"Chimney inspection" sounds like one service, but the CSIA actually defines three distinct levels — each covering more ground than the last. Knowing the difference helps you ask for exactly what you need, whether that's a routine annual check or something more thorough.
Level 1 Inspection: The Annual Checkup
A Level 1 inspection covers the readily accessible parts of your chimney: the interior flue, the firebox, and the visible exterior. It's what the CSIA recommends every homeowner get once a year if the chimney has been used normally and nothing has changed about the system.
Level 2 Inspection: For Sales, Changes & After a Chimney Fire
A Level 2 inspection goes further, including accessible areas of the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, plus a video scan of the flue interior. It's required when you're buying or selling a home with a fireplace, after a chimney fire, or any time you change the fuel type, appliance, or venting configuration.
Level 3 Inspection: When Something's Hidden
A Level 3 inspection is the most invasive tier, involving removal of select components — like a section of wall or chimney chase — to access areas that can't otherwise be seen. It's reserved for situations where a Level 1 or 2 inspection turns up signs of a serious hidden hazard, like suspected damage behind a wall.
Video Camera Inspection: Seeing What You Can't
Our video camera inspection is often part of a Level 2 or 3 visit, but it's also available on its own. A high-resolution camera scan shows the exact condition of your flue — cracks, gaps, and creosote buildup — and we can show you the footage directly, not just describe it.
- Level 1: your standard annual inspection
- Level 2: home sales, chimney fires, or system changes
- Level 3: invasive inspection for suspected hidden damage
Pro TipIf you're buying a home in Cincinnati with a wood-burning fireplace, always request a Level 2 inspection as part of your due diligence — it's the standard the CSIA recommends for real estate transactions.
Which Level Does Your Home Need?
Most homeowners only ever need a Level 1 inspection, and we include a free visual check with every sweeping appointment. If your situation involves a home sale, a recent chimney fire, or a system change, mention it when you call and we'll recommend the right level for your specific case.