Chimney inspection in Yorkville, IL

A clear, honest look at the condition and safety of your whole chimney — liner, masonry, cap, crown, and connections — documented with photos you can keep. We follow the inspection levels set out in NFPA 211 so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Call (630) 604-3104 See pricing

A sweep cleans the flue; an inspection tells you whether the chimney is safe to use at all. Those are different jobs, and the inspection is the one that catches the quiet, expensive problems — a hairline crack in a clay liner, a settling crown, flashing that’s letting water into the wall. We almost always include a Level 1 inspection with a sweep, but there are times a deeper look is the right call, and the NFPA 211 standard lays out exactly when.

The three inspection levels, in plain English

Level 1 — your yearly check-up

For a chimney in regular use with no changes and no known problems. We examine the readily accessible parts of the chimney and venting, inside and out, confirming the structure is sound and the flue is clear of obstruction and heavy buildup. This is what most Yorkville homeowners need each year.

Level 2 — when something has changed

Required when you buy or sell a home, after a chimney fire or a weather event, or when you change fuels or install a new appliance. It includes everything in a Level 1 plus a video scan of the full flue interior and a look at accessible areas of the attic, crawl space, and basement. If you’re closing on a house in Kendall County, this is the one you want.

Level 3 — when we need to look behind things

Reserved for serious suspected hazards that can’t be confirmed any other way, and may involve removing a section of masonry or a wall. We only recommend a Level 3 when a lower level points to a hidden problem, and we explain exactly why before any such work.

What we actually check

Flue liner for cracks, gaps, and deterioration — by camera on a Level 2
Creosote level and any blockages, nests, or debris
Masonry, mortar joints, and the crown for cracks and spalling
The cap, damper, and flashing for rust, gaps, and water entry
Clearances to combustibles and the condition of the connected appliance

You get a report, not a sales pitch

Every inspection ends with a written summary and photos: what’s in good shape, what to keep an eye on, and anything that needs attention now. If we find something, we tell you what’s safe to wait on and what isn’t — and any repair is quoted separately so the decision stays yours. Pricing for each level is on the pricing page.

FAQ

Chimney inspection questions

What’s the difference between an inspection and a sweep?

A sweep removes soot and creosote. An inspection evaluates the condition and safety of the whole system — liner, masonry, cap, crown, and connections. We usually do a Level 1 inspection as part of a sweep so you get both in one visit.

Which level do I need to buy or sell a house?

A Level 2. NFPA 211 calls for it whenever a property changes hands, and it includes a camera scan of the full flue — the kind of hidden damage a buyer or seller needs to know about before closing.

How long does an inspection take?

A Level 1 is typically 30 to 45 minutes. A Level 2 with a full video scan and access-area checks usually runs an hour or more, depending on the home.

Do you inspect after a chimney fire?

Yes, and you should have one. A chimney fire can crack the liner even if the house was never in danger. A Level 2 scan shows whether the flue is still safe to use.

Can you inspect a chimney you didn’t sweep?

Absolutely. We’ll inspect any chimney, whether or not we cleaned it. If heavy buildup blocks the view, we’ll let you know a sweep is needed first to complete the assessment.

Will you pressure me into repairs?

No. We give you the findings with photos, separate the urgent from the can-wait, and quote any work on its own. Whether and when to fix it is your call.

Do you inspect gas and prefab fireplaces?

We do. Factory-built and gas systems have their own venting and clearance requirements, and we check those against the manufacturer’s specs and the installed condition.

How often should I have one done?

Once a year for any chimney in use, per NFPA 211 — plus a Level 2 any time you buy, sell, change appliances, or have a fire or storm event.

Know your chimney is safe

Call United Chimney Sweepers for an honest, documented inspection — open seven days a week, 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Call (630) 604-3104

Bonded & insured • We work to the NFPA 211 standard