Chimney Inspection Services in Philadelphia, PA

NFPA 211 defines three chimney inspection levels. The appropriate level depends on the system's history, changes, and suspected hazards.

Level 1 examines readily accessible chimney, appliance, and venting components. It is generally appropriate for continued use of an unchanged system when no problems are suspected.

Level 2 includes Level 1 requirements, additional accessible areas such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces where relevant, and video scanning or another appropriate examination of the interior flue. It applies in situations such as property transfers, certain appliance or venting changes, and events likely to have damaged the chimney.

Level 3 investigates suspected concealed hazards that cannot be evaluated through the first two levels. It may require opening or removing specific chimney or building components. Chimney Troops can explain the inspection appropriate for your property.

At Chimney Troops, our chimney inspection is designed to evaluate the condition, safety, and functionality of your chimney and fireplace system. Our inspection checklist covers the following areas, as applicable to your system and accessible during the appointment.

Chimney Exterior: Chimney height, chimney cap, spark arrestor, crown, chimney wash, brickwork, mortar joints, flashing, flue liner, and signs of moisture damage.

Fireplace: Smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, lintel, firebox, firebrick, ash container, spark screen, fireplace doors, hearth protection, and overall condition.

Wood Stove or Fireplace Insert: Stovepipe condition, flue connections evaluated against applicable requirements, and installation clearances.

Chimney Flue: Camera examination of accessible interior flue surfaces to identify cracks, deterioration, damaged flue tiles, gaps, obstructions, and creosote accumulation.

Additional Safety Components: Review of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, gas or oil furnace flue connections, and fire escape plans, where applicable. Confirm with us which checks are included for your property and whether separate testing is needed.

Detailed Inspection Report: Our technicians document their findings using a comprehensive inspection checklist, identify observed safety concerns, and provide recommendations for necessary maintenance or repairs.

A complete Level 2 inspection also includes the applicable accessible areas and other requirements of NFPA 211; camera scanning alone does not constitute a complete Level 2 inspection. Contact Chimney Troops to confirm the current $69.99 offer, included systems, access requirements, and any additional charges before scheduling in Philadelphia or South Jersey.

A Level 2 chimney inspection is called for under NFPA 211 during a property sale or transfer. It helps buyers and sellers understand chimney conditions that a general home inspection may not examine in detail.

Interior flue examination can reveal cracked tiles, missing joints, obstructions, and other damage. Inspection of applicable accessible areas helps assess additional system concerns. Chimney Troops provides chimney inspections in Philadelphia and South Jersey; schedule early enough to review findings and repair recommendations before closing.

Chimney Troops documents inspection findings using a detailed checklist and provides recommendations for identified maintenance or repair needs. Photographs may be taken to show damaged masonry, flue defects, or other observed concerns.

Before scheduling, confirm the documentation included with your inspection, including whether you will receive photographs or camera images. If a buyer, lender, or insurer needs a specific report format, tell us in advance so we can confirm whether the requested documentation is available.

A chimney camera can show interior flue surfaces that are difficult or impossible to view from the fireplace opening. It can help identify cracked clay tiles, gaps between tiles, liner deterioration, obstructions, and creosote deposits.

Camera visibility depends on access, flue shape, and buildup. A camera does not see through masonry or reveal every concealed defect. Chimney Troops uses camera findings alongside the rest of the inspection to explain observed conditions and whether additional investigation is needed.

Yes. Chimney Troops provides chimney inspections and documentation of observed conditions for homeowners in Philadelphia and South Jersey. We can explain findings and recommend repairs when needed.

Ask your insurer which inspection level, photographs, forms, or report format it requires, and share those requirements before scheduling. An inspection documents conditions; it does not guarantee that your insurer will accept a report, approve coverage, or pay a claim.

A Level 2 inspection is called for after a chimney fire or another event likely to have damaged the system. Do not use the fireplace or connected appliance until it has been professionally evaluated and any necessary repairs are completed.

Fire can damage flue tiles, joints, metal liners, and surrounding construction. Some defects are concealed or difficult to see from the fireplace. Further investigation, potentially including a Level 3 inspection, may be needed if accessible inspection cannot resolve a suspected hazard. Chimney Troops can evaluate your chimney and explain the next steps.