Chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems should generally be inspected at least once each year. An annual chimney inspection can identify creosote buildup, blockages, liner damage, masonry deterioration, water intrusion, and other problems before the next heating season.

Depending on the inspection level, a professional chimney inspection can evaluate the firebox, damper, flue, chimney liner, masonry, chimney cap, crown, flashing, and accessible portions of the venting system. We also look for creosote, obstructions, moisture damage, deterioration, and conditions that could affect proper operation.

A Level 1 inspection is generally appropriate for a chimney that has been regularly maintained and has not experienced significant changes or known problems. It focuses on readily accessible portions of the chimney, fireplace, flue, and venting system and checks for visible damage, obstructions, and combustible deposits.

A Level 2 inspection is more detailed and includes examination of additional accessible areas along with video scanning of the interior flue. It may be appropriate when buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire, after changes to the system, or when hidden damage is suspected.

A Level 3 inspection may be necessary when a serious problem is suspected but cannot be fully evaluated through less invasive methods. It can involve accessing concealed areas or removing certain components when necessary to investigate potentially significant chimney or structural damage.

Yes. Turn of the Century Chimney uses chimney camera equipment when a detailed examination of the interior flue is appropriate. A camera can help identify cracks, gaps, damaged liner sections, deterioration, obstructions, and other conditions that may be difficult or impossible to see from the fireplace or chimney opening.

Yes. A chimney can develop problems even when the fireplace is rarely used. Moisture, Kansas weather, animals, nesting materials, debris, deteriorating masonry, and aging chimney components can affect the system regardless of how often you build a fire.

Yes. If a home has a fireplace, wood stove, or chimney-vented appliance, a specialized chimney inspection can provide valuable information before the purchase. A general home inspection may not include the detailed evaluation or interior flue camera scan that can reveal hidden chimney and liner problems.

Yes. Do not resume using a chimney after a known or suspected chimney fire until it has been professionally evaluated. Extreme temperatures can crack clay flue tiles, damage liners, deteriorate masonry, and create other problems that may not be visible from outside the chimney.

Schedule an inspection if you notice smoke entering your home, unusual fireplace odors, water leaks, cracked or deteriorating masonry, pieces of flue tile in the firebox, poor draft, excessive creosote, animal activity, or other unusual changes in how your fireplace or chimney operates.

Yes. Evaluating the chimney liner is an important part of determining the condition of a chimney system. When appropriate, a camera inspection allows our technicians to look for cracks, gaps, missing sections, deterioration, or other visible liner problems that may require further evaluation or repair.

A chimney inspection can often identify conditions associated with water intrusion, including damaged flashing, cracked chimney crowns, deteriorated mortar joints, damaged or missing chimney caps, porous masonry, and other exterior deterioration. Once the likely source is identified, we can recommend appropriate repair or waterproofing options.

An inspection and chimney sweeping are different services. During the inspection, we can evaluate visible soot and creosote accumulation and determine whether cleaning is recommended. If your chimney needs sweeping, we can explain the appropriate next steps for removing the buildup.

Turn of the Century Chimney provides professional chimney inspections in Wichita and surrounding communities including Andover, Derby, Bel Aire, Maize, Goddard, El Dorado, Park City, Valley Center, Augusta, Eureka, Winfield, and nearby areas. Our certified chimney professionals provide Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inspections as well as camera inspections and real estate chimney inspections.