Chimney inspection and sweeping
A yearly inspection is the standard for any chimney in use. Here's what a sweep looks for and when to book one.
NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys, fireplaces and vents, says chimneys should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances, with cleaning and repairs done as needed. That applies to wood fireplaces and stoves, and to chimneys serving furnaces, boilers and water heaters.
When should I book?
- Every year, ideally in late summer before the heating season
- Before buying a home with a fireplace, stove or masonry chimney
- After a chimney fire, a lightning strike or storm damage
- When adding or replacing a stove, insert, furnace or boiler
- Any time you notice smoke in the room, odors, or debris in the firebox
When does a chimney need sweeping?
The CSIA recommends sweeping a masonry fireplace when soot has built up to about one-eighth of an inch, or sooner if there's glazed creosote. Factory-built fireplaces should be swept when there's any noticeable buildup. Wood stoves burning wet or unseasoned wood build creosote faster. In the Northland, where many people heat with wood through a long winter, a mid-season check can make sense.
What does an inspection cover?
- The firebox, damper, smoke chamber and flue
- The liner, often with a camera on home-sale and post-fire inspections
- The crown, cap, flashing and exterior brick
- Clearances from the chimney to wood framing where they can be seen
- The connection from a stove or furnace into the chimney
Is the sweep certified?
CSIA certification is a voluntary credential, not a state license, but it shows the sweep has trained and tested on chimney codes and standards. Ask about it, and ask for a written report and photos of anything they recommend fixing.
The chimney company prices the job after seeing the chimney, usually from the roof and inside the flue. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone before an inspection is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How often should a chimney be swept?
As often as the yearly inspection shows it's needed. The CSIA uses about one-eighth inch of soot in a masonry fireplace as the point to sweep, or sooner with glazed creosote.
Do gas furnace chimneys need inspections?
Yes. NFPA 211's annual inspection applies to chimneys and vents generally. Gas exhaust can damage clay tile, and nests or debris can block the flue.
Related services
- Chimney masonry and tuckpointing
- Chimney crowns and caps
- Chimney liners and relining
- Chimney leak repair
More background: Duluth chimney guide.
Loose brick, a leaking chimney or a stove you haven't had checked?
Call now and a local chimney company will look at it and quote the work.