Chimney Safety Evaluations
When something's wrong — or you simply want peace of mind — a focused safety evaluation tells you where you stand.
A safety evaluation is a focused assessment of whether your chimney and fireplace are safe to use. It's the right call after an event like a chimney fire or major storm, when a chimney has sat unused for years, or any time you have reason to worry about carbon monoxide, drafting, or structural condition.
Frank & Sons evaluates the complete system — flue, liner, masonry, crown, cap, flashing, firebox and connections — and gives you a clear verdict: safe to use, safe with specific repairs, or not safe until addressed. No fear-selling, just a straight answer.
When to request an evaluation
- After a chimney fire, even a small one.
- Following severe storms, high winds, or a lightning strike.
- When reactivating a chimney that's been unused for years.
- If you smell smoke or gas, or suspect a carbon monoxide issue.
- When you see cracking, leaning, or spalling masonry.
How we evaluate
We combine a camera scan of the flue with a hands-on examination of the masonry, crown, cap, flashing and firebox, looking specifically for conditions that make a chimney unsafe: liner cracks that let heat or gases escape, deteriorated mortar, structural movement, blockages, and combustion or venting problems.
You get an honest determination and a prioritized list of anything that must be addressed before the chimney is used again. If it's a genuine safety issue, we'll be direct about it — and if it's fine, we'll tell you that too.
Why it matters in Greater Pittsburgh
Severe storms move through Western Pennsylvania every year, and high winds and lightning can crack crowns, dislodge caps and shift masonry in ways that aren't obvious from the ground. A post-storm evaluation catches damage before the next fire finds it.
Our Process
Straightforward, honest, and built around getting it right the first time.
Call or Request Online
Reach out by phone or the form. Tell us what's happening and where — we'll gather the details that matter.
Inspection & Diagnosis
We examine the system, often with a camera, to find the real cause rather than guessing at the symptom.
Clear Recommendation
You get a plain-English explanation and honest options — repair before unnecessary replacement, always.
Quality Workmanship
We do the work with the right materials and technique, then confirm the result and leave the area clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even a fire that seems minor can crack flue tiles and compromise the liner. An evaluation confirms whether it's safe to burn again.
Not until it's checked. Unused chimneys accumulate debris, nests, and can hide deterioration or blockages. A safety evaluation is the right first step.
We'll explain it clearly, prioritize what's essential, and lay out repair options. Our aim is to make the chimney safe, not to oversell.
Related Chimney & Fireplace Services
Chimney Safety Evaluation Across Greater Pittsburgh
We provide chimney safety evaluation throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities within roughly 60 miles.
Request Chimney Safety Evaluation
Tell us what's going on and where — we'll match you with the right help. No email required; leave your number and we'll call you back.
- ✓ Honest recommendations — repair before unnecessary replacement
- ✓ Camera-backed inspections that show you what's really there
- ✓ Serving Greater Pittsburgh within roughly 60 miles
- ✓ Family-run crew from first call to finished job
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412-407-8749Request an Estimate
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