When to call a chimney sweep vs. wait
Annual sweep cadence is one thing. These signs say call now, do not wait.
What you'll learn
- The signs that mean stop using the fireplace until inspection
- How a CSIA Level 2 inspection works during home buying or selling
- Why post-fire and post-earthquake inspections are mandatory
- How insurance carriers use chimney inspection documentation
Step by step
- Visible cracks in the smoke shelf, fallen tile pieces in the firebox, or daylight where there should not be any — stop and call.
- Smoke spilling persistently into the room despite open damper and warm flue — call.
- Water on the smoke shelf or stains on the wall near the chimney — call.
- Buying or selling a home with a fireplace — schedule a CSIA Level 2 inspection.
- After any chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake — Level 2 inspection required.
Safety note
When in doubt, do not light another fire. The cost of an inspection is a fraction of the cost of a chimney fire — and inspection fees are credited toward any cleaning or repair work that follows.
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