Chimney Inspections — A Real Look, Not a Guess

A chimney inspection is where honest chimney work begins. Before anyone recommends a repair, you deserve to see what's actually happening inside the flue and across the masonry. Frank & Sons uses inspection cameras to document conditions from the firebox to the cap — so recommendations are based on evidence you can see, not a sales pitch.

Inspections matter because the most serious chimney problems are hidden: cracked flue tiles, gaps in the liner, deteriorating mortar joints inside the smoke chamber, and creosote glaze that a flashlight from below will never reveal. Catching these early is the difference between a modest repair and a major rebuild.

When an inspection is worthwhile

• Annually, as part of routine chimney maintenance.
• Before buying or selling a home with a fireplace.
• After a chimney fire, lightning strike, or severe storm.
• When you notice leaks, odors, or draft problems.
• Before changing fuels or installing a new appliance.

Levels of inspection

A basic (Level 1) inspection covers the readily accessible portions of the chimney and flue — appropriate when you're keeping the same appliance and usage and nothing seems wrong. When we need to see more, a Level 2 inspection adds camera scanning of the full flue interior and is standard for real estate transactions, after an event like a chimney fire, or when a Level 1 raises questions.

Whatever the level, you get a clear explanation of what we found, backed by camera footage where relevant. If the chimney is in good shape, we'll tell you that plainly. If it isn't, you'll see exactly why — and we'll prioritize what genuinely needs attention.