes, close up |
| Firebox & damper | Usually | Yes |
| Full-length flue interior | Generally not | Yes, by camera |
| Attic & crawlspace sections | Varies | Yes, where accessible |
| Clearance to combustibles | Varies | Yes |
| Chimney-specific photo report | No | Yes |
A report both sides can actually read
No jargon-only checklists. Each finding has a photo, a plain-English description, where it is, and how urgent it is.
- Property and system details: address, date, number of flues and what each one serves.
- Flue camera stills showing the condition of the liner from top to bottom.
- Every finding, ranked: urgent (don't use until fixed), monitor (plan for it), or good.
- Exterior and roofline photos: crown, cap, brick, mortar and flashing.
- A free written estimate for anything that needs repair, itemized so it can be used in negotiations.
The report goes to the person who books the inspection. They decide who else receives it, whether that's their agent, the other side or their insurer.
Urgent, monitor or good
Every item in the report gets one of three ratings, so anyone reading it can see what matters at a glance.
- Urgent
- Don't use the fireplace or appliance until it's fixed. For example, a cracked flue tile.
- Monitor
- Not a hazard yet, but plan for it. For example, hairline cracks in the crown.
- Good
- Checked and working as it should. For example, flashing sealed and intact.
Built around your closing date
Inspection contingency windows are short. The sooner we know your deadline, the easier it is to fit you in, including Saturdays.
Book the inspection
Use the form below with "Chimney Inspections" selected, or call. Put your contingency or closing date in the notes.
We confirm by text
We reply within one business hour with a 2-hour arrival window. Tell us who will let us in: buyer, seller, agent or lockbox.
Camera inspection
We inspect every flue, the exterior, roofline and accessible attic areas. Agents are welcome to be there for the walk-through.
Report & estimate
The photo report is texted the same day. If repairs are needed, the free written estimate comes with it.
Annual inspections for rentals and multi-unit buildings
NFPA 211 calls for an annual chimney inspection, whether the person lighting the fire owns the place or rents it. We make that easy to keep up with.
- Several units, one visit. We'll schedule a building or a group of nearby properties together where we can.
- A report for each unit, so your records match your addresses.
- Tenant-friendly windows. 2-hour arrival windows make it easier to give tenants notice.
- Furnace and water-heater flues checked too, since a blocked flue is a carbon monoxide risk.
- Caps, dryer vents and animal removal handled by the same company, so you don't need three vendors.
For home inspectors
When you see signs of chimney trouble, or the flue is outside your scope, refer your client to us for a Level 2. We look at the chimney only, and we'll keep you and the client in the loop if they want us to.
Call (412) 555-0142Need paperwork for your files?
We're licensed and insured. Property managers and HOAs can request proof of insurance before we start. Email info@pittsburghchimneysweeps.com.
Questions agents ask us
More on inspections in our full FAQ or on the inspections page.
Who usually orders the Level 2 inspection?
How quickly can you get out?
Does someone need to be at the property?
What if the inspection finds a problem?
Do you inspect gas fireplaces and furnace flues too?
Is a Level 2 needed if the house has no working fireplace?
Pick a time. We'll handle the rest.
Send the form and we'll text you within one business hour to confirm your service, your price and a 2-hour arrival window.
- Price in writing first. Nothing starts until you've seen it and said yes.
- 2-hour arrival window, with an on-the-way text and your technician's name.
- No mess. Drop cloths, shoe covers and a HEPA vacuum.
- Photo report texted to you the same day.
- Licensed & insured. Saturday appointments available.
You're on the list
Thanks! We'll text you within one business hour to lock in your arrival window. Need us sooner? Call (412) 555-0142.