Fireplace Safety Inspections
The firebox, damper and connections that make a fireplace safe to use — checked by people who know what failure looks like.
A fireplace inspection focuses on the appliance itself: the firebox, damper, hearth, surround and — for gas units — the burner, logs, pilot and connections. It's where we confirm the parts you interact with every burn are sound, and where small problems like cracked firebrick or a stuck damper get flagged before they become safety issues.
Frank & Sons inspects masonry fireplaces, prefabricated fireplaces, inserts and gas units. Fireplace and chimney inspections complement each other — one covers the appliance, the other the flue above it — and together they give a full picture of your system's safety.
Reasons to have your fireplace inspected
- Cracked or crumbling firebrick or mortar joints in the firebox.
- A damper that sticks, won't seal, or won't stay open.
- Gas units with weak, uneven, or sooty flames.
- Smoke or heat staining on the surround.
- Before first use each season, or after buying a home.
What we check
For wood-burning units, we examine the firebox brick and mortar, the damper operation and seal, the hearth and surround, and the connection into the flue. Cracks in firebox mortar are more than cosmetic — they can expose combustible framing behind the masonry to heat.
For gas fireplaces we check the burner, log placement, pilot and ignition, venting and connections, and look for soot or corrosion that signals a combustion problem. In every case you get a straightforward report on what's safe, what to watch, and what needs action.
Why it matters in Greater Pittsburgh
Many Pittsburgh homes have converted between wood and gas over the decades, and those conversions aren't always done correctly. A fireplace inspection often catches mismatched or improperly vented setups that previous owners left behind.
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. Gas units burn cleaner but still need checks of the burner, venting, connections and firebox. Problems like corrosion or venting faults aren't visible during normal use.
A fireplace inspection focuses on the appliance — firebox, damper, connections. A chimney inspection focuses on the flue. Together they cover the whole system.
Once a year is the standard recommendation, ideally before the heating season, and any time you notice a problem.
Related Chimney & Fireplace Services
Fireplace Inspection Across Greater Pittsburgh
We provide fireplace inspection throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities within roughly 60 miles.
Request Fireplace Inspection
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
Prefer to talk right now?
412-407-8749Request an Estimate
Tell us what's going on and where — we'll get back to you. Fields marked * are required.