Quality Chimney Inspection Services for Chicagoland: Reduce Your Fire Risk & Identify Issues Early With Leonard & Sons
What’s the best thing you can do to prevent chimney fire and carbon monoxide hazards, as well as stay ahead of expensive repairs and devastating chimney leaks? Schedule a chimney inspection with a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified sweep – every single year. Annual chimney inspection services are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the CSIA, and broken down into three different levels. The good news for homeowners in Chicagoland, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Woodstock, and more is that we can help with all of your chimney inspection and maintenance needs.
Call or book online today – we’re here for you.
What Are the Chimney Inspections Levels?
How many levels of chimney inspections are there? Three wonderful levels, each designed for different household needs. Here’s the lowdown on each:
Level 1:
Level 2:
Have you had a chimney fire or severe weather event? Are you experiencing smoke problems or water problems? Have you relined your flue or swapped appliances or fuel types in the last year? Are you buying or selling a home? All of these are reasons to opt for a level 2 chimney inspection. With a level 2, we’ll use a video scan camera to see what kind of condition your chimney is in, checking the flue and smoke chamber, and every other readily accessible area of the system. Because we insert the video scan camera into the chimney flue, we’re able to locate cracks, deterioration, rust and other signs of water damage or corrosion, chimney blockages (like birds nests), and areas of concern that would otherwise remain unseen.
Level 3:
If you’ve had a level 1 and 2 chimney inspection performed and there’s still no known reason for the problems you’re experiencing – or a level 1 or 2 inspection points to a deeper and more complex issue that can’t be resolved without some manner of demolition – a level 3 inspection may be needed. These inspections are rarely performed and are truly a last resort, but they do require the removal of chimney components or the surrounding wall.
Why Schedule a Chimney Inspection Every Year?
So, why is a chimney inspection needed each and every year? So, that you can…
- …learn about any chimney leaks and other concerns while they’re still in the early stages.
- …ensure creosote or flammable obstructions are removed from your chimney before you light the first fire of the season.
- …know if animals are nesting in your chimney and need to be removed.
In the end, you’ll likely save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress by investing in affordable inspections and maintenance on a yearly basis – rather than wait until issues become obvious and end up costing you an arm and a leg to address.
What Does a Chimney Inspector Look For?
A thorough chimney inspection covers a lot of ground. Our certified technicians are trained to identify both obvious problems and subtle warning signs that an untrained eye would easily miss. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re looking for and why each element matters:
- Cracks or deterioration in the masonry
- Spalling bricks (brick facing flakes or pops off)
- Leaning or settling
- Cracks, gaps, or missing sections in liner systems
- Excessive creosote buildup coating the liner walls
- Cracked or deteriorating firebricks and refractory panels inside the firebox
- A damper that doesn’t open, close, or seal properly
- Missing, broken, or improperly sized chimney caps
- Cracked or crumbling chimney crowns
- Signs of rust, gaps, or lifting in your flashing
- Bird nests, squirrel dens, or other animal activity inside the flue
- Debris from surrounding trees building up in the flue
What Happens if a Problem Is Found During a Chimney Inspection?
Discovering an issue during a chimney inspection is actually the best-case scenario because it means the problem was caught before it turned into a fire, a carbon monoxide leak, or a much more expensive structural failure. Finding something during an inspection is always better than finding out the hard way.
- Our technician will walk you through everything in plain language – no industry jargon, no pressure. You’ll know exactly what was found, where it is, and why it matters.
- You’ll receive a full written report of the inspection findings so you have documentation for your records, your insurance company, or a real estate transaction.
- Photos or video footage from any camera inspection will be available to show you exactly what we saw inside the flue.
- Repair recommendations will be clearly outlined, including what’s urgent and what can be monitored over time – we’ll never try to upsell you on something you don’t need.
Our goal is to give you clear, honest information so you can make the best decision for your home and your budget.
Do I Need an Inspection Even if I Never Use My Fireplace?
Yes – a chimney that sits unused is not a chimney that is problem-free. In many cases, a neglected chimney can develop serious issues precisely because it isn’t being used and maintained.
Here’s what can happen inside an unused chimney:
- Moisture and water intrusion. Without a properly functioning cap and crown, rain and snow enter the flue and accelerate deterioration of the liner, masonry, and damper. This damage can eventually spread into your home.
- Animal and pest intrusion. Chimneys make ideal nesting spots for birds, squirrels, and raccoons. Animals attract pests, invite diseases, and can make your home dangerous.
- Mortar and masonry deterioration. Freeze-thaw cycles and moisture cause cracks and crumbling that worsen every season without inspection or treatment. This can be dangerous for your home and reduces home value.
- Undetected structural shifts. Foundation settling, storm damage, and age-related wear don’t take a break just because you’re not lighting fires.
Even if you have no plans to use your fireplace, having it inspected annually ensures that if you ever do want to use it – or if you sell your home – your chimney is in good shape.
Don’t Wait – Book With Us Today
So don’t put off chimney inspections – call Leonard & Sons Building Service at 847-658-7659 to get yours scheduled today. We’re experienced, certified, and committed to providing quality, customer-friendly service to our neighbors in Chicagoland and all of its surrounding cities.
Call or request an appointment online to get your next chimney inspection or sweeping on the calendar today!
Let our professionals service and install your gas logs, so they can work safely and efficiently. Find out more about all of our chimney and fireplace services when you give us a call.