Chimney inspections in Pittsburgh
Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections to the national standard, NFPA 211. We put an HD camera down the flue when it's warranted and send you a photo report you can actually read, whether you're burning this winter or closing on a house next week.
Most of your chimney is out of sight
From the living room you see a firebox. From the yard you see some brick and a cap. The flue liner, the smoke chamber, the joints between tiles and the framing around the chimney are hidden, and that's where cracks, gaps and creosote do their damage.
NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys and vents, calls for an inspection every year, for wood, gas and oil alike.
Pittsburgh adds reasons to look closely: older clay tile liners that crack with age, freeze-thaw cycles that open crowns and mortar joints, and chimneys that still vent a gas furnace or water heater, where a blockage is a carbon monoxide risk.
What we check, by level
- Firebox, damper and smoke chamber Level 1
- Crown, cap and exterior brick Level 1
- Full-flue HD camera scan Level 2
- Flashing and roof penetration Level 2
- Attic clearance to framing Level 2
- Furnace and water heater connections Level 2
- Concealed areas, only if needed Level 3
Each level includes everything in the one before it.
Inspection levels, explained plainly
The national standard (NFPA 211) defines three levels of chimney inspection. We'll tell you which one you need and why, so you never pay for one you don't.
Not sure which one you need? Tell us what's going on and we'll recommend the right level before you book.
Annual check-up
Best for: yearly maintenance, no changes to your systemA visual check of the readily accessible parts of the chimney, flue and appliance. It comes free with every sweep.
- Firebox, damper & smoke chamber
- Creosote level & blockages
- Exterior crown, cap & brick
- Clearances to combustibles
Camera inspection
Best for: buying/selling a home, after a chimney fire, storm or new applianceEverything in Level 1, plus an HD video scan of the whole flue and access to attics and crawlspaces. NFPA 211 calls for it when a property is sold or transferred.
- Full-length HD flue video
- Cracked tiles & liner gaps
- Attic & roofline check
- Realtor-ready written report
Concealed-area inspection
Best for: when a Level 2 points to a hidden hazardOnly needed when serious damage is suspected behind walls or masonry. Some components may need removal to access. We'll always explain why before recommending it.
- Access to concealed areas
- Structural assessment
- Detailed repair scope
- Rarely needed, never upsold
Each finding is photographed, labeled and ranked by urgency, then texted to you the same day.
- UrgentNeeds attention now
- MonitorKeep an eye on it
- GoodNo action needed
When each level applies
NFPA 211 ties the inspection level to what's happening with your home and your chimney. Here's how that works in plain terms. If you're unsure, tell us your situation and we'll recommend the lowest level that answers the question.
| Your situation | Level | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly check, nothing has changed, you plan to keep using it the same way | Level 1 | A visual check of the readily accessible parts confirms it's sound, clear and safe to keep using. |
| Buying or selling a home | Level 2 | NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 at property sale or transfer. A new owner has no history on the flue. |
| New furnace, water heater, insert or stove, or switching fuel (wood to gas, oil to gas) | Level 2 | A different appliance may need a different flue size or liner. Changes to the system call for a Level 2. |
| Relining the chimney | Level 2 | Relining changes the flue, so NFPA 211 calls for a full Level 2 first. |
| After a chimney fire, lightning strike, storm, earthquake or a malfunction like smoke or CO alarm | Level 2 | Events like these can crack tiles and masonry where you can't see. The camera can. |
| A Level 1 or 2 finds a hazard that can't be fully evaluated without opening something up | Level 3 | Concealed areas are accessed, which can mean removing part of the chimney or building. We explain why and get your OK first. |
What you get back
- Photos of every finding. Labelled, so you can see the crack or the gap for yourself.
- An urgency rating. Each item is marked urgent, monitor or good, so you know what can wait.
- Camera stills on Level 2. Images from the full-flue camera scan, showing anything we flag.
- Plain-language notes. Written for homeowners, buyers and realtors, without trade jargon.
- A free written estimate. For any repair we recommend, itemized, with no pressure to decide.
Don't wait for the yearly visit
- You're under contract on a house, or listing yours
- A loud roar, popping or heavy smoke from the top of the chimney
- Flaky, puffy black debris in the firebox after a fire
- Your CO alarm went off, or anyone has headaches that ease when they leave home
- You've had a new furnace or water heater installed on the chimney
- Pieces of tile or mortar falling into the firebox or cleanout
- A storm, fallen limb or lightning hit near the chimney
How a camera inspection works
Book around your date
Tell us your closing or inspection-contingency deadline when you book, and we'll work to fit it.
Outside and roof
Crown, cap, flashing and brick checked from the roof when it's safe, or by other means when it isn't.
Inside and camera
Firebox, damper and smoke chamber, then an HD video scan of each flue. Attic and basement access points too.
Report the same day
Photo report texted to you, ready to share with your agent. Repairs come with a written estimate.
What often comes next
Chimney Sweeping
A sweep includes a Level 1 inspection, and a clean flue makes a camera scan far more useful.
Chimney Liners
Cracked or missing tiles on the camera? A stainless liner is the usual fix.
Masonry & Tuckpointing
Open joints, spalling brick or a failing crown, repaired before the next winter.
Chimney inspections across Greater Pittsburgh
Including quick Level 2 scheduling for home sales in all of these communities.
Inspection questions
Working to a closing date? Call and tell us the deadline.
(412) 555-0142Isn't the chimney covered by my home inspection?
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
Do I need a Level 2 if the seller had the chimney swept?
Should the chimney be swept before a camera inspection?
My fireplace is gas. Does it still need an inspection?
What happens in a Level 3 inspection?
Will you give me a report I can send to my realtor?
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.