A chimney safety inspection is a professional evaluation of your chimney, fireplace, flue, and venting system to identify visible damage, buildup, blockages, deterioration, or other conditions that could affect safe operation.

Chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems should generally be inspected at least once a year. Regular inspections can identify developing problems before fireplace season and before minor damage becomes more expensive to repair.

A chimney safety inspection can include evaluating accessible portions of the firebox, damper, flue, chimney liner, masonry, chimney crown, cap, flashing, and other components. The exact inspection depends on the chimney system and the level of evaluation needed.

Yes. Even an infrequently used chimney can develop problems from moisture, weather, animals, debris, deteriorating masonry, or aging components. An inspection helps determine whether the system is ready to use safely.

If your chimney has not been inspected within the past year, having it evaluated before fireplace season is a smart precaution. An inspection can identify creosote, blockages, damaged components, or other concerns before you begin regularly using the fireplace.

Warning signs can include smoke entering your home, strong odors, cracked masonry, pieces of flue tile in the fireplace, water intrusion, excessive creosote, damaged chimney components, unusual draft problems, or evidence of a previous chimney fire. If you suspect a problem, stop using the system until it can be inspected.

Yes. When a closer examination of the flue is needed, a chimney camera inspection can help identify cracks, gaps, deterioration, obstructions, damaged liner sections, and other conditions that may not be visible during a basic visual examination.

Yes. A chimney should be professionally inspected after a known or suspected chimney fire before the fireplace is used again. High temperatures can damage the flue liner and other chimney components even when there is little visible damage from outside.

A chimney inspection can be especially valuable when buying a home with a fireplace, wood stove, or chimney. A general home inspection may not provide the same detailed evaluation of the chimney and flue system that a chimney professional can provide.

Yes. An inspection may reveal cracked crowns, deteriorating mortar, damaged flashing, missing chimney caps, spalling brick, staining, or other signs of moisture intrusion. Identifying these problems early can help prevent more extensive chimney and home damage.

Yes. During an inspection, the technician can evaluate visible soot and creosote accumulation and determine whether chimney sweeping is recommended before continued use.

If Turn of the Century Chimney identifies a concern, we will explain what was found and discuss the appropriate next steps. Depending on the condition, recommendations could include chimney cleaning, masonry repair, chimney cap or crown work, waterproofing, flue repair, or chimney relining.

Inspection time varies depending on the chimney, fireplace, accessibility, condition, and whether additional evaluation such as a camera inspection is needed. Our priority is performing a thorough evaluation rather than rushing through the inspection.

Turn of the Century Chimney provides professional chimney and fireplace safety inspections for homeowners throughout Wichita and surrounding Kansas communities, including Derby, Andover, Maize, Goddard, Valley Center, Park City, Bel Aire, Augusta, El Dorado, and Newton. Our CSIA-certified team can inspect your system and help you understand its condition and any recommended maintenance or repairs.