Chimney sweeping and inspections in Atlanta, GA

A sweep keeps your chimney clean. An inspection tells you whether it is safe to use. We do both on the same visit, following NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys, fireplaces and vents.

What the sweep includes

Every fire you burn leaves a little creosote on the inside of your flue. It builds up as a black, flaky or tar-like coating, and it is flammable. A proper sweep removes it before it becomes a fire risk or starts to choke your draft.

We lay drop cloths from the door to the hearth, seal the fireplace opening and run a high-efficiency vacuum the whole time we work, so soot stays in the chimney and out of your living room. We brush the flue from top to bottom, clean the smoke chamber and smoke shelf, and clear the firebox and grate.

Level 1 inspection

A Level 1 inspection is the right choice if you use your fireplace regularly, nothing about the system has changed and you have no reason to suspect a problem. We check the readily accessible parts of the chimney, firebox, damper, flue and exterior, and confirm there are no obstructions or combustible deposits.

Level 2 inspection

A Level 2 inspection goes further. It includes everything in a Level 1 plus a camera inspection of the full length of the flue, and checks of accessible areas in attics, crawl spaces and basements. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 when a property is sold or transferred, after a chimney fire, storm or earthquake, or when you change the appliance, fuel type or flue.

Level 3 inspection

A Level 3 inspection is for when a serious hidden problem is suspected and a Level 2 cannot reach it. It involves removing parts of the chimney or the structure around it so the concealed areas can be checked. We explain why it is needed and what is involved before anything is opened up.

Buying or selling a home?

Home inspectors usually look at the outside of a chimney and the visible firebox. They do not run a camera down the flue. If you are buying or selling, a Level 2 inspection gives you a clear record of the condition of the chimney before closing, with photos and a written report you can share with your agent, the other party or your insurer.

What you get

Every inspection comes with photos and a written report, and you get it on the spot, before we leave. You see exactly what we saw inside your chimney, in plain English, along with what we recommend and why. If we find damage, such as cracked flue tiles, a rusted damper or a crumbling crown, we can usually tell you what it will take to fix it on the same visit, because we do the repairs too.

How often should you sweep and inspect?

NFPA 211 recommends that chimneys are inspected every year and cleaned when needed. For most Atlanta homes that burn wood through the winter, that means a sweep and inspection once a year, ideally in late summer or early fall before the first cold snap.

Before we arrive

Please do not burn a fire for at least 24 hours before your appointment so the firebox is cool, and clear a path to the fireplace. We handle the rest.