Professional Chimney Inspections & Video Scans Throughout Chicagoland

A chimney inspection evaluates visible and accessible fireplace, chimney and venting components for defects or conditions that may affect their operation or safe use. A video chimney scan, sometimes called a chimney camera inspection or video chimney inspection, uses specialized camera equipment to examine interior portions of the flue that cannot normally be seen from the fireplace opening.

The additional camera view can help identify concealed conditions such as cracked or deteriorated flue liners, creosote buildup, separated components, blockages, debris and other visible concerns.

A standard home inspection includes evaluation of visible and accessible fireplace and chimney components, but much of the interior chimney flue cannot be adequately viewed from the fireplace opening.

A video chimney inspection is an additional service that provides a closer look inside the chimney using specialized camera equipment. This can be particularly valuable when buying a home or when the history and condition of the fireplace and chimney are unknown.

A video chimney scan can reveal many visible conditions inside the chimney, including cracked or fractured flue liners, open or deteriorated joints, creosote buildup, blockages, fallen debris, deteriorated materials, misaligned components, animal nests, moisture-related deterioration and other flue obstructions. 

Because the inspection is visual, it cannot identify every concealed condition outside the flue or within inaccessible portions of the chimney. 

Yes. When the fireplace damper is accessible, Dunsing evaluates its visible condition and checks its basic operation, including whether it opens and closes as intended.

Proper damper operation is important because the damper helps control airflow through a wood-burning fireplace. Restricted airflow, including a damper that is not opened sufficiently, can contribute to conditions that encourage creosote formation. The EPA specifically identifies restricted airflow and insufficient damper opening as factors associated with creosote buildup.

Not necessarily. A Level II chimney inspection is a specific inspection category defined by NFPA 211 and includes requirements beyond simply running a camera through the flue.

Dunsing’s chimney scan uses specialized video equipment to evaluate visible interior chimney conditions as part of our inspection service. We do not describe the service as a full Level II inspection unless all requirements of that inspection level are being performed.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends having chimneys cleaned and inspected each year by a professional. Annual evaluation can help identify developing conditions such as creosote buildup, cracks, deterioration, blockages and other concerns before another burning season.

Additional inspection may also be appropriate after a chimney fire, significant damage event, appliance or fuel change, or before using a fireplace with an unknown maintenance history.

A chimney inspection and video scan can be especially valuable before purchasing a home because much of the chimney flue is hidden from ordinary view. A fireplace may appear normal from the room while cracked flue tiles, creosote buildup, deterioration or other defects exist farther inside the chimney.

Identifying significant chimney concerns before closing gives buyers an opportunity to better understand the property and obtain additional evaluation or repair information when needed.

Creosote forms when combustion byproducts in wood smoke rise into the chimney, cool and condense on interior surfaces. It is combustible, and excessive accumulation can contribute to a chimney fire.

Conditions that encourage creosote formation include burning wet or unseasoned wood, restricted airflow, a damper that is not opened sufficiently, cooler chimney temperatures and prolonged smoldering fires.

Wet wood uses much of the fire’s energy simply evaporating moisture. This creates a cooler, smokier and less efficient fire and can send more unburned combustion products into the chimney, contributing to creosote formation.

The EPA recommends burning dry, seasoned firewood with a moisture content of about 20% or less. A basic wood moisture meter can be used to check firewood before burning.

Properly seasoned pine can be burned, so the common claim that pine automatically causes chimney fires is too simplistic.

Pine and other softwoods generally burn faster than dense hardwoods, and some professional guidance recommends limiting heavy use of resinous softwoods. However, moisture content, fire temperature, airflow and chimney conditions are also major factors in creosote formation. Whatever species you use, the important principles are to burn properly seasoned firewood, maintain adequate airflow and have the chimney appropriately inspected and maintained.

Dunsing documents significant visible conditions identified during the chimney inspection and video scan and explains why those findings may matter.

Depending on the condition, we may recommend cleaning, repair or additional evaluation by a qualified chimney professional before continued fireplace use. Dunsing’s role is to identify and document the observed condition rather than sell chimney repairs, which helps keep the inspection focused on providing objective information.

Yes. Dunsing provides chimney inspections and video chimney scans throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for home buyers, homeowners and property owners.

A chimney camera inspection can be scheduled along with a home inspection to provide a closer evaluation of the fireplace, accessible chimney components and interior flue conditions that may not be visible during a standard inspection.

Dunsing chimney inspection and video scan pricing is typically around $200 for a standard residential chimney when added to a home inspection, although the final cost can vary based on the number of chimneys or flues being evaluated and whether the chimney inspection is performed as an add-on or as a standalone service.

For homes with multiple fireplaces, chimneys or flue systems, additional inspection time and equipment may be required. Contact Dunsing for current pricing based on the property and inspection scope.