Chimney Inspection in Warrenton & Northern Virginia

Most home inspectors glance at a chimney from the ground and write “appears serviceable”. I have a masonry background – I’ll actually go up, look at the crown, check the flashing, inspect the flue liner, test the damper, and examine the firebox for cracks or damaged refractory mortar. If you’re buying a home with a fireplace or wood stove, this is the one system a generic inspection most often underserves.

What I Check

• Chimney crown: cracks, separation, water intrusion pathways
• Masonry: brick and stone condition, mortar joints, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage
• Flashing and counter flashing at the roof-line
• Flue liner condition (visible portions), creosote buildup, obstructions
• Damper operation and condition
• Firebox: cracks, missing refractory mortar, smoke chamber condition
• Hearth extension and clearance to combustibles

Level II Chimney Inspection

I also offer a more in-depth Level II chimney inspection. This is where I send a camera up the chimney flue to look for hidden damage in areas not accessible for visual inspection. This can be a stand alone inspection or an addition to my standard home inspection.