A chimney inspection is only as valuable as its methodology. An inspector who looks from the top with a flashlight and pronounces the chimney “in good condition” has not done an inspection — they’ve done a visual check that cannot assess the most consequential parts of the system. A proper Level 2 inspection with a video camera into the flue is the only reliable way to assess liner condition, identify deterioration, and make an informed decision about what the chimney needs.

“A chimney camera inspection isn’t optional — it’s the only way to see what’s actually happening inside the flue. Chimney fires often start in liner deterioration that isn’t visible from the top or from the firebox. Carbon monoxide problems often start in cracks or gaps in the liner that are invisible without a camera. When I do an inspection without a camera, I’m not doing an inspection — I’m doing a guessing exercise. And I don’t guess about chimneys.”

— Bridget Oyelaran, WETT-certified chimney inspector and fireplace technician with 16 years of experience in residential chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair in the local area

Questions About the Inspection Scope

a ladder is on the roof of a house

What level of inspection will you perform?

As defined by NFPA 211 (National Fire Protection Association) and referenced by Canadian chimney standards:

Level 1: Visual inspection of accessible portions only — what can be seen from the firebox opening and from the top of the chimney. No specialized tools. Cannot assess the interior of the flue or liner condition. Appropriate only for a chimney in continuous use with no changes to the appliance, and even then is limited.

Level 2: Includes everything in Level 1, plus video camera inspection of the entire interior of the flue from top to bottom. This is the minimum standard for any meaningful assessment. Required in all of these situations:
– Any new client or chimney that hasn’t been recently inspected
– When buying or selling a home
– After any appliance change or venting modification
– After any potential damage event (chimney fire, earthquake, severe storm)
– When there are any symptoms of a problem (smoke in the house, condensation, unusual odors)

Level 3: Includes everything in Level 2, plus removal of chimney components, materials, or portions of the building structure as needed to fully inspect hidden portions of the chimney. Required when significant damage or serious hazard is suspected.

Ask specifically what level inspection will be performed. For any chimney you haven’t had inspected recently, request Level 2.

Will I see the camera footage, and will I receive a written report?

low angle photo of house

A professional chimney inspection results in a documented record — not just a verbal opinion. Ask specifically:

  • Will you show me the camera footage in real time during the inspection?
  • Will I receive a copy of the footage (on USB or as a link)?
  • Will I receive a written report summarizing findings, conditions observed, and recommendations?

What a good answer looks like: Live viewing of footage during inspection, a copy of the footage for your records, and a written report with photographs documenting specific findings.

What specifically will the inspection cover?

A comprehensive chimney inspection covers multiple components:

Exterior masonry: Condition of brick, mortar joints, chimney crown, flashing, and cap. Visible cracks, spalling, or efflorescence.

Flashing: The metal seal between the chimney and the roof. Failed flashing is a common source of water infiltration into the home.

Chimney cap: Prevents rain, animals, and debris from entering the flue. Should be present and intact.

Damper: Opens to allow draw during use, closes when not in use to prevent heat loss and animal entry. Should open and close fully.

Smoke chamber and smoke shelf: The transition zone above the firebox. Cracked or damaged smoke chambers can allow heat transfer to combustibles.

Flue liner: The interior lining of the chimney — clay tile, stainless steel, or cast-in-place. The most critical element of the inspection. Cracks, gaps, or deterioration in the liner can allow combustion gases (including carbon monoxide) to escape into the living space or wall cavity.

Firebox: The firebox itself — firebrick condition, mortar joints, hearth extension.

Ask the inspector to confirm all of these elements will be included in the inspection.

Questions About Inspector Qualifications

What certifications do you hold?

For a comprehensive chimney inspection, the inspector should hold:

WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certification: The primary Canadian credential for chimney and wood energy system inspection and installation. Verify at wettinc.Ca.

Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Certified Chimney Sweep: The primary American credential, widely held by Canadian chimney professionals. Demonstrates training in inspection, cleaning, and repair.

Ask for the specific certification number and verify independently.

Are you licensed for gas appliance inspections if the chimney serves a gas appliance?

Inspecting and servicing gas appliances and their venting connections requires a gas technician licence in many regions. If your chimney serves a gas furnace, gas fireplace, or gas water heater, ask whether the inspector holds a gas technician licence for gas work.

Questions About Interpreting Results

If you find a problem, what does that mean for using the chimney?

Ask the inspector to be specific about the urgency and safety implications of any findings. Common findings and their implications:

Minor creosote buildup (Stage 1): Cleaning recommended. Chimney remains safe for use after cleaning.

Heavy creosote buildup (Stage 2 or 3): Cleaning urgently needed. Stage 3 creosote (hardened, tar-like deposits) requires specialized removal and increases fire risk significantly.

Hairline cracks in clay tile liner: Monitor, consider relining before further use if multiple cracks are found.

Significant liner deterioration (spalling tile, missing sections): Relining required before safe use. Continued use risks carbon monoxide infiltration and chimney fire.

Structural masonry damage: Repair scope depends on extent. Minor tuckpointing is routine; significant structural cracks or lean requires engineering assessment.

Failed or absent chimney cap: Replace before use — animal intrusion risk and rain infiltration.

Ask the inspector to classify each finding by urgency — routine maintenance, repair needed before next use, or immediate safety concern.

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