Chimney Inspection in Independence, MO
A chimney inspection tells you whether your chimney is safe to use and what, if anything, needs fixing. Jake And Son Chimney Sweep inspects chimneys in Independence, MO and 20 nearby towns for yearly checks, home sales and after a problem.
We follow NFPA 211
Our inspections follow NFPA 211, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for chimneys, fireplaces and vents. We use its three inspection levels as written and tell you which one applies to your home.
The three levels of chimney inspection
NFPA 211 defines three levels of chimney inspection. Level 1 is the routine yearly check, Level 2 adds a video scan of the flue, and Level 3 involves opening up part of the chimney.
| Level | When it applies | What is examined |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Routine yearly inspection, when nothing about the system or how you use it has changed | Readily accessible parts of the chimney exterior and interior, the appliance and its connection. Checks that the structure is sound and the flue is free of blockage and combustible deposits. |
| Level 2 | Sale or transfer of the property; a new or different appliance; after a chimney fire, lightning strike, earthquake or other event likely to have caused damage | Everything in Level 1, plus accessible areas of the attic, crawl space and basement, and a video scan or similar examination of the inside surfaces and joints of the flue liner. |
| Level 3 | When a Level 1 or 2 inspection points to a hidden hazard that cannot be assessed any other way | Everything in Levels 1 and 2, plus removal of parts of the chimney or building where needed to reach the concealed area. |
These definitions come from NFPA 211, the national standard for chimneys and fireplaces, as summarized by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. NFPA 211 says chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year.
Why the yearly inspection matters
Most chimney problems are invisible from the living room. A cracked flue tile, a gap in the liner or a rusted damper gives no warning until smoke, carbon monoxide or heat ends up somewhere it should not. An inspection finds those problems while they are still small repairs.
It also settles the question of cleaning. If the inspection shows the flue is clean, you do not need a sweep that year, and we will tell you so.
Chimney inspections for home sales
A general home inspector looks at the outside of a chimney and the firebox. They do not scan the inside of the flue. NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection when a property changes hands, because the buyer has no history of how the chimney was used or maintained.
If you are buying in Independence or the surrounding towns, book the chimney inspection during your inspection period so any repair can be part of the negotiation. If you are selling, an inspection before listing avoids a surprise late in the deal.
Need an inspection before closing?
Call (816) 239-8989What you get at the end
You get a plain-language account of what was examined, what was found, and what we recommend, in order of urgency. If nothing needs doing, that is what we will tell you.
What affects the price of an inspection
A Level 1 chimney inspection starts at $119 and a Level 2 inspection starts at $279 (see pricing). Beyond that, the price depends on three things: the inspection level, the number of flues, and how easy the chimney is to reach.
- The level. A Level 2 inspection takes longer than a Level 1 because of the flue scan and the extra areas covered.
- The number of flues. Each flue is inspected separately.
- Access. Height, roof pitch, and how easy the attic or crawl space is to reach.
Call (816) 239-8989 for a price based on your chimney.
Related reading
Our chimney care guide explains how the whole system works, and chimney and fireplace problems covers smells, smoke, leaks and animals.
Related services
A chimney inspection most often leads to a cleaning, a repair, or neither.
- Chimney sweep and cleaning
- Chimney repair
- Chimney anatomy diagram, to follow along with your inspection results
Sources
- Chimney Safety Institute of America, The Three Levels of Chimney Inspections.
- National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Common questions
What is a Level 2 chimney inspection?
A Level 2 inspection covers everything in a basic Level 1 check and adds a video scan of the inside of the flue plus accessible attic, crawl space and basement areas. NFPA 211 requires it when a home is sold, when the appliance changes, or after an event likely to have damaged the chimney.
Do I need a chimney inspection to sell my house in Missouri?
NFPA 211 calls for a Level 2 inspection when a property is sold or transferred. Whether it is required in your sale depends on your contract and lender, but buyers commonly ask for one because a general home inspection does not look inside the flue.
Is a chimney inspection different from a chimney sweep?
Yes. An inspection examines the condition of the chimney; a sweep removes soot and creosote from it. The inspection comes first, because it shows whether cleaning is needed at all. We do both on the same visit when the inspection shows deposits that should come out.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
We explain what the problem is, show you where it is, and tell you how urgent it is. You decide what to do next, and you are free to get another opinion. Anything that makes the chimney unsafe to use is explained clearly, so you know not to light a fire until it is fixed.
Should I get my chimney inspected if I never use the fireplace?
Yes, if a furnace or water heater vents through the same chimney, or before you start using the fireplace again. Unused flues still collect nests and debris and still deteriorate from weather. A yearly Level 1 inspection is enough for an unused fireplace flue in sound condition.